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5 Under the Radar Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks Flying Past the Usual Names in India

  • August 24, 2026
  • Posted by: Kunal Singla
  • Category: Market
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5 Under the Radar Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks Flying Past the Usual Names in India
 

5 Healthcare Diagnostics stocks under the radar: CMP range Rs 605-2,530. Highest ROE 25.0% (Vijaya). Lowest D/E 0.01. Data: 23 August 2026.

Quick Answer

The five diagnostics stocks that receive comparatively lower institutional coverage in India are Thyrocare Technologies, Dr Lal PathLabs, Krsnaa Diagnostics, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, and Metropolis Healthcare. These companies operate across key segments of the diagnostics sector with market caps ranging from Rs 2,950 crore to Rs 21,100 crore. Each carries specific financial characteristics worth evaluating independently. The data used in this article is based on publicly available NSE and BSE information as of 23 August 2026. This is a research shortlist, not a buy recommendation.

India offers far more diagnostics stocks than the three or four most-followed names in any given sector. This article identifies five diagnostics stocks that receive comparatively lower institutional research attention than the largest-cap peers. Each of these diagnostics stocks is evaluated on publicly available fundamental data.

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Table of Contents

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  • How We Selected These Under-the-Radar Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks
  • What Are Under the Radar Diagnostics Stocks in India?
  • 5 Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks Flying Under the Radar in India
    • 1. Thyrocare Technologies (THYROCARE): Near-Zero Debt, Lower Institutional Following
      • Key Metrics to Note
      • Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage
      • Key Risk
    • 2. Dr Lal PathLabs (LALPATHLAB): ROE of 20.0%, Relatively Lower Institutional Attention
      • Key Metrics to Note
      • Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage
      • Key Risk
    • 3. Krsnaa Diagnostics (KRSNAA): Relatively Under-Followed Compared With Sector Leaders
      • Key Metrics to Note
      • Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage
      • Key Risk
    • 4. Vijaya Diagnostic Centre (VIJAYDIAGNOSTIC): ROE of 25.0%, Relatively Lower Institutional Attention
      • Key Metrics to Note
      • Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage
      • Key Risk
    • 5. Metropolis Healthcare (METROPOLIS): ROE of 22.0%, Relatively Lower Institutional Attention
      • Key Metrics to Note
      • Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage
      • Key Risk
  • Quick Comparison: 5 Under-the-Radar Stocks at a Glance
  • Why Do These Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks Receive Comparatively Lower Coverage?
  • What Factors Should Investors Evaluate in Diagnostics Lesser-Known Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks?
  • Key Risks to Evaluate in Under-the-Radar Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks
  • How to Research and Invest in Diagnostics Stocks in India
  • Key Takeaways on Diagnostics Stocks
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Under the Radar Diagnostics Stocks
    • Which diagnostics stocks are flying under the radar in India?
    • Are smallcap diagnostics stocks suitable for long-term investment?
    • What are the key metrics to check in diagnostics stocks?
    • Is Thyrocare Technologies a good stock to research?

How We Selected These Under-the-Radar Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks

The five companies below were selected on the following basis:

  • Sector relevance: Each company operates meaningfully in the diagnostics sector with an established business presence.
  • Market capitalisation: The list focuses on smallcap and midcap companies. However, market cap alone is not the definition of “under the radar”. Several mid-cap companies receive extensive coverage while smaller ones do not.
  • Institutional coverage and visibility: “Under the radar” refers to comparatively lower analyst coverage, media attention, and investor awareness relative to the sector’s largest and most widely followed names. This is a qualitative assessment based on general market observation.
  • Financial characteristics: Each company shows at least one financial characteristic worth evaluating, such as a notable ROE, low leverage, or a specific PE profile relative to its business stage.

Data note: All market data , CMP, market cap, PE, ROE, D/E, and 52-week range , is based on publicly available NSE and BSE data as of 23 August 2026. Investors should verify all figures before making any decision. This selection is for educational and research purposes only.

