Paisabazaar, India’s leading marketplace for financial products, today announced that over 60 million consumers have now checked their free credit score on its platform. Reaching consumers across 850+ cities and towns, the milestone reflects Paisabazaar’s decade-long commitment to improving credit awareness, expanding access to credit, and helping millions become credit fit.

Over 60 million consumers across 850+ cities and towns have now checked their free credit score on Paisabazaar

Since launching its free credit score platform in 2017, Paisabazaar has focused on making credit information simple, accessible and actionable for every Indian. Consumers on the Paisabazaar platform can instantly access their credit scores from all four credit bureaus, free of cost, in multiple Indian languages, making it one of the country’s most comprehensive credit awareness platforms.
 

Over the last decade, Paisabazaar has consistently invested in technology, consumer education and brand initiatives to deepen credit awareness across India. The platform has played a pivotal role in taking credit awareness beyond metropolitan India, helping consumers across smaller cities, towns and underserved segments understand, monitor and improve their credit health.

Santosh Agarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar, said, “Crossing 60 million consumers marks an important milestone in our mission to build a more credit-aware and credit-fit India. Going forward, our focus is on helping every consumer navigate their credit journey with confidence—whether it’s building a credit history, improving credit health, or accessing the right financial products. We will continue to leverage technology and data-driven insights to make credit more transparent, inclusive and empowering for millions of Indians.”

The Paisabazaar platform, over the years, has evolved beyond providing free credit scores. Consumers on the platform receive personalised insights through the Credit Health Report, which highlights the factors impacting their credit profile and recommends actionable steps to improve it. For consumers with damaged credit aiming to rebuild their credit history, Paisabazaar offers a comprehensive Credit Improvement Program, including AI-led insights, expert guidance and personalized advice.

Credit Progression is another key aspect of Paisabazaar’s commitment to expanding access to credit, helping consumers build healthier credit profiles. This includes large yet credit-starved segments like new-to-credit consumers, who are offered builder products such as secured credit cards, helping them build strong credit profiles over time and access formal credit.

Credit healthy consumers, on the other hand, benefit from personalised and pre-approved offers from lenders, supported by Paisabazaar’s proprietary Chance of Approval model, which helps them identify and apply for offers with certainty.

Paisabazaar continues to enhance the platform with technology-led innovations and data-driven insights, making credit management more intuitive and accessible. As India’s digital credit ecosystem matures, the company remains focused on empowering consumers across every stage of their credit journey—from first-time borrowers building their credit history to experienced borrowers seeking the best credit opportunities—while advancing its larger mission of building a more financially aware and credit-fit India.

About Paisabazaar

Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech (listed since 2021), is India’s leading marketplace for financial products and a free credit score platform. Over the last 12+ years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust and goodwill of over 58 million consumers from 850 cities and towns across India. Paisabazaar has built wide and deep partnerships across the ecosystem, to offer a broad range of financial products, ranging from loans and cards to investments and savings along with bill payments and mobile recharge. The platform also enables consumers to check their free credit score from all 4 CICs (Credit Bureaus) in India. Paisabazaar is an ISO (27001:2013) and PCI DSS certified organisation, with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers.

Fresh off the widely-acclaimed success of Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt, his anti-narcotics campaign that mobilised Kerala’s schools against drug abuse, Home and Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala has launched a new front in public life — a people’s movement against corruption called Project Zero.

Vigilance Whistle: Launch of Vigilance Whistle & Vigilance Commandos programme at Loyola School, Thiruvananthapuram

Where Operation Toofan asked citizens to stand up against narcotics, Project Zero — “Vigilance Whistle” — asks them to stand up against graft. Launched jointly by the Vigilance Department and the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), the initiative goes beyond bribery to target every quiet, systemic form of corruption: officials sitting on files, deliberate delays, decisions made to flatter power rather than serve the public. It is designed to convert ordinary citizens from bystanders into stakeholders — empowering them to report corruption directly, with anonymity strictly protected, through the toll-free number 1064 or at www.vigilance.kerala.gov.in.

At the heart of the campaign is Kerala’s youth. Following the Toofan template of equipping school students as “Toofan Warriors,” college students across the state are being enlisted as “Vigilance Commandos” — a young, visible corps trained to raise awareness and sustain civic pressure against corruption in their own communities. The programme also includes vigilance workshops for officers and an updated Vigilance Manual to keep enforcement current.

