Archive · 11 Dec 2025
World Inequality Report 2026: India's Extreme Income Disparities
The World Inequality Report 2026 shows that in India, the top 10% of earners make 58% of the country's income, while the bottom 50% only get 15%.
The richest 10% also own 65% of the wealth, and the top 1% own 40%.
This means a few people have a lot, and many people have very little.
The report also says that women earn much less than men, and the richest people cause most of the pollution.
The report suggests that taxes and public investments can help make things fairer.
Top 10% of earners in India capture 58% of national income, while bottom 50% receive only 15%.
Wealth inequality in India is even greater, with the richest 10% holding 65% of total wealth and the top 1% holding 40%.
Globally, the top 10% owns 75% of all wealth, while the bottom 50% holds just 2%.
Female labor participation in India remains very low at 15.7%, with women earning only 61% of what men earn per working hour.
The poorest half of the global population accounts for only 3% of carbon emissions, while the top 10% account for 77%.
- Who
- Economists Lucas Chancel, Ricardo Gómez-Carrera, Rowaida Moshrif, and Thomas Piketty, along with over 200 scholars affiliated with the World Inequality Lab
- What
- The World Inequality Report 2026 highlights extreme income and wealth disparities in India and globally
- When
- The report was released on Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- The findings are global, with a specific focus on India
- Why
- To raise awareness about income and wealth inequality and its implications for social and climate challenges
- Top 10% Income Share
- 58%
- Bottom 50% Income Share
- 15%
- Top 10% Wealth Share
- 65%
- Top 1% Wealth Share
- 40%
- Average Annual Income (PPP)
- 6,200 euros
- Average Wealth (PPP)
- 28,000 euros
- Female Labor Participation
- 15.7%
- Global Top 0.001% Wealth Share
- 6%
Sources
Top 10% earners in India capture 58% of national income, bottom 50% get only 15%: World Inequality Report 2026
Inequality in India among highest in the world, top 1% holds 40% wealth: Study
World Inequality Report 2026: 1% of Indians hold 40% of wealth
‘Extreme poverty virtually over … idea of Muslim poverty needs correction’: Panagariya paper challenges perceptions
Daily Briefing: DGCA asks IndiGo to clear the air
Who really owns two-thirds of India's wealth? New report reveals shocking facts
