Study: 97% of Indian Women Prioritize Commitment Over Casual Dating
A new study from Aisle, the Bengaluru-based dating app focused on meaningful relationships, suggests that India’s dating culture is entering a new era of emotional depth and long-term intent. Titled “The Commitment Decade,” the research analyzed responses from 3,400 urban Indian singles and found that 97% of women now prioritize commitment – compared to 80% of men – signaling a sharp decline in enthusiasm for casual dating.
The report, which surveyed millennials (74%), Gen Z (25%), and a small share of older respondents, highlights a growing maturity in the way Indian singles approach relationships. “The dating market has moved past its experimental phase and is settling into equilibrium,” said Chandni Gaglani, Head of Aisle Network. “The data highlights a clear shift; people are prioritizing real connections and meaningful dialogue instead of endless superficial matches and swipes.”
Respondents from metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR showed the strongest inclination toward serious relationships. Nearly one in three women said they would consider marriage within a year of dating, while 55% have seen couples marry after meeting online – underscoring the mainstream acceptance of dating apps as a legitimate path to matrimony.
The study also reveals how emotional and psychological wellbeing have become central to modern romance. Two-thirds of Gen Z women said they would end a relationship over mental health concerns, and over half of all respondents believe discussing therapy should be normalized in dating conversations.
While traditional markers like astrology retain cultural significance – 30% of millennial women said it still influences their relationship decisions – seven in ten respondents prioritize personal compatibility instead. The role of technology is similarly evolving: most daters prefer AI-assisted matches verified by humans rather than algorithm-only pairings.
Generational differences remain, but both millennials and Gen Z share a common goal: authenticity. Millennials tend to equate commitment with stability and shared values, while Gen Z redefines it through honesty and emotional maturity. Across demographics, emotional intelligence has emerged as the new “dating currency,” with inconsistent behavior, lack of effort, and emotional unavailability ranking among the top deal-breakers.
As digital matchmaking continues to gain social legitimacy, Aisle’s findings reflect a broader cultural transformation – one where Indian singles are moving decisively away from hookup culture and toward relationships grounded in emotional depth, trust, and long-term intent.
