RBI Reports Improvement in India’s Financial Inclusion Index to 70.0 in March 2026

India’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) increased to 70.0 for the year ended March 2026, compared with 67.0 in March 2025, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The improvement was recorded across all three components of the index—Access, Usage and Quality. The RBI stated that stronger growth in the Usage component was the principal factor behind the overall increase, indicating that financial products and services are being used more extensively and effectively across the country.

Introduced in August 2021 for the financial year ended March 2021, the FI-Index provides a consolidated assessment of financial inclusion in India. It was developed by the RBI in consultation with the Central Government and relevant financial-sector regulators.

The index is measured on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of zero indicates complete financial exclusion, while a score of 100 represents comprehensive financial inclusion.

Its calculation is based on three weighted parameters:

• Access – 35%: Measures the availability and reach of financial services.
• Usage – 45%: Evaluates the extent and effectiveness of their use.
• Quality – 20%: Assesses financial literacy, consumer protection, inequalities and deficiencies in service delivery.

Together, these parameters cover multiple dimensions through 97 indicators. The assessment incorporates information from banking, investment, insurance, postal and pension services, making it a broad measure of participation in India’s formal financial system. CA Sansaar

The rise in the FI-Index reflects continued progress in the reach, adoption and quality of financial services, with higher usage emerging as the key contributor during the year ended March 2026.