56 of every 100 new investors in 2025 were below 30, says NSE

Young investors remained a major force in India’s equity markets in 2025, even as the pace of new investor additions slowed compared with post-pandemic years. This is according to a report by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The NSE report said that out of every 100 new investors in 2025, nearly 56 were below the age of 30. Investors under 30 accounted for 55.9 per cent of new registrations. This is slightly higher than 54.2 per cent in 2024.

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A key finding of the report is that the median age of new investors remained around 28 years. This shows that most first-time and early-career investors are still entering the market. Even though the overall number of new investors has slowed, young investors continue to lead the growth.

“The median age remaining at 28 reflects the continued interest of first-time and early-career investors,” the NSE said. “Older investors from the post-pandemic period have moved into higher age brackets. Yet, young investors still make up the bulk of new registrations.”

By the end of 2025, investors aged 30 and below made up around 38.7 per cent of the total registered investor base. This is up from 22.7 per cent in 2018. This shows that India’s equity markets are structurally young.

Even as younger investors dominate new registrations, the overall investor population is slowly getting older. Early entrants from 2020–22 are moving into higher age groups. Despite this, the under-30 group continues to shape market growth.

The report highlighted a modest dip in the proportion of new investors under 30, a shift from the post-pandemic surge. This suggests a gradual return to more typical market participation. Analysts interpret this as a sign of a more even age distribution, with investors of all ages becoming active in the markets.

• Individual investors became net sellers in 2025, following unprecedented inflows in 2024.
• Net outflows from individual investors reached Rs 5,717 crore in 2025.
• In 2024, net investments were a robust Rs 1.7 lakh crore.
• Despite this, six-year cumulative net investments remain high at Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
• NSE said direct buying moderated after record inflows in 2024, but households continued to channel savings into equities.

• Households increasingly prefer indirect equity exposure.
• Nearly half of household equity exposure is through mutual funds.
• Individuals account for about 84 per cent of equity assets under management in mutual funds.
• This reflects growing investor maturity and a long-term view on equities.
• Household wealth at record levels
• Individuals, directly and via mutual funds, hold 18.75 per cent of listed equities, the highest in over 20 years.
• Total household equity holdings are valued at around Rs 84 lakh crore.
• This is over five times the level seen in March 2020.
• Despite volatility in Q2FY26, cumulative household wealth creation since April 2020 stands at Rs 53 lakh crore.