India’s investor base is becoming younger, more geographically diverse and increasingly inclusive, with the median age of investors declining from 38 years in March 2020 to 33 years in June 2026, according to the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) latest ‘Market Ki Pulse’ report.
The report said the country’s investor base is expanding beyond traditional market hubs while witnessing rising participation from young investors. It noted that investors below the age of 30 now account for 37.9 per cent of the total investor base, up from 23.5 per cent in March 2020. They also made up 59 per cent of new registrations during the first quarter of FY2026-27 (April-June 2026), compared with 52 per cent in FY2019-20.
“The investor base is growing beyond traditional market hubs, while becoming younger and gradually more gender-diverse,” the report said.
The NSE also observed that investor participation is gradually spreading beyond the country’s traditional large markets. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal and Rajasthan together account for 47.6 per cent of the national investor base. However, states outside the top ten now represent 26.9 per cent of total investors, up from around 22 per cent in FY2016-17, reflecting a broader geographical spread of market participation.
The report highlighted steady progress in women’s participation, with women now accounting for around 25 per cent of all investors nationwide. Among the states, Maharashtra recorded the highest proportion of women investors at 28.9 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu (28.5 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (19.1 per cent).
Region-wise, North India accounted for the largest share of the country’s investor base at 36.8 per cent as of June 2026. It was followed by West India (29.1 per cent), South India (21.1 per cent) and East India (12.1 per cent).
According to the report, the total number of registered investors has reached 13.2 crore, while the pace of market participation has accelerated significantly. The investor base grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.01 per cent between FY2020-21 and FY2025-26, compared with a 19.3 per cent CAGR recorded during the FY2015-16 to FY2020-21 period.
-ANI
