Young Edge: How Pune youth are turning to stocks and learning to chase market dream
For many youngsters between 19 and 25 years old in Pune and Mumbai, the stock market is no longer a distant, adult-only concept; it has become a symbol of independence, early financial planning, and the hope of building a secure future in an uncertain economy.
Karan Jadyar, keeping track of his investments for a secure future Starting from the college canteens to office break rooms, conversations among youngsters and young adults are increasingly peppered with words like Systematic Investment Plan (SIPs), equity, trading apps, and market dips. For many youngsters between 19 and 25 years old, the stock market is no longer a distant, adult-only concept; it has become a symbol of independence, early financial planning, and the hope of building a secure future in an uncertain economy.
India’s stock market participation has grown rapidly in recent years. According to data from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI’s) official site, the number of demat accounts necessary for investing in stocks has crossed more than 21 crore (210 million), with roughly one lakh new accounts being opened daily by October 2025.
Meanwhile, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) reported that the number of trading accounts surpassed 24 crore by July 2025 and continued rising through the year.
Interest in equities, mutual funds, and the broader capital market is driven by easy access to online platforms, abundant financial content on social media, and aspirational success stories.
From IPOs to SIPs
Jaydeep Saungar, a CA aspirant based in Pune, began his investing journey by applying for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), and plans to begin investing in mutual funds through SIPs soon.
“I applied for 7-8 IPOs in the past two months, but unfortunately, none of them got allotted to me. I have been wanting to start investing in mutual funds as well, but haven’t been able to yet.” Spending a significant amount of time on YouTube learning the basics of IPOs and looking up company financial documents is how Saungar made sure he was investing in the right companies.
He said, “I plan to begin SIPs in mutual funds from February. Investing through SIPs accumulates funds slowly, and when you get the money in the future, you understand the value. Even if you put in Rs 2000-3000 per month, in 10 years, it will grow to a significant amount. So I seriously want to start it in February onwards.”
Engineering student Aarav Kulkarni, 21, says, “I like stocks because they give me a sense of control, beyond just depending on a salary, and that patience matters more than fast profits.”
For Neha Patil, 20, a commerce student, social media was the gateway. She says, “You see people making trading look easy online, but real investing needs discipline, not shortcuts. And that I have learned through my hands-on experience on it.”
Soham Deshpande, 23, a freelance graphic designer, says slow investing feels safer and gives financial support. He says, “I invest small amounts every month, and I have seen friends lose big trying to double their money fast. That fear keeps me grounded.”
Gambling for inexperienced participants
Yet, the market’s appeal can blur the line between investing and gambling for inexperienced participants. While many young investors approach stocks with long-term discipline, an equally large group enters the world of active trading hoping for rapid returns. This can intensify emotional stress and financial risk when markets turn volatile.
Mumbai-based Karan Jadyar’s journey captures the emotional cost that can come with chasing faster market gains. In April 2025, Jadyar stepped into day-trading hoping to grow his money faster, and he earned over Rs 1 lakh on the first day itself.
Encouraged, he sold more than half of his long-term investments to trade actively. However, within the next two days, he lost Rs 6 lakh. Trying to recover, he had added more money, but the losses kept growing. In just 12 days, he lost Rs 22 lakh, and the emotional impact pushed him into depression. The turning point came when he told his mother, he recalls, and says, “She said, ‘Money doesn’t matter. You matter’.”
As Pune’s youth step confidently into the world of stocks and investments, such stories call for an important pause and offer a word of caution.
(Alister Augustine is an intern with The Indian Express)
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