Women in India are increasingly taking charge of their financial decisions, with 56% now making investment choices independently, up from 44% in 2022, according to the DSP Winvestor Pulse 2025–26 study released by DSP Mutual Fund in partnership with YouGov. The nationwide survey covered 5,050 urban investors across 13 cities and highlights a growing shift in India’s investment landscape. The report found that while men still lead with 68% making independent investment decisions, the rise among women marks the most significant change recorded in the study. Women are also more likely than men to consult their spouses when making investment decisions, reflecting a blend of autonomy and collaborative financial planning. The proportion of women describing themselves as self-taught investors has also risen from 13% to 16%.
However, the study also highlights a gap between confidence and structured planning. While 84% of investors say they are confident about investing on their own, only 33% have both a clear financial goal and a structured investment plan. Nearly half of the respondents define “long-term investing” as three years or less. Lifestyle priorities are also shifting, particularly among women aged 25–44, with 41% preferring travel over buying a home. The emotional meaning of money is evolving too, with the association of money with “freedom” rising from 27% in 2022 to 35% in 2025.
The findings also reflect trends visible in Guwahati, where participation of women investors in mutual funds and digital investment platforms has increased steadily in recent years. Financial advisors in the city note that while investor confidence is rising, many new investors still lack long-term planning discipline, indicating the need for greater financial awareness and advisory support. Commenting on the findings, DSP Mutual Fund Chairperson Aditi Kothari Desai said Indian women are moving “from participation to ownership” in their financial journeys, increasingly engaging with markets and advisors while shaping their financial aspirations independently.