The launch event, held at Loyola School Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram, saw Minister Chennithala inaugurate the campaign alongside popular film actor Nivin Pauly, who became the first Vigilance Commando and administered the anti-corruption pledge to students gathered from schools and colleges across the state.

Minister Chennithala said, “Corruption is not only about accepting a bribe. When a citizen’s file is delayed without reason, when an official’s ego must be satisfied before a rightful service is delivered, that too is corruption — and it will not be tolerated. No matter who is involved, even if it is me, people must have the courage to speak up. Project Zero is a people’s movement to bring corruption down to zero, and to build a Kerala where honesty is rewarded, not punished.”

The Minister added that officials found to have taken bribes to clear files — even in cases already closed — will have those files reopened for review, with strict action against anyone found guilty. He also announced that honest, upright officials will be identified and rewarded, and that recruitment into Vigilance will prioritise officers screened for integrity and genuine commitment to public service.

Actor Nivin Pauly, addressing students at the launch, said that a robust system of governance can only be built by a citizenry willing to respond and hold those in power accountable. He noted that a mindset which glorifies shortcuts over honest effort is itself part of the culture of corruption, and that it falls to the next generation—one that asks questions and demands evidence—to help reverse it.

The event was chaired by Kazhakootam MLA V. Muraleedharan, with Governor’s Secretary Dr. K. Vasuki IAS attending as chief guest. VACB Director and DGP Manoj Abraham IPS delivered the keynote address, with senior police officials and Loyola institution heads in attendance. Students from schools and colleges across the state received badges from the Minister, formally inducting them as Vigilance Commandos.

Project Zero follows the interstate momentum built by Operation Toofan and marks Chennithala’s expansion from narcotics enforcement into a broader, youth-anchored campaign for institutional integrity — reinforcing a governance narrative built on transparency, citizen participation, and zero tolerance for corruption at any level.
 

For more information or to join the initiative: vigilance.kerala.gov.in

To report corruption: Toll-free 1064 (informant identity kept strictly confidential)

Razorpay, India’s Omnichannel Payments Platform for Businesses, has been named in the 2026 edition of the World’s Top Fintech Companies 2026 by CNBC and Statista – marking its fourth consecutive appearance on the prestigious global list. The recognition is a validation of what Razorpay has always believed: that transformative fintech infrastructure can be built in India, for the world. Razorpay is one of only eight Indian companies featured this year, and has been recognised in the Payments category – a testament to its role in shaping how millions of businesses move money, every single day.

Razorpay Recognized Among ‘World’s Top Fintech Companies,’  Payments Category, by CNBC & Statista

Compiled by CNBC in partnership with Statista, the annual ranking is based on company KPIs, desk research and CNBC’s editorial and compliance review. Of over 3,500 companies evaluated across more than 50 countries and territories, only 500 made the final cut – placing Razorpay among a truly select global cohort. This recognition reflects Razorpay’s continued innovation, product leadership and growing presence and impact across the global fintech ecosystem.

Harshil Mathur, Razorpay CEO & Co-Founder said, “India isn’t just a fast-growing fintech market anymore – it’s becoming ground zero for where the future of financial technology gets built. This recognition, year after year, only strengthens our conviction: products built for India’s scale and complexity don’t just work for India – they set the benchmark for the world. As AI reshapes financial services, our commitment stays the same – building the infrastructure that helps every business grow with more intelligence, more speed, and more trust.”

Driven by its mission to simplify money movement, Razorpay continues to build products that help millions of businesses manage payments and financial operations with greater ease and confidence – serving customers across India, Malaysia and Singapore. As the world looks to India as the next frontier of AI and financial innovation, Razorpay is proud to be building technology. This recognition reflects our belief that world-class fintech can be built in India, for India, and increasingly, for the world.

About Razorpay

Razorpay, an omnichannel payments platform for businesses, strives to help Indian businesses with innovative solutions built with technology to address the payment and banking journey for businesses. Established in 2014 by alumni of IIT Roorkee, Shashank Kumar and Harshil Mathur, the company strives to provide technology payment solutions to many businesses. A few angel investors have also invested in Razorpay’s mission to simplify payments and business banking.

Galgotias University hosted the 24th Youth Uttar Pradesh Basketball Championship 2026 from July 22 to 28, bringing together around 800 athletes from across the state for seven days of competition. Organised in association with the Uttar Pradesh Basketball Association, the championship featured 56 teams, comprising 33 boys’ teams and 23 girls’ teams. 

