A recent report by matrimony platform shows that Indian singles are taking more time before tying the knot. Over the past decade, the median age for marriage has increased from 27 to 29. Today, half of the platform’s users begin searching for a partner at 29, suggesting that career growth, financial stability, and personal readiness are becoming bigger priorities than early marriage.
The study also highlights a noticeable rise in people seeking a second marriage. In 2016, around 11% of users were looking for remarriage. By 2025, that number rose to 16%, marking a 43% increase. Interestingly, 15% of the interest shown in divorced profiles now comes from individuals who have never been married. In fact, one in six success stories on the platform involves a second marriage. This clearly reflects a growing social acceptance of divorce and remarriage in India.
Another major shift is what people now value in a partner. About 90% of users say finding the “right person” matters more than factors like age or income. Caste, once considered essential, is losing importance. In 2016, 91% of users saw caste as a must-have filter. By 2025, that number dropped to 54%, and in metro cities, it is even lower at 49%.
The way profiles are managed has also changed. More individuals are now taking charge of their own marriage search. Self-managed profiles have increased from 67% in 2016 to 77% today, while family-managed profiles have fallen from 33% to 23%. Still, family involvement remains important. About 69% of users believe that having parents involved makes the process easier, showing a balance between independence and family support.
Gender roles are evolving too. Only 8% of users believe that one partner should be the sole breadwinner. A large majority of men, 87% are comfortable marrying women who earn more than them. Meanwhile, 15% of women say they are open to marrying men who earn less.
According to matrimony’s Chief Business Officer, Indian singles today are more thoughtful about choosing partners. They focus on compatibility, shared values, and emotional readiness rather than rigid conditions or social timelines.
The findings point to a broader cultural shift – marriage in India is becoming more about personal choice, equality, and readiness than tradition alone.
