New Delhi, September 9, 2025 –The new tax regime for FY’26 has been a game-changer for India’s professionals. Those earning up to ₹12.75 LPA now pay zero tax, creating substantial surplus income.
But here’s the surprising part: a comprehensive Naukri survey reveals that instead of splurging, the vast majority are channeling these savings into investments and debt repayment.
On the awareness front, a significant 43% of professionals still remain either unclear or completely unaware of the new tax regime’s benefits. Paradoxically, awareness is highest among those at the very start of their careers, with 64% of freshers being fully informed, compared to an average of just 57% for those with over five years of experience.
Professionals Prioritize Savings and Debt Repayment Over Lifestyle Upgrades
The nationwide survey, which gathered insights from over 20,000 jobseekers across 30+ industries and 8+ cities, paints a clear picture of a financially responsible workforce. A commanding 57% of respondents are primarily using their extra income to save or invest more, while another 30% are diligently paying off existing debts. This disciplined approach leaves only a small fraction for discretionary spending, with just 9% upgrading their lifestyle and a mere 4% spending on travel and leisure.
Emerging Tech Professionals Drive Savings Boom; FMCG Professionals Diversify Investments
Professionals in the Emerging Technologies industry are leading the charge, with an overwhelming 76% allocating their surplus to savings. They are closely followed by those in Auto (63%) and Pharma (57%). When it comes to long-term retirement planning & investments, professionals in FMCG (64%) and Hospitality (+60%) are among the most committed.
However, professionals from the finance sectors showed less inclination towards dedicated retirement funds, with almost 30% professionals in Management Consulting and 1 in 4 from Investment Banking preferring other, more diversified investment avenues.
The Fresher Paradox: A Year of Indulgence Followed by a Sharp Pivot to Serious Savings
While the overall sentiment leans heavily towards saving, freshers are a notable exception. Thirty-one percent of professionals in their first job are using the extra income to upgrade their lifestyle, and 14% are spending it on travel—the highest across any experience bracket.
However, this pattern undergoes a dramatic reversal almost immediately. After just one year of experience, the focus shifts decisively towards saving, with 69% of employees in the 0-1 year bracket prioritizing investments—a figure more than double that of freshers (34%).
Delhi Tops Savings Charts, Chennai Leads Debt Repayment
The survey also shed light on distinct geographical priorities and awareness levels. Professionals in Delhi (63%) and Gurgaon (64%) are the most dedicated savers in the country. In contrast, Chennai stands out with the highest percentage of respondents (44%) using their surplus to pay off debts, reflecting a more cautious, debt-averse financial strategy in the southern metropolis. Meanwhile, Mumbai (51%) leads in channeling savings specifically towards retirement funds.