The action-packed basketball championship at Galgotias University brought together 800 athletes representing 56 teams from across Uttar Pradesh

The championship formed part of Galgotias University’s focus on integrating sport with academic and personal development. The University provides students with access to training, coaching, sports infrastructure, and competitive opportunities alongside their academic programmes. This approach supports physical well-being and helps students develop discipline, teamwork, decision-making, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure.

The basketball championship followed the University’s recent success at the first World Yogasana Championship 2026, where Galgotias University students secured five gold medals. The two developments represent different aspects of the University’s sports programme – preparing its students for national and international competitions and providing the infrastructure required to host large state-level tournaments.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Sport is an important part of education because it develops discipline, resilience, teamwork, and responsibility. Our objective is to ensure that students have access to the facilities, coaching, and competitive exposure required to develop their abilities. Hosting this championship, along with the recent achievement of five gold medals by our students at the World Yogasana Championship, reflects the importance we place on holistic student development.”

The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Dileep Singh, Honorary General Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Basketball Association, as Chief Guest, and Mr. R. S. Bedi, Vice-President, Uttar Pradesh Basketball Association, as Guest of Honour.

Mr. Bedi appreciated Galgotias University for providing well-maintained sporting facilities and an organised competitive environment for the 56 participating teams. He noted that tournaments of this scale give young athletes sustained match exposure, help them improve their skills, and prepare them for higher levels of basketball. He also encouraged students to participate regularly in sports to develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

In the girls’ championship, Bulandshahr won the title, Meerut finished as runner-up, and Agra secured third place. Deepika Chauhan of Agra, Jersey No. 08, was named Best Player, while Sadhana of Bulandshahr, Jersey No. 13, received the Emerging Player Award.

In the boys’ championship, Meerut won the championship trophy, Triple Tec finished as runner-up, and Gautam Buddh Nagar secured third place. Tejas of Meerut, Jersey No. 07, was named Best Player, while Vedant Sidh of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Jersey No. 10, received the Emerging Player Award.

The championship provided young athletes with sustained competitive exposure and opportunities to play against teams representing different districts and sporting institutions. It also enabled coaches and officials to assess emerging basketball talent across the boys’ and girls’ categories.

About Galgotias University
Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46th among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,500 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, IBM, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

RSB Group, one of India’s leading automotive and non-automotive component manufacturers, successfully hosted the fourth edition of its flagship initiative, the Ek Pahal Annual Day, under the powerful theme “Ek Pahal Sapno Se Aage” (Beyond Dreams).

RSB Group Celebrates 4th Edition of ‘Ek Pahal’ Annual Day

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. S.K. Behera, Vice Chairman, RSB Group, along with family members Mrs. Sangeeta Behera and Mrs. Nalini Behera, whose presence added great significance to the celebration.

The celebration marked a major milestone as the Ek Pahal community grew significantly larger this year, warmly welcoming over 200 women employees from Setco into the RSB Parivar. The event brought together female employees from Jamshedpur and all other RSB centres across India.

The highlight of the day was an enriching and deeply inspiring round-table panel discussion. Trailblazers from diverse fields, Dr. Rekha Panda, Ms Singo Mardi, Mrs Leena Adesara, and Ms Deboshri Dutta shared their profound life experiences. The discussion focused on the hard work, passion and commitment required to turn big ambitions into daily actions, offering the audience a masterclass on how to translate raw dreams into concrete reality. These powerful stories deeply moved the audience, inspiring all the female employees to not just dream big, but to chase those goals with unwavering grit and determination.

The celebrations also featured some mesmerising cultural performances by RSB employees. Through creative storytelling, music, and dance, the performers brought immense emotion and vibrant life to the stage, beautifully mirroring the spirit of the movement.

Sharing his pride on the occasion, Mr. S.K. Behera, Vice Chairman, RSB Group, “At RSB, our philosophy is simple: talent and excellence have no gender. Our approach remains strictly gender-neutral, focusing entirely on merit and capability. However, for potential to truly flourish, the environment must be right. We stand absolutely committed to creating a safe, respectful, and deeply inclusive workspace where our women colleagues feel empowered to step out, break barriers, and confidently march toward their highest aspirations.“
 

Launched four years ago under the leadership of Ms. Nirmala Behera, Ek Pahal has matured from a heartfelt internal initiative into a massive, transformative movement. Operating through four core pillars – Health & Hygiene, Safety, Learning & Development, and Community Service; the ecosystem continues to drive structural, holistic growth both within the organization and the wider community.

