Research on high risk sexual behaviours among Indian youth have largely been cross sectional in nature answering the question-how many engage in risky sexual behaviour. However, risk is not static. Those at risk at a certain time point can move into a ‘not at risk’ category and vice versa. This research brief describes the patterns and trajectories of risk behaviours among never married youth based on the analysis of data from 1240 young adults enrolled in the Youth in Transition study.

The Youth in Transition study adopted the life course approach to understand the dynamic process of decision-making of young people. Adopting an innovative approach of collecting information using a relationship history calendar and narrative interview technique, the data collected from 1240 young adults provide important insights about the sexual health needs of this population. Based on the analysis several policy and program implications are described in the report.