Chennai’s Young Adults Report Higher Uncertainty Levels: Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance’s अ-Nishchit Index 2.0

अ‑Nishchit Index 2.0 is a nationwide study commissioned by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance that evaluates how Indians across cities and life stages perceive uncertainty. The 2025 edition broadens the framework to 49 statements across 11 parameters — spanning financial security, health, mental and social well‑being, career, safety, environmental and societal concerns — offering a deeper view of the country’s evolving anxieties.

India continues to experience elevated levels of uncertainty fueled by financial pressures, health‑related concerns, safety issues, and wider societal challenges. The national Index stands at 79, reflecting persistent anxieties around financial preparedness, healthcare expenses, mental well‑being, and long‑term stability despite economic progress.

Chennai mirrors this trend with an Index of 83 — significantly higher than both national and regional levels. The fear that crime rates will rise is the city’s top worry, followed by concerns that rising costs of essential goods could erode savings. Personal safety fears, escalating healthcare costs, data security worries, pollution levels, mental health challenges, outbreaks of new viruses, global economic disruptions, and difficulty maintaining work‑life balance form Chennai’s top 10 anxieties.

The city’s uncertainty stems from both uncontrollable and controllable factors. Crime, personal safety, pollution, data breaches, and global disruptions are largely seen as beyond individual influence. At the same time, challenges such as healthcare preparedness, income stability, mental well‑being, and financial planning are viewed as areas where improved readiness and proactive decision‑making can help reduce anxiety.

Financial behaviour plays a clear role. Uncertainty peaks at 87 among residents owning three insurance policies but declines among those with broader protection coverage. A similar pattern emerges in investment behaviour, with the highest uncertainty among individuals holding only one investment instrument (86). Socio‑economic segmentation shows higher vulnerability in SEC B (86) and SEC C (85), compared to SEC A (80).

Age‑based differences are pronounced. Gen Z and Millennials record the highest uncertainty at 85, compared to Gen X (79) and Baby Boomers (83). Gender differences remain narrow, though women report slightly higher uncertainty (85) than men (82). Across professions, business owners (84) and salaried individuals (83) show comparable levels. By life stage, single individuals exhibit the highest uncertainty (88), followed by married individuals without children (83), and married individuals with children (81).

Overall, Chennai’s findings align with the broader national picture where uncertainty continues to shape future planning across life stages. As financial responsibilities, healthcare readiness, and lifestyle pressures converge, the ability to plan ahead and secure adequate protection remains essential to building confidence and reducing uncertainty.