Reflecting on the evolution of the initiative and this year’s theme, Ms. Nirmala Behera, Executive Director, HR & Branding, RSB Group, said, “Our theme this year, ‘EK Pahal- Sapno Se Aage’, is a powerful reminder that dreams are merely the starting line. Real empowerment begins when we move past the stage of just wishing for equality and step into the reality of executing those dreams with our own hands. I am immensely proud of our teams; the work done across our four pillars is no longer just reflected in dashboards, but lives in the daily confidence, resilience, and growth of our women colleagues.”

The event concluded with a strong focus on future impact, recognizing outstanding contributions from the past year. The Community Initiative Pillar leaders were awarded the top honours for leading projects with deep social impact, while the Health & Hygiene Pillar leader was recognised as the runner-up for setting exceptional operational benchmarks.

With this fourth edition of Ek Pahal annual day celebration, RSB Group strongly reaffirms its commitment to building a purpose-driven corporate culture where individual dreams are nurtured into collective milestones, setting a benchmark for the manufacturing industry at large.

• New rechargeable flashlight unveiled to safeguard farmlands from animal intrusion

• Combines powerful illumination with a 100 dBA animal alarm and UV strobe to deliver a practical, humane and non-intrusive crop protection solution at night

Eveready Industries India Ltd., the country’s leading flashlight and battery brand, today announced the launch of its all-new Eveready Shor Torch DL190, a rugged, rechargeable, multi-utility torch equipped with an integrated 100 decibel animal alarm, powerful illumination and UV strobe functionality designed specifically to help farmers protect crops from animal intrusion during the night.

The Innovative Eveready Shor Torch DL190, helping farmers protect crops from animal intrusion with a powerful 100 dBA animal alarm

The launch of Shor Torch further strengthens Eveready’s expanding rechargeable flashlight portfolio, reflecting the company’s continued focus on developing innovative solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs and diverse usage occasions. Designed specifically for agricultural use, the Eveready Shor Torch, along with an integrated 100 dB animal alarm and UV strobe, features a powerful 5W front torch for long range visibility and a 3W side light to support farmers during nighttime farm surveillance. It is powered by a 3600 mAh rechargeable Li ion battery with Type C fast charging support, enabling reliable performance during prolonged farm usage.

Designed to withstand demanding rural usage conditions, the Eveready Shor Torch combines durability with functionality. The product features a powerful 1 km long-beam front torch with up to 5 hours of lighting time and integrated animal deterrence capabilities. The thoughtfully engineered design ensures dependable performance during extended outdoor usage under challenging field conditions.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anirban Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer, Eveready Industries India Limited, said, “At Eveready, innovation has always been rooted in solving real consumer challenges. Farmers across the country face persistent crop losses due to animal intrusion, particularly during the night. The Shor Torch reflects our commitment to developing practical and relevant solutions for Indian consumers. By combining powerful illumination with an effective animal alarm and UV strobe functionality, we have created a unique product that can make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of farmers while helping them protect their livelihoods.”

The Eveready Shor Torch has been developed keeping in mind the unique requirements of India’s farming community, where protecting crops often extends well beyond daylight hours. During critical crop cycles such as sowing and harvesting, farmers routinely undertake nighttime field surveillance to safeguard cultivated land from animal intrusion. While flashlights have long been an essential tool for activities such as irrigation, fertilizer application, crop monitoring and harvesting after dark, keeping animals away from cultivated fields remains one of the biggest challenges they encounter.

Recognising this challenge, Eveready developed the Shor Torch as a practical, humane and non-intrusive solution for nighttime crop protection. Designed for use in open farmlands, where sound and light can travel over longer distances, the product helps farmers safeguard their crops more effectively during early morning and nighttime surveillance, without causing harm to animals.

The Eveready Shor Torch, an innovation at the grassroot level, addresses this challenge through a powerful 100 decibel alarm that emits a sharp warning sound, combined with a red UV strobe light. When directed towards approaching animals, the alarm and flashing light create sufficient disturbance to drive them away, helping protect crops.

