The Securities and Exchange Board of India has released an interesting survey exploring Indian households' investment mindset and the schemes they trust the most. According to the SEBI Investor Survey 2025, post office savings schemes are still the dominant choice among Indian households. Surprisingly, people are more familiar with traditional schemes like the Kisan Vikas Patra and National Savings Certificate than with the Public Provident Fund (EPF).

Unwavering reliance on traditional schemes

Survey reports indicate that almost every Indian household is aware of fixed deposits and life insurance. Post Office schemes are next in line. Nearly 75 percent of households are aware of Kisan Vikas Patra and NSC. These figures demonstrate that these schemes, which have been in existence for decades, remain an integral part of Indian savings culture.

In contrast, awareness about retirement funds like PPF and EPF is quite low. According to the survey, less than 30 percent of households are aware of these schemes. The same is true for new-age investment options like cryptocurrencies, which are still largely unrecognized.

Stock market and mutual fund situation

If we talk about the securities market or stock market, here too awareness is limited to a select few products. Mutual funds and ETFs are known to 53 percent of households, while the stock market (listed equities) is known to 49 percent of households.

Interestingly, among those who are aware of mutual funds or the stock market, 67 percent are aware of both. However, awareness levels are still very low when it comes to complex financial products like corporate bonds, futures and options, and REITs. For example, only 13 percent of households are aware of F&O and only 6 percent of households are aware of AIFs.

Real estate and other options

Real estate continues to be considered a strong investment option among Indian households, with approximately 46 percent of households aware of it. Schemes like the National Pension Scheme and chit funds have moderate penetration, with approximately 30 percent aware of them.

This SEBI survey clearly shows that investment perception in India still leans heavily toward safe and traditional avenues. Much remains to be done to expand access to modern financial markets and secure retirement plans.