As India emerges as a $7-trillion economy, brands are shifting from intuition-based decisions to insight-driven strategies. From startups exploring new markets to global corporations scaling in India, market research firms have become the foundation for informed business growth.
Here’s a deep dive into the top 5 market research companies in India for 2026 — the ones redefining how businesses discover, analyze, and act on data.
1. Stratistics Market Research Consulting (SMRC)
Headquarters: Hyderabad, India | Founded: 2015
Specialization: Syndicated reports, customized consulting, market forecasts, feasibility studies
Why it stands out:
SMRC has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing and most comprehensive research firms in India, offering data-rich insights across 30+ industries — from pharmaceuticals and advanced materials to automotive, chemicals, and renewable energy.
Unlike traditional research agencies, SMRC’s methodology blends quantitative forecasting with qualitative competitive mapping, giving decision-makers both the numbers and the narratives. Their proprietary tools like SMRC DataVision allow clients to access multi-year forecasts with just a few clicks.
Core Expertise:
1. Market sizing and CAGR projections
2. Opportunity mapping and demand estimation
3. Feasibility and investment studies
4. Market entry and competitive landscape analysis
Why clients choose SMRC:
✅ Global and India-specific insights
✅ Industry forecasts updated quarterly
✅ High accuracy and visually structured data reports
✅ Ideal for investors, manufacturers, and consulting firms
Top sectors served: Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Advanced Materials, Energy & Power, Packaging, Automotive
2. NielsenIQ India
Headquarters: Mumbai
Specialization: Retail analytics, consumer behavior, e-commerce insights
NielsenIQ continues to dominate with its large-scale retail panel data and digital tracking solutions. Its AI-based consumption trend tools provide FMCG and e-commerce brands with granular insights into buying behavior, regional segmentation, and category performance.
Why it matters in 2026:
With India’s retail market expanding rapidly, NielsenIQ’s ability to merge real-time data and AI modeling makes it a preferred partner for companies optimizing their shelf strategy or product launches.
Focus areas: FMCG, Retail, E-commerce, Consumer Analytics
3. Kantar India
Headquarters: Gurgaon
Specialization: Brand strategy, consumer sentiment, media intelligence
Kantar brings behavioral science and analytics together to help brands understand why consumers buy. Through their BrandZ and Worldpanel datasets, Kantar delivers insights into brand health, loyalty, and advertising effectiveness.
Edge in 2026:
Their integration of neuroscience, digital ethnography, and AI dashboards helps brands create storytelling that emotionally connects with consumers — something irreplaceable in a data-saturated world.
Focus areas: Branding, Advertising, Media, and Digital Research
4. Ipsos India
Headquarters: Mumbai
Specialization: Opinion research, social analytics, customer experience
Ipsos India is known for deep socio-economic research and public opinion analysis. It applies behavioral frameworks and advanced modeling to decode not just what consumers do, but why they do it.
Why it stands out:
Ipsos blends traditional surveys with neuroscience and emotion analytics. This humanized data approach helps businesses understand shifting sentiments — from product preference to political opinion.
Focus areas: Public affairs, healthcare, service experience, consumer research
5. IMRB International (Part of Kantar Group)
Headquarters: Mumbai
Specialization: Quantitative and qualitative research, trend forecasting
A legacy research company with decades of experience, IMRB continues to be a trusted partner for India-specific consumer studies and media analytics.
Why it remains relevant:
Despite market consolidation, IMRB’s strong field network, hybrid research tools, and ability to decode regional behavior make it invaluable for localized insights.
Focus areas: Market monitoring, rural research, brand perception studies
Emerging Research Innovators to Watch
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Majestic MRSS: AI-driven qualitative and sensory testing
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Feedback Business Consulting: Industrial and infrastructure market mapping
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Dun & Bradstreet India: B2B risk intelligence and business analytics
Market Research Trends in India for 2026
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| AI & Predictive Analytics | Firms are using AI tools for real-time consumer sentiment tracking. |
| Regional Data Expansion | Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities are becoming growth hotspots for localized research. |
| Sustainability Metrics | Brands want ESG and sustainability perception studies for investor confidence. |
| Hybrid Data Models | Combining digital tracking + traditional surveys for holistic results. |
How to Choose the Right Market Research Partner
| Factor | What to Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Industry Experience | Do they have experience in your specific niche (e.g., pharma, FMCG, tech)? |
| Methodologies Used | Look for hybrid models – survey + digital analytics. |
| Data Transparency | Do they provide raw datasets, visuals, and clear methodology? |
| Scalability | Can they handle both India-specific and global research needs? |
Market research in 2026 is no longer just about collecting data — it’s about translating insights into strategy.
If you’re entering the Indian market, launching a product, or evaluating investment feasibility, Stratistics Market Research Consulting (SMRC) and the other leaders on this list will give you the clarity, confidence, and competitive edge you need.
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