Eveready has been actively expanding its rechargeable flashlight portfolio in line with evolving consumer needs and usage occasions. The launch of the Shor Torch further strengthens Eveready’s growing portfolio of innovative flashlights. The portfolio also includes the Siren Torch with Safety Alarm, designed to empower women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities with an added sense of personal security. Additionally, Eveready offers a first-of-its-kind Hybrid Torch featuring patent-applied dual-powered operation through rechargeable and battery-powered modes, providing consumers with enhanced flexibility and reliability across varied usage situations.

All of Eveready’s flashlight manufacturing facilities follow stringent quality parameters and are Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified. The certification reinforces Eveready’s long-standing commitment to product quality, safety, reliability and adherence to stringent industry standards.

Driven by feature-led innovation, consumer-focused product development and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, Eveready continues to strengthen its position as India’s leading flashlight, battery and lighting solutions brand through products designed to address evolving consumer needs.

The Eveready Shor Torch DL190 will be available at Rs. 1,099 across leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.

About Eveready Industries India Ltd.

With a legacy of over 100 years, Eveready Industries India Ltd. (NSE Symbol: EVEREADY, BSE Scrip Code: 531508, CSE Scrip Code 000029) is a household name in batteries and flashlights, with an emerging presence in the consumer and professional lighting space.

Since its inception in 1934, Eveready has been at the forefront of the dry cell battery market, enriching the lives of millions with portable energy and lighting solutions. The company’s iconic catchphrase “Give Me Red” has become synonymous with trust and dependability, resonating with consumers across generations.

In 2023, the company embarked on a transformative journey, marked by the unveiling of its new infinity logo and the empowering tagline “Give Me Power, Give Me Red”. The pivotal year also witnessed the launch of its Ultima Alkaline battery range, designed to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. In April 2026, Eveready has inaugurated India’s only operating alkaline battery facility in Jammu. Alongside Ultima Alkaline, Eveready today offers a comprehensive battery portfolio spanning carbon-zinc, alkaline, rechargeable, and lithium formats, making it India’s No. 1* battery brand.

Beyond batteries, Eveready also offers a wide range of flashlights and torches designed for everyday use, emergencies, and outdoor activities. This includes purpose-driven products such as the Eveready Siren Torch, which combines illumination with a built-in safety alarm, and India’s First Hybrid Torch, which offers dual power options via rechargeable and battery-based formats. Together, through these innovations, the company has emerged as India’s no. 1 flashlight brand.

The company has also strategically expanded its portfolio with an entry into the mobile accessories segment, mosquito racquets, small appliances, electrical accessories, wires, and MCBs to meet the dynamic needs of consumers.

Eveready’s manufacturing facilities are spread across India, namely Matia, Lucknow, Haridwar, Maddur, Kolkata, Jammu and they are equipped with globally benchmarked technology platforms and follow the best-in-class operating standards, with a relentless focus on quality (ISO 9000), environmental best practices (ISO 14000), and rapid adoption of technology. The company has a Research and Development (R&D) facility that is approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

For more information, please visit www.eveready.in

The Family Office Summit 2026, hosted by VCCircle at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai, concluded successfully today, capping off a day-long edition that reaffirmed its position as one of India’s most closely watched gatherings for family office leaders, promoters, and regulators. The summit drew strong participation from India’s most influential single-family and multi-family investment platforms, institutional allocators, and policymakers, with attendees engaging in sustained, substantive discussion across every session of the day.

The Family Office Summit 2026 saw participation from India’s influential single-family and multi-family investment platforms, institutional allocators, and policymakers

Across more than a dozen sessions, the summit delivered on its promise of candid, practitioner-led conversation, moving well past surface-level commentary into the real tensions shaping Indian family wealth today: generational succession and governance, public and private market allocation strategy, the case for real assets, the shift of single-family offices into institutional AIF-style platforms, regulatory oversight, offshore jurisdiction, and the professionalisation of family office philanthropy. Feedback from attendees and speakers alike pointed to the depth and specificity of the discussions as a standout of this year’s edition.

The edition was made possible by the continued support of its partners: IDFC FIRST Bank as Title Partner, GRIP Invest as Powering Partner, and the National Stock Exchange as Exchange Partner. SKEGEN joined as Strategic Capital Partner, alongside Session Partners Gaja Capital, Kroll, Multi-Act and Choice Wealth, Supporting Partners Steadview, Auraska Wealth and Naik Naik and Company, and Beverage Partner Tribe.

