Indian singles are rewriting the rules of relationships, prioritising compatibility over convention. According to Jeevansathi’s Modern Matchmaking Report 2025, based on insights from over 21,000 respondents, men are more inclined toward love and romance, while women seek long-term compatibility.
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Love, Compatibility, and Changing Expectations
The survey reveals that 47% of men prioritise love when choosing a partner, compared to just 29% of women. Instead, 39% of women prioritise compatibility, with only 11% considering financial stability a deciding factor. Regional differences also play a role—while singles in Delhi and Mumbai favour romance, those in Bangalore emphasise compatibility.
Relocation vs. Staying Home: The Parental Dilemma
Traditional expectations are shifting, but not without resistance. About 40% of singles are open to relocating abroad for love, yet 70% of parents still prefer them to marry in India or return eventually. Singles in Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore are more open to marrying an NRI, whereas Delhi respondents lean toward partners settled in India.
Marriage Decisions: Who’s in Charge?
Autonomy in marriage is on the rise. Only 4% of respondents said they would let their parents make the final decision on their life partner, signalling a clear shift in decision-making power. Astrology remains a factor for some—especially in Delhi, where one in three singles still consider kundli matching essential—while Mumbai singles prioritise personal compatibility.
The Cost of Weddings: Who Pays?
The idea of shared financial responsibility is gaining traction. About 72% of singles believe wedding expenses should be split between partners, while only 17% think the person desiring a grand wedding should cover the cost. Even parents support this shift, reducing the traditional financial burden on one side of the family.
What’s the Right Age to Marry?
Younger singles (under 27) believe 27-30 is the ideal age to tie the knot, while older respondents and many parents advocate waiting until the right partner is found. The flexibility in marriage timelines reflects a move toward individual choice over societal pressure.
As modern relationships evolve, singles are finding ways to balance love, values, and independence. Jeevansathi’s report underscores the changing dynamics of Indian matchmaking, where love is important—but so is finding the right fit for a lifetime.