The Bombay Stock Exchange launched the BSE Saatvik 100 Index on June 17, 2026, to provide a benchmark for ethical investing in India [1, 2].
This launch marks a shift toward value-based investing in the Indian market. By creating a formal index based on "Saatvik" principles, the BSE allows investors to avoid companies that produce toxic or addictive products or engage in violence [1, 3].
The index is managed by the BSE and its subsidiary, BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd. [1, 2]. It consists of 100 stocks [1], which are selected from the broader BSE 500 Index [3].
Companies are vetted based on cultural and philosophical criteria. This includes a focus on non-violence, and the avoidance of industries that conflict with Saatvik ethics [1, 3].
Financial services currently hold the largest weight in the index [2]. Specific top holdings include HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank [4].
The index was unveiled at the BSE headquarters in Mumbai [2]. It aims to give investors a structured way to ensure their portfolios align with their personal and ethical beliefs [1, 3].
“India’s first stock‑market index built around ‘Saatvik’ ethical investing principles.”
The introduction of the Saatvik 100 Index formalizes a niche for ethical investing in India, moving beyond general ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics toward specific cultural and philosophical mandates. By filtering the BSE 500 through these lenses, the exchange is creating a standardized tool for investors who prioritize moral alignment over pure financial optimization.