Sessions through the day featured family office CIOs, promoters, next-generation stewards, and regulators including SEBI and IFSCA, whose perspectives anchored a wide-ranging agenda, from the generational tension between capital preservation and growth ambition, to the evolving case for real assets, the maturing private markets playbook, and the shift of single-family offices into institutional, AIF-style platforms.
 

Organiser Perspectives
“The success of the VCCircle Family Office Summit 2026 is a testament to the strength and dynamism of India’s private capital ecosystem. For nearly twenty years, VCCircle has been committed to bringing together the people, ideas and insights that shape this industry. We thank all our delegates, partners and speakers for their trust and participation, and we look forward to continuing our journey of building India’s most trusted platform for private markets,” said Paras Kaushik, CHRO & CIO | Head, Events, IPs and VCCircle, HT Media Group.

“The phenomenal response to the VCCircle Family Office Summit 2026 reaffirmed a core shift: Indian family offices have evolved far beyond informal wealth desks into sophisticated institutional players.

About the Summit

The Family Office Summit 2026 was organised by VCCircle, a part of HT Media Group, as part of its portfolio of flagship events serving India’s private capital ecosystem. The summit convened family office principals, CIOs, promoters, institutional investors, regulators and advisors for a day of panel discussions, fireside chats and special addresses on the themes shaping the future of private wealth in India.

For more information on the Family Office Summit and future editions, visit events.vccircle.com/FamilyOfficeSummit2026.

For decades, owning an independent house was the ultimate aspiration for families in India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities. A self-built home on a plot of land represented financial security, social status and a legacy for future generations. However, as these cities evolve, so do the aspirations of homebuyers.

The rise of the ‘upgrade buyer’ is reshaping Tier-II India’s housing market, with families choosing professionally managed communities over standalone homes

Across cities such as Mohali, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow and Coimbatore, an increasing number of homeowners are moving from standalone houses to professionally developed residential communities. While homeownership continues to be an important milestone, buyers today are looking beyond the size of a property. Convenience, security, community living and long-term value have become equally important.

Industry experts describe this emerging consumer as the ‘upgrade buyer‘—someone who already owns a home but is now seeking a better lifestyle rather than simply a bigger house.

The shift is being fuelled by the rapid transformation of Tier-II cities. Improved highways, expanding airports, better healthcare, quality educational institutions and growing employment opportunities have made these cities more attractive places to live. As a result, many families no longer see the need to move to metropolitan cities in search of better opportunities or a superior quality of life.

Alongside infrastructure growth, buyer expectations have also evolved. Earlier, purchasing decisions were largely based on location and space. Today, buyers are equally concerned about professional maintenance, green open spaces, security, lifestyle amenities and the long-term appreciation potential of a property. Homes are increasingly being viewed as lifestyle investments rather than just real estate assets.

While metro markets continue to account for a large share of premium housing demand, the trend is gradually becoming visible in Tier-II cities as well. According to the CREDAI–Liases Foras Indian Real Estate CY 2025 Report, homes priced above Rs. 1 crore contributed nearly 78% of the total value of primary residential sales across 50 major Indian cities in 2025, reflecting a nationwide shift towards premium, lifestyle-oriented housing. 

Abhay Jindal, Managing Director, Homeland Group, believes the shift is being driven by changing aspirations rather than changing affordability. “Today’s homebuyers are upgrading not because they need more space, but because they want a better lifestyle. Families are looking for secure, well-planned communities that offer green spaces, recreational amenities and professional maintenance. Exposure to global lifestyles and better urban infrastructure has changed expectations, even in Tier-II cities. Buyers now value the overall living experience as much as the home itself, and organised communities are naturally becoming their preferred choice.”

Changing family structures are also contributing to this trend. Dual-income households and increasingly busy lifestyles have made maintaining independent homes more challenging. Professionally managed communities reduce the burden of maintenance while offering amenities such as clubhouses, landscaped gardens, fitness centres, children’s play areas and enhanced security, making everyday living more convenient.

Another factor driving buyer confidence is greater transparency in the real estate sector. Since the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), organised developers have gained credibility through improved accountability, timely delivery and better construction standards. Today’s buyers spend more time researching projects, comparing developers and evaluating long-term value before making a purchase.

