Overview

• Education expenses rose 34% year-on-year to account for 19% of monthly household spending, surpassing rent as the second-largest outlay.
• UPI adoption climbed to 80% in 2025 from 72% last year, online retail payments rose to 51% of transactions, and digital loan applications now match offline channels at 50%.
• Only half of respondents managed to save this year, down from 60% in 2024, and 12% borrowed money solely to cover basic needs.
• The average monthly income reached ₹33,000 with ₹20,000 spent on essentials, leaving about ₹13,000 for discretionary spending and savings.
• Sixty-three percent of respondents said apps and online platforms make it easier to pursue financial goals, and 73% are confident of meeting their targets within five years.