Driven by a sustained rally in bullion prices, India’s gold loan market is experiencing unprecedented growth. The average ticket size surged 39% year-over-year to Rs.1.96 lakh in FY26, effectively doubling over three years. This nationwide portfolio expansion underscores robust credit demand and a broader penetration of formal financial services across demographics.

Gold loans have become the largest securitised asset class in India during the April-June quarter of FY27, overtaking vehicle loans for the first time this financial year, according to a CRISIL Ratings report. The report showed gold loans accounted for around 31% of total securitisation volumes, ahead of vehicle loans at 26%, as overall issuances rose 22% year-on-year to about Rs.60,000 crore.

Analysts attribute the sharp trajectory to enhanced collateral valuations, which have allowed borrowers to leverage existing assets for higher credit limits amid tightening liquidity in alternative retail segments.

The growth story is also becoming increasingly broad-based across the country. While southern India remains an important market for gold loans, there is strong momentum in newer geographies, according to Experian, a provider of credit information.

Strong YoY sourcing growth in FY26 was seen in states such as Uttar Pradesh (+138%), West Bengal (+112%), Rajasthan (+105%) and Maharashtra (+102%), highlighting growing acceptance of gold-backed lending beyond its traditional regional concentration and indicating a broader pan-India expansion trend