Young Indians are increasingly turning to stocks as their primary investment choice, as revealed by the Investor Behaviour Index (IBI 2025), a survey conducted by StockGro in collaboration with 1Lattice. The survey, which sampled 50,000 respondents, shows that a growing number of young Indians are opting for stock market investments as part of their long-term wealth creation strategy. Among those surveyed, a notable 45% of individuals under 35 consider stocks their primary investment avenue, reflecting a significant shift in investment behavior across the country.

This trend is being driven by several key factors:

• Rising financial awareness among young Indians, enabling them to make informed investment decisions.
• Improved access to investment tools and platforms that facilitate seamless stock market participation.
• A growing preference for long-term wealth creation rather than short-term gains.

While the trend is encouraging, the survey also highlighted certain challenges and barriers to wider stock market participation, particularly among non-investors. A notable 42% of non-investors cited a lack of financial knowledge as their main reason for avoiding stocks. This emphasizes the importance of financial education in empowering individuals to make sound investment decisions.

Demand for Structured Financial Education

The survey reveals a strong demand for structured financial education, particularly for aspiring investors. Of those not currently investing, 44% expressed interest in seeking step-by-step guidance on stock market participation. 38% of respondents indicated a preference for short online video courses, which demonstrates the increasing interest in quick, digestible financial learning formats. The availability of digital tools is making stock market participation more accessible, with 68% of respondents favoring digital platforms for investment and financial education.

The growing role of AI-powered insights and real-time data is helping lower entry barriers, allowing first-time investors to practice virtually. The survey found that 49.6% of first-time investors chose to practice with virtual money before making real investments. This highlights how technology is not only improving access but also making investors more confident and prepared for the risks of the market.

Gender Gap and Regional Shifts in Investment Behavior

One area of concern identified in the survey is the gender gap in stock market participation. While 81% of respondents have invested in the stock market, only 10.1% of these investors are women. This gap reflects broader societal challenges, including limited financial literacy and social norms that may deter women from investing. However, the survey notes that 34% of women investors plan to increase their equity exposure in the coming year, indicating a shift in attitudes.

The survey also noted a growing trend of financial inclusion beyond metro cities. Approximately 40% of respondents hailed from tier-II and tier-III cities, showcasing the expanding reach of investment opportunities outside traditional financial hubs. This shift aligns with India's broader push for financial inclusion, ensuring that more people have access to tools that support sustainable wealth creation.

Concerns about Market Volatility and Future Outlook

Despite the increasing participation of young investors, concerns about market volatility remain a significant barrier. According to the survey, 51% of respondents expressed fear of potential crashes, indicating that market fluctuations still intimidate potential investors. In contrast, 41% of non-investors mentioned that free initial guidance would encourage them to invest, signaling that education and support could alleviate concerns about risk.

As India’s investment landscape continues to evolve, the IBI 2025 survey findings underscore the growing demand for financial education and the need for accessible, reliable tools that can guide both new and experienced investors. The survey highlights the potential of digital platforms and AI-driven insights to reshape the future of investing in India, ensuring a more informed and confident investor base across the country.

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