Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Most Urban Indians Want Early Retirement, Report Finds
A report asked people in Indian cities about when they want to stop working.
About 70% said they would like to retire before age 60 if they had enough money.
Half of these people want to retire before age 50.
However, many people are unsure whether their savings will last for their whole lives.
Only 11% believe their retirement money will last a lifetime.
About half of the respondents think retirement saving should begin with the first paycheque.
Younger people generally want to start planning earlier.
Health and health insurance are also important parts of preparing for retirement.
The report suggests that many people want financial freedom but may not yet be fully prepared for it.
About 70% of surveyed urban Indians want to retire before age 60 if their financial needs are covered.
Half of those seeking early retirement hope to achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early before age 50.
The survey found a gap between retirement goals and preparedness: 61% know their required corpus, but only 11% expect it to last their lifetime.
Half of respondents believe retirement planning should begin with their first paycheque, while the average preferred starting age is 31.
Health is a major retirement concern, with 75% expecting to remain fit and 52% reporting that they have health insurance.
- Who
- The survey covered 4,134 households in urban India, including metro, Tier I, and Tier II cities.
- What
- The India Retirement Index Study found that many urban Indians want to retire early but remain uncertain about whether their savings will last.
- When
- The report was released on Wednesday; respondents said retirement planning should begin at an average age of 31.
- Where
- Across metro, Tier I, and Tier II cities in India.
- Why
- Respondents linked early retirement to having enough money to cover their financial needs and maintain their lifestyle.
- Survey sample
- 4,134 households
- Early-retirement aspiration
- About 70% want to retire before age 60 if financially secure
- FIRE goal
- Half of aspiring early retirees want to retire before age 50
- Retirement preparedness
- 61% know the corpus they would need, but only 11% expect it to last their lifetime
- Planning age
- The average preferred age to start retirement planning is 31
- Health preparation
- 75% expect to remain healthy in retirement, while 52% have health insurance
- Gen X+ employment expectations
- 82% expect to continue working for a steady income