With reference to the Indian capital market and securities investors, consider the following statements: 1. West Bengal saw securities market investors grow to over 90 lakh by the year 2020. 2. The number of securities market investors in West Bengal was 12 lakh in 2015. 3. Indian companies raise more than Rs 10 lakh crore annually through equity and debt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

West Bengal securities market investors grew from 12 lakh to over 90 lakh

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Capital markets & SEBI· Prelims· 31 October 2026

Capital market democratization and retail participation: a relevant GS3 economic growth case study.

Why in news

SEBI Chairman highlighted the expansion of the Indian capital market and the significant growth of securities market investors in West Bengal.

Background

Companies in India raise more than Rs 10 lakh crore annually through equity and debt. In West Bengal, the number of securities market investors increased from 12 lakh in 2015 to over 90 lakh as of 2026.

Facts for Prelims

FactWest Bengal securities market investors grew from 12 lakh in 2015 to over 90 lakh in 2026
FactIndian companies raise over Rs 10 lakh crore annually through equity and debt
BodySEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is the regulator responsible for streamlining IPO processes and merchant banking requirements

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Indian capital market and securities investors, consider the following statements:

West Bengal saw securities market investors grow to over 90 lakh by the year 2020.
The number of securities market investors in West Bengal was 12 lakh in 2015.
Indian companies raise more than Rs 10 lakh crore annually through equity and debt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)3 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The note states the growth was as of 2026.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the measures taken by SEBI to enhance capital market efficiency and the implications of increasing retail investor participation in the Indian economy.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Regulatory streamlining: Impact of relaxed merchant banking requirements on IPO accessibility
Market democratization: Shift from institutional to retail-led investment patterns in regional economies

Keywords: Capital Market · Equity and Debt · Regulatory Framework · Market Democratization · IPO Process

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