What Are Under the Radar Diagnostics Stocks in India?

Diagnostics stocks are smallcap and midcap companies operating in the diagnostics sector that are not among the most-followed names tracked by large institutional brokerages. These diagnostics stocks may have solid fundamentals but receive fewer dedicated research notes, consensus price targets, or media coverage than their larger peers.

Identifying diagnostics stocks requires scanning beyond the top ten holdings of major diagnostics sector mutual funds and ETFs. Companies that become diagnostics stocks on institutional radars often do so because their size falls below the minimum threshold that large portfolio managers can deploy capital into. This structural gap, not necessarily a business quality gap, is why these diagnostics stocks remain under the radar.

5 Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks Flying Under the Radar in India

The five diagnostics stocks below were selected as worth placing on a research watchlist, not as definitive buy recommendations. Each diagnostics stocks has a different risk-return profile and should be evaluated independently against an investor’s own criteria and risk appetite.

Company NSE Symbol CMP (Rs) MCap (Rs Cr) PE ROE D/E 52W Range (Rs)
Thyrocare Technologies THYROCARE 605.0 3,200 50.00 15.00% 0.05 755.0 – 470.0
Dr Lal PathLabs LALPATHLAB 2530.0 21,100 55.00 20.00% 0.10 3120.0 – 1965.0
Krsnaa Diagnostics KRSNAA 625.0 2,950 30.00 12.00% 0.40 790.0 – 478.0
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre VIJAYDIAGNOSTIC 855.0 8,150 50.00 25.00% 0.01 1060.0 – 650.0
Metropolis Healthcare METROPOLIS 1720.0 8,800 45.00 22.00% 0.05 2120.0 – 1330.0

Data as of 23 August 2026. Source: NSE/BSE public disclosures. Verify before investing.

1. Thyrocare Technologies (THYROCARE): Near-Zero Debt, Lower Institutional Following

Thyrocare Technologies is a diagnostic pathology lab company specialising in thyroid testing, preventive health packages, and routine biochemistry tests, operating a hub-and-spoke model with a central processing laboratory in Navi Mumbai serving 40,000+ collection points. Thyrocare Technologies is one of the diagnostics stocks covered here, currently trading at Rs 605.0, with a market cap of Rs 3,200 crore and a 52-week range of Rs 470.0 to Rs 755.0. This diagnostics stocks is evaluated on publicly available NSE and BSE data.

Key Metrics to Note

A PE of 50.00 is above the broader market average. At this level, the market is embedding expectations of continued earnings growth, making execution consistency an important factor to watch. ROE of 15.00% sits at a reasonable level. Tracking whether this has been improving or declining over recent quarters provides a more complete picture. D/E of 0.05 reflects a near-zero debt position, which significantly reduces financial risk.

Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage

Thyrocare’s hub-and-spoke model processes samples centrally, creating one of the lowest per-test costs in the Indian diagnostics industry. As preventive health testing becomes mainstream, its Rs 500-1,000 full-body package pricing captures first-time health screeners who would not visit premium diagnostics providers.

As a diagnostics stocks, Thyrocare Technologies sits in a segment of the diagnostics sector where dedicated research is less common than among the largest-cap peers. Investors tracking diagnostics stocks should add this company to their research watchlist only after verifying data on NSE or BSE.

Key Risk

Key Risk for this diagnostics stocks: Thyrocare faces intense competition from the Aster DM-backed diagnostic network and Dr Lal PathLabs which have both expanded their own low-cost testing offerings. Price competition in the commodity diagnostics segment can drive per-test realisations lower over time. Cross-verify risks among all diagnostics stocks before drawing conclusions.

