1 day ago

India’s ₹1 Crore Retirement Benchmark Faces Growing Doubts

Rethinking the ₹1 crore myth: Why the traditional Indian retirement number is failing · livemint.com

A new study says ₹1 crore may not be enough for many people to retire comfortably anymore.

Fewer urban Indians now believe that amount will meet all their retirement needs.

People’s needs can differ because of their lifestyle, healthcare costs, inflation, and how long they live.

Most people have saved only about 28% of the money they think they will need.

Only a small number believe their savings will last for their whole lifetime.

Many people worry that their money could run out within five years of retiring.

Seven out of 10 people would like to stop working early if they had enough money.

The study also shows that people are starting retirement planning and investing at younger ages.

Overall retirement preparedness improved slightly, but health and emotional concerns remain important.

Key facts

Perceived adequacy of ₹1 crore: The share saying ₹1 crore or less is sufficient fell from 77% in 2025 to 70% in 2026.
Average savings achieved: Urban Indians have accumulated 28% of their target retirement corpus on average.
Lifetime income confidence: Only 11% believe their accumulated funds will last throughout retirement.
Five-year depletion concern: 39% fear their savings will run out within five years of retiring.
Early retirement ambition: Seven in 10 want to leave the workforce early if financially secure.
Overall preparedness score: The score increased to 49 in 2026 from 48 in 2025 and 44 in 2022.
Retirement planning age: Respondents said planning should begin at an average age of 31; one in two supports starting with the first paycheque.

livemint.com · 1 day ago