Inside the Minds and Movements of Gen Z – India’s Social, Economic & Political Architects

The Largest Gen Z Market on Earth:

 India is home to approximately 377 million Gen Z individuals, born between 1997 and 2012, which makes it the country with the largest Gen Z population globally. A significant youth demographic characterises India's population, approximately 65% of India's population is youth under the age of 35, while over 50% under the age of 25.

Gen Z's spending power is substantial, with: 

• Current spending: $860 B
• Projected Spending by 2035: $2 trillion
• Direct spending by 2035: $1.8 trillion
• Influenced spending (e.g. fashion and lifestyle, Dining, Entertainment, Footwear): $660B

Digital, Driven, and Risk-Ready:

 What is notable about India's GC is their financial awareness; yes, they are highly cautious about their spending and exhibiting a greater inclination towards digital transactions and risk-taking compared to previous generations.  While millennials often prioritize job security and stability are more focused on career advancement, with over 84% driven by a goal, compared to 76% of millennials. 

Savings and investment: 

• Gen Z’s 19% investment via SIPs and 14% Millennials 
• Gen Z’s 15% investment in stocks, where Millennials have invested 13 %
• However, only 19% consider term insurance (vs 35% millennials)

GenZ's goal-driven mindset leads them to prioritize targeted investments, such as buying a dream bike or planning a vacation, over traditional SIPs,  with 76% opting for target investments.

Turning point:

• Among them, 38.8% used their first earned money in their family.
• 24.5% of it they save for the future, and the survey revealed they donate 20.4% which proves a stronger emotional connection with Entrepreneurship & Startups—Potential vs. Reality.

3. Work & Career Attitudes:

In India is sitting the stage is set for the future what with 26% pursuing education and work to build their portfolios. Their ability to balance academics and career aspirations will significantly shape India's professional landscape in the years to come. 

• Nearly 70% of GenZ individuals are inclined to pursue entrepreneurship by leaving behind high-paying jobs as they crave more than just a steady paycheck and seek personal fulfilment.
• Only 6% want to work under others' leadership. However, top career motivators include learning opportunities, work-life balance, and meaningful work.

Career aspirations vary among individuals: 

• Merely 9% of GS fires to launched their ventures.
• As a result, 19% of GenZ seek to and one within established organisations, prioritizing stability.

Shows like Shark Tank India feature investors like Aman Gupta, highlighting Gen Z's critical thinking by questioning and challenging their ideas.

4.  Entrepreneurship & Startups- Potential vs. Reality:

India ranks third globally in startup ecosystems, with a remarkable growth from approximately 500 startups in 2016 to over 1.59 lakh startups as of January 2025. The fintech sector has seen significant growth, with: 

• 24 Fintech Unicorns: India is home to 24 fintech unicorns, including one decacorn valued over $10 billion.
• Fintech Valuation: The Indian fintech industry is projected to reach $150 billion by 2025, with a combined valuation exceeding $155 billion.
• Fintech Funding: Despite a decline in funding, Indian fintech startups raised $1.9 billion in 2024.
• Number of Fintech Startups: The number of registered fintech startups in India has grown fivefold in the past three years, from 2,100 in 2021 to 10,200 in 2024.

Despite the conducive work environment, only 9% of Gen Z aspire to become entrepreneurs. While the majority prefer to work for established companies. With ease, Gen Z excels at building brands' digital strategies on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Surprisingly, achieving viral reach and visibility without significant financial investment.

5. Political engagement and physics values: 

Indian Gen Z is experiencing a quiet but strong political awakening: 

• According to the 2024 CSPS Lokniti Survey top concerns are employment opportunities, quality education, and social cohesion.

According to the ED-Snapchat Gen Z survey:

• 48% of Gen Z respondents believe unemployment has increased.
• 47% mention Gujarat-related memories or issues, possibly hinting at specific regional concerns.
• 55% are concerned about worsening pollution.

Globally, GenZ is highly invested in progressive causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, climate justice, and economic redistribution. Despite a decline in young MPs, with only 6% of Lok Sabha members under 30 are growing more politically conscious, primarily via digital activism and party youth units.

6. Social and cultural trends: 

India's values and identity are deeply rooted in its cultural heritage: 

• For many, family is paramount (47%), followed by self-progress (27%) and honesty (26%) as key values.
• Sustainability matters: 81% favor eco-friendly brands, 80% care about environmental problems, but just 27% cut down on utility waste.
• Digital trust drives online behaviour like 64% trust social media/internet information, 63% prefer e-shopping, and 69% look forward to VR/Metaverse for socializing. 

Despite growing health awareness, a national study found that more than 53% of youth aged 18 to 29 experience malnutrition. Despite being aware of human complexity, this generation is struggling with issues like memory and social skills. Digital solutions like chatbots offer potential but often miss culture and personal nuances.

7. Looking Ahead: Gen Z and India 2047

Economic Power:

Gen Z’s expenditure is expected to reach approximately $1.8 trillion by 2035, impacting economic expansion and shaping consumer behavior in sectors such as fashion to food, entertainment, to durable goods.

Career Structures:

Look forward to careers that are more adaptable, diverse, and values-driven with professionalism. GenZ will form the new norm as HR, which will draw more attention to things like well-being, balancing.

Political & Civic Influence:

Continuous campaigning and a technologically skilled, many GenZ will serve in leadership roles by 2047, influencing policy on education, climate, equity, and transparency.

Cultural advocacy:

Gen Z is the generation that will redefine how the world sees India through tech (AI, space, sports), the creative economy, like design, fashion, creators, and entrepreneurship, by combining local and global perspectives.

Key Takeaways

• Scale & Spending: ~377 million size; ~43% of current consumer spend, rising to ~$1.8 trillion by 2035.
• Economic Behavior: 19% in SIPs, 15% in stocks; highly flexible, goal-based saving mindset.
• Work Attitudes: 26% working while studying; 70% switching for pay; only 6% focused on leadership.
• Stability over Startups: Only 9% entrepreneurial; 19% prefer corporate roles.
• Political Priorities: Jobs, inflation, harmony, and environmental protection rate highest.
• Values & Social Trends: Family and financial independence prevail; high environmental consciousness paired with action gaps.
• Challenges: Over half self-report soft‑skills or emotional gaps; sustainability habits lag behind intent.

By 2047, Gen Z will be central to India’s transformation- a force not just of numbers, but of values: financial responsibility, digital fluency, social consciousness, and critical thinking. They may not all find unicorns- but they will define norms in work, politics, culture, and consumption.