Tejpreet Singh Gill, Managing Director, Gillco Group, says buyers today are far more informed than they were a few years ago. “The decision-making process has changed significantly. Buyers today research projects, compare developers and pay close attention to quality, transparency and future appreciation. They are looking for homes that can meet the needs of their families over the next 15 or 20 years. Organised developments offer planned infrastructure, better maintenance and community amenities that independent homes often cannot provide, making them a natural choice for the upgrade buyer.“

Developers are also responding to these changing expectations by creating integrated communities instead of simply constructing residential buildings. Sustainable design, wellness spaces, smart security systems, pedestrian-friendly layouts and community areas are becoming standard features. The focus is shifting from selling homes to creating neighbourhoods that offer a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Gurinder Bhatti, Chairman and Managing Director, GB Realty, believes the rise of the upgrade buyer reflects a fundamental shift in homeownership aspirations. “Homebuyers today are no longer looking for just a bigger house, they are seeking a better way of living. The move from independent homes to branded communities is driven by the desire for thoughtfully planned spaces, enhanced security, modern amenities, sustainability and a stronger sense of community. In Tier-II cities, this shift is becoming increasingly evident as buyers prioritise long-term value, convenience and a lifestyle that complements their evolving aspirations. The future of housing lies in creating integrated communities that enrich everyday living, rather than simply building residences.”

The trend is also being supported by professionals and entrepreneurs returning to their hometowns. With hybrid work becoming more common and business opportunities expanding beyond metropolitan cities, many families are choosing locations that offer a better work-life balance without compromising on urban infrastructure or modern amenities.

For the real estate sector, the rise of the upgrade buyer signals the growing maturity of Tier-II housing markets. Buyers are no longer making decisions based solely on affordability or ownership; they are investing in a lifestyle that offers convenience, security, sustainability and long-term value.

The independent house will always hold emotional significance, but for a growing segment of homebuyers, aspirations are now defined by living in a well-planned, professionally managed community that enhances everyday life. As Tier-II cities continue to expand and modernise, the rise of the upgrade buyer is set to become one of the defining trends shaping the future of India’s residential real estate market.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is all set to host the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference, Marketing Conclave (MarCon), co-powered by Google, on August 4-5, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai 2026. The conclave will bring together founders, CMOs, brand leaders, marketers, technology innovators, and media professionals to discuss the latest trends, technologies and ideas shaping the evolving marketing landscape.

IAMAI to host the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference – MarCon, co-powered by Google, on August 4-5, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai

With artificial intelligence redefining every stage of the marketing lifecycle, MarCon 2026 will explore how organisations are building AI-first marketing functions, adapting to the new search and discovery ecosystem, leveraging AI-enabled media planning, rethinking marketing measurement, and balancing AI-driven efficiency with creativity, trust and responsible innovation. Featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions, the conference will offer practical perspectives from leaders shaping the future of media and marketing.

Marketing Conclave 2026 will host industry leaders and experts, including Priya Choudhary, Director, Business Solutions & Insights, Google; Siddharth Shekhar, Director – Govt. & PSUs, BFSI, Fintech, Education & Auto, Google; Pushkar Gupte – Head of Industry, CPG, Google; Vinay Bhartia, Director Enterprise, MEA + West Asia @ Semrush (An Adobe Co); Shwetha Iyer, SVP & Head of Marketing; Kissht, Aditya Das, Director, Head of Growth & Omnichannel Marketing, Cipla; Siddharth Bajaj, Chief Marketing Officer, Dr Batra’s Healthcare; Jahid Ahmed, Senior Vice President and Head Digital Acquisition, HDFC Bank; Priyanka Shah, Head of Digital Marketing, Bajaj Auto, and Somnath Mukherjee, and Head of Programmatic and Performance Marketing, Reliance Retail.

Among other key discourses to be discussed at the conference are leveraging data and technology to deliver personalised customer experiences, the rise of creator-led commerce, changing consumer behaviour, the future of media, and strategies for taking Indian brands to global audiences. The conclave will also explore how marketers can build trust, drive measurable business outcomes and prepare for an increasingly AI-driven ecosystem.

Among the partners of Marketing Conclave 2026 are Affinity Global Advertising, Consumr.ai, Connect Network, DoubleTick, Google, Helo.ai, mFilterIt, PubLive, Vonage, BC Web Wise, LS Digital, Truecaller, and Semrush (An Adobe Company) and many more.

To register for Marketing Conclave 2026 or learn more, please visit: www.marketingconclave.com

About Internet and Mobile Association of India

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 800 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety.