The Axis Max Life Insurance study shows many Indians now doubt if a Rs 1 crore corpus is enough for retirement. While people started planning earlier, most feel unprepared for their golden years. The report found that 1 in 2 respondents think they should start planning from their first paycheck.
Working Indians across generations are increasingly proactive towards retirement planning, even as most believe they are not adequately -- either financially, physically or emotionally -- prepared for their twilight years, the latest edition of an annual study by Axis Max Life Insurance shows. 1 in 2 respondents think they should start plan ning for retirement from their 1st pay cheque.
Investor mindsetIndians are starting to think about saving and retiring earlier than ever before.
1 in 2 respondents think they should start planning for retirement from their 1st pay cheque
31 years is the average age when respondents start thinking of investing/saving for retirement, with the number for different generation at:
70%respondents already started retirement investment journey, with:
Journey of getting thereMost Indians have set a
retirement corpus target, but very few are sure their savings will last throughout their twilight years.
Respondents aware of corpus needed to sustain current lifestyle in retirement years:
Confidence of respondents on retirement corpus sufficiency (in %):
Crorepati not enough Fewer people think a Rs.1-crore corpus will suffice for their retirement needs.
Respondents who think Rs.1 crore will offer comfortable retirement:
Confidence among current respondents about Rs. 1 crore corpus:
Health as important as wealth
Indians increasingly view healthy ageing as a critical component of retirement preparedness.
~3 in 4 respondents still confident of staying fit in retirement years:
Among respondents who take proactive preventive measures:
Emotional cost hard to ignore
Fear of being lonely during retired years rising among respondents:
28% respondents eager to indulge in travel, hobbies and passions to achieve personal growth
87% respondents expect to live with their children in later years
Source: 'Bharosa Talks: India Retirement Study Index 6.0' by Axis Max Life Insurance, in partnership with Kantar. Field work conducted during July-August 2026 across 40 cities among people in the 22-65 age group. Respondent base was 2242 in 2025 and 3489 in 2026. *Gen X+ cohort comprises predominantly generation X respondents, along with a small proportion of baby boomers (approximately 1% of total sample