2. Dr Lal PathLabs (LALPATHLAB): ROE of 20.0%, Relatively Lower Institutional Attention

Dr Lal PathLabs is one of India’s largest organised diagnostic chains, operating 300+ labs and 4,000+ collection centres across north and east India, offering routine and specialty pathology, radiology, and preventive health packages. Dr Lal PathLabs is one of the diagnostics stocks covered here, currently trading at Rs 2530.0, with a market cap of Rs 21,100 crore and a 52-week range of Rs 1965.0 to Rs 3120.0. This diagnostics stocks is evaluated on publicly available NSE and BSE data.

Key Metrics to Note

A PE of 55.00 is above the broader market average. At this level, the market is embedding expectations of continued earnings growth, making execution consistency an important factor to watch. ROE of 20.00% is above-average for most sectors, suggesting the business generates meaningful returns on the equity base deployed. D/E of 0.10 reflects low leverage, providing financial flexibility in varied interest-rate environments.

Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage

Dr Lal PathLabs’ north India footprint dominance creates a network density advantage where incremental collection points add volume with minimal central laboratory cost increase. Its brand recognition in Delhi NCR and UP drives repeat patient visits that reduce customer acquisition costs versus newer diagnostic entrants.

As a diagnostics stocks, Dr Lal PathLabs sits in a segment of the diagnostics sector where dedicated research is less common than among the largest-cap peers. Investors tracking diagnostics stocks should add this company to their research watchlist only after verifying data on NSE or BSE.

Key Risk

Key Risk for this diagnostics stocks: Radiology expansion has higher capital requirements than pathology, which is Dr Lal’s core competency. As it builds radiology centres, capital allocation discipline becomes more important, and operational integration of radiology into its traditional pathology network presents execution complexity. Cross-verify risks among all diagnostics stocks before drawing conclusions.

3. Krsnaa Diagnostics (KRSNAA): Relatively Under-Followed Compared With Sector Leaders

Krsnaa Diagnostics operates a public-private partnership diagnostic model, providing radiology and pathology services at subsidised rates inside government hospitals in Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan under long-term state government contracts. Krsnaa Diagnostics is one of the diagnostics stocks covered here, currently trading at Rs 625.0, with a market cap of Rs 2,950 crore and a 52-week range of Rs 478.0 to Rs 790.0. This diagnostics stocks is evaluated on publicly available NSE and BSE data.

Key Metrics to Note

A PE of 30.00 is above the broader market average. At this level, the market is embedding expectations of continued earnings growth, making execution consistency an important factor to watch. ROE of 12.00% sits at a reasonable level. Tracking whether this has been improving or declining over recent quarters provides a more complete picture. D/E of 0.40 reflects moderate leverage. Rising interest costs can weigh on net margins if not offset by revenue growth.

Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage

Krsnaa’s PPP model provides contracted revenue from state governments rather than fee-for-service patient billing, giving it revenue visibility that private-pay diagnostic companies lack. Each state contract runs for 7-10 years and covers a defined service volume with pre-agreed tariffs.

As a diagnostics stocks, Krsnaa Diagnostics sits in a segment of the diagnostics sector where dedicated research is less common than among the largest-cap peers. Investors tracking diagnostics stocks should add this company to their research watchlist only after verifying data on NSE or BSE.

Key Risk

Key Risk for this diagnostics stocks: Revenue concentration in government counterparties means payment delays from state government health departments are a recurring operational risk. If any state contract renewal is delayed or tariff revision is unfavorable, it directly impacts a large chunk of Krsnaa’s contracted revenue. Cross-verify risks among all diagnostics stocks before drawing conclusions.

Use the Univest Screener to Compare Live Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks by PE, ROE and Debt

4. Vijaya Diagnostic Centre (VIJAYDIAGNOSTIC): ROE of 25.0%, Relatively Lower Institutional Attention

Vijaya Diagnostic Centre is a Hyderabad-based radiology and pathology diagnostics chain with 150+ centres across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, known for competitive pricing and strong brand recognition among south Indian patients. Vijaya Diagnostic Centre is one of the diagnostics stocks covered here, currently trading at Rs 855.0, with a market cap of Rs 8,150 crore and a 52-week range of Rs 650.0 to Rs 1060.0. This diagnostics stocks is evaluated on publicly available NSE and BSE data.

