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India’s youth are rewriting what financial empowerment means. A new survey by mPokket, India’s leading digital lending platform, amongst 3000 young Indians, reveals that for today’s generation, access to credit is not about dependency - it’s about possibility.

Young Indians are using credit as a responsible enabler of progress - to invest in upskilling, for  career growth, and pursue entrepreneurial goals. The survey finds that 63% of respondents report a positive impact on their financial well-being, while nearly 40% are using  credit for forward-looking purposes like professional advancement (21.1%), lifestyle improvement (20%), and education (16.5%).

“What we’re seeing is a powerful shift in how young India engages with finance. Credit is no longer just about access--it’s about agency. When used responsibly, it becomes a tool for self-growth, helping people upskill, plan ahead, and participate confidently in the economy. At mPokket, our focus has always been to make that access fair, fast, and responsible so that progress becomes a lived experience, not a distant goal,” says Gaurav Jalan, Founder & CEO, mPokket.

Key insights from the report:

* India’s youth are tapping credit to fuel career growth, skill building, and small ventures:

* 21.1% use credit to upskill or advance professionally,

* 16.5% for education, and

* 9.6% to support entrepreneurial pursuits or side hustles.

While 26.3% still rely on credit for healthcare and 12.4% for emergencies, the dominant trend shows a shift toward self-investment and long-term growth.

* Among respondents, 63% said credit made them feel more in control of their money, with positivity increasing steadily with age with the majority of them under the age of 30 years

* Over 52% associate their first credit experience with relief (18.3%), empowerment (17%), and responsibility (16.5%), underscoring how today’s youth approach finance with a sense of ownership and maturity.

* For many, borrowing has been a lesson in discipline:

* 56%+ say it made them more careful with budgeting and tracking expenses.

* 32% have already built or begun maintaining a credit history for future stability.

The data shows that access and accountability now go hand in hand, driving financial literacy through experience.

* Nearly 10% of respondents are channeling credit into freelancing, creative projects, or small ventures, showing how financial access is helping unlock India’s entrepreneurial spirit across cities and towns.

* Even as aspirations rise, credit’s traditional role as a safety net remains strong:

* In fact, 33% borrowers still use credit to manage medical expenses, family emergencies, or home repairs, reinforcing the importance of accessible, fair, and transparent financial tools that help India stay resilient.

As young Indians enter financial systems earlier than ever--led by awareness, ambition, and independence--credit is evolving into a partner in progress, not a pressure point. mPokket’s findings reaffirm that when access is paired with awareness, credit becomes more than finance; it becomes freedom, confidence, and choice.

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