Published Paper Details:

Financial literacy has emerged as a vital life skill, particularly for young adults who are beginning their financial journeys in an era of rapid market changes, digital platforms, and widespread misinformation. This study investigates the influence of financial literacy on the investment decisions of young investors in Bhopal, India. Using a structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents aged 18-30, the research analyses levels of awareness, preferred investment avenues, and risk tolerance, employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to assess associations between age and investment behaviour. The findings reveal that while awareness of investment options is relatively high, actual participation remains modest. Mutual funds and fixed deposits dominate portfolios, reflecting a preference for low- to medium-risk instruments, whereas cryptocurrencies and other volatile assets attract limited interest. Although no statistically significant relationship is found between age and investment behaviour, the results suggest that financial literacy enhances confidence, diversification, and the use of digital investment tools. The study contributes to commerce literature by providing an empirical snapshot of youth investing in an Indian context and highlights the persistent gap between financial knowledge and investment action. It recommends a twin-track approach: integrating financial education into academic curricula and designing youth-centric financial products that encourage responsible participation in markets.