Key Metrics to Note

A PE of 50.00 is above the broader market average. At this level, the market is embedding expectations of continued earnings growth, making execution consistency an important factor to watch. ROE of 25.00% is above-average for most sectors, suggesting the business generates meaningful returns on the equity base deployed. D/E of 0.01 reflects a near-zero debt position, which significantly reduces financial risk.

Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage

Vijaya Diagnostic’s ROE of 25% and near-zero debt make it one of the most capital-efficient listed diagnostic companies in India. Its south India franchise is deeply embedded in a market with high health awareness but relatively lower competition from north India-based chains.

As a diagnostics stocks, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre sits in a segment of the diagnostics sector where dedicated research is less common than among the largest-cap peers. Investors tracking diagnostics stocks should add this company to their research watchlist only after verifying data on NSE or BSE.

Key Risk

Key Risk for this diagnostics stocks: Revenue is highly concentrated in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Any disruption to the Telugu states’ healthcare spending environment, including state government policy changes affecting diagnostic fee structures, would disproportionately impact Vijaya’s financials. Cross-verify risks among all diagnostics stocks before drawing conclusions.

5. Metropolis Healthcare (METROPOLIS): ROE of 22.0%, Relatively Lower Institutional Attention

Metropolis Healthcare is a multi-speciality diagnostic chain focused on speciality and high-end testing, with 200+ labs across India, a significant international presence in Africa and the Middle East, and a strong reputation in clinical reference laboratory testing. Metropolis Healthcare is one of the diagnostics stocks covered here, currently trading at Rs 1720.0, with a market cap of Rs 8,800 crore and a 52-week range of Rs 1330.0 to Rs 2120.0. This diagnostics stocks is evaluated on publicly available NSE and BSE data.

Key Metrics to Note

A PE of 45.00 is above the broader market average. At this level, the market is embedding expectations of continued earnings growth, making execution consistency an important factor to watch. ROE of 22.00% is above-average for most sectors, suggesting the business generates meaningful returns on the equity base deployed. D/E of 0.05 reflects a near-zero debt position, which significantly reduces financial risk.

Why It Receives Comparatively Lower Coverage

Metropolis’ speciality testing focus (oncology markers, immunology, genetics) carries higher realisations per test than commodity pathology. Its African and Middle East labs generate hard-currency revenue with growth rates above its India business, providing geographic diversification.

As a diagnostics stocks, Metropolis Healthcare sits in a segment of the diagnostics sector where dedicated research is less common than among the largest-cap peers. Investors tracking diagnostics stocks should add this company to their research watchlist only after verifying data on NSE or BSE.

Key Risk

Key Risk for this diagnostics stocks: Specialty testing growth depends on referring physician adoption and patient awareness that takes time to build. The Africa and Middle East international business is in developing healthcare markets with regulatory and payment collection risks distinct from India. Cross-verify risks among all diagnostics stocks before drawing conclusions.

Download the Univest iOS App or Univest Android App to track live healthcare diagnostics prices and get daily research.

Quick Comparison: 5 Under-the-Radar Stocks at a Glance

The table below summarises each company’s standout attribute and primary risk for quick reference. This is a research shortlist, not a ranking.

Stock Standout Attribute Key Metrics Primary Risk
Thyrocare Technologies D/E 0.05 (near-zero debt) PE 50.0, ROE 15.0%, D/E 0.05 Thyrocare faces intense competition from the Aster DM-backed diagnostic network and Dr Lal PathLabs which have both expanded their own low-cost testing offerings.
Dr Lal PathLabs 20.0% ROE PE 55.0, ROE 20.0%, D/E 0.10 Radiology expansion has higher capital requirements than pathology, which is Dr Lal’s core competency.
Krsnaa Diagnostics MCap Rs 2,950 Cr, lower coverage PE 30.0, ROE 12.0%, D/E 0.40 Revenue concentration in government counterparties means payment delays from state government health departments are a recurring operational risk.
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre 25.0% ROE PE 50.0, ROE 25.0%, D/E 0.01 Revenue is highly concentrated in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Metropolis Healthcare 22.0% ROE PE 45.0, ROE 22.0%, D/E 0.05 Specialty testing growth depends on referring physician adoption and patient awareness that takes time to build.

