Post-Covid Stock Market Participation in India: Behavioural Shifts, Digital Transformation, and Policy Gaps

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented changes in investor behaviour, with India witnessing a rapid surge in stock market participation via digital platforms. This paper investigates the behavioural economics underlying this shift, evaluating the role of fintech platforms in altering individual investment decisions. It further examines the psychological motivations of retail investors, such as risk tolerance, herd behaviour, and financial anxiety. The study suggests that post-COVID digital adoption must be complemented by behavioural financial literacy initiatives to sustain inclusive financial participation.