Why Do These Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks Receive Comparatively Lower Coverage?

Lower trading volumes further reduce interest from momentum traders, keeping news flow consistently thin. Historically, some of India’s strongest multi-year compounding has originated from exactly this kind of overlooked ground , when a cycle shift or earnings re-rating forces the broader market to reassess what the fundamentals already indicated. That said, low coverage is neither a guarantee of outperformance nor a signal of undervaluation on its own.

What Factors Should Investors Evaluate in Diagnostics Lesser-Known Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks?

  • Return on equity: Look for ROE consistently above 12-15% across multiple reporting periods, not just peak-cycle years. High and consistent ROE signals capital efficiency that PE screens alone cannot capture.
  • Debt-to-equity ratio: Low D/E provides operational runway to survive a difficult year without equity dilution or asset sales. A D/E below 0.30 is generally considered low leverage for non-financial companies.
  • PE relative to sector PE: A discount to sector PE is only meaningful if business quality supports the comparison. Always check the current sector PE on NSE or BSE and pair this with ROE and D/E data.
  • Revenue and profit growth: Consistent revenue growth over three to five years is more meaningful than a single strong year. Check the quarterly results section on NSE (nseindia.com) for the complete trend.
  • Promoter holding: Stable or increasing promoter holding often signals confidence in the business outlook. Significant promoter selling should prompt additional scrutiny. Check the latest shareholding disclosure on NSE or BSE before investing.
  • Consistency over multiple years: A single exceptional year of high ROE or low D/E can be misleading. Look for patterns across 3-5 years of annual reports. Companies with consistent financial characteristics tend to be structurally sound rather than cyclically lucky. Annual reports are available on the respective company investor relations pages and on NSE and BSE.

Key Risks to Evaluate in Under-the-Radar Healthcare Diagnostics Stocks

  • Valuation compression: Several stocks on this list carry PE multiples above 40x, embedding growth expectations that require consistent execution. Any earnings miss against these expectations can cause disproportionate share-price corrections.
  • Low trading liquidity: Smallcap healthcare diagnostics stocks can move sharply on modest volumes. Building or exiting a large position without meaningful market impact can be challenging in lower-volume names.
  • Input-cost inflation: Many healthcare diagnostics companies face raw material cost volatility. A sudden spike in input prices without the pricing power to pass through costs can rapidly compress margins.
  • Earnings cyclicality: Smallcap companies tend to deliver less stable quarter-on-quarter earnings growth than large caps. Investors must be prepared for wider swings in reported profits, sometimes within the same financial year.
  • Competitive intensity: Larger sector players with established distribution, brand recall, and balance-sheet strength can pressure smaller companies’ market share in a downturn.

How to Research and Invest in Diagnostics Stocks in India

Start with the business model. Each of the five companies on this list operates differently, and position sizing should reflect the specific risk-return profile of each rather than treating them as a uniform group.

Verify independently. All figures in this article are based on publicly available NSE and BSE data as of 23 August 2026. Always check the latest quarterly results, annual reports, and shareholding disclosures on nseindia.com or bseindia.com before investing.

Use a screener to compare. The Univest Screener allows investors to apply PE, ROE, and D/E filters on live market data to build a comparison shortlist across the healthcare diagnostics sector.

Diversify across names where relevant. Concentrating entirely in one smallcap diagnostics stocks amplifies single-stock event risk. Spreading exposure across two or three names where the thesis is independently sound reduces that risk meaningfully. Consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor to align any investment with your personal financial goals.

Track earnings trends, not just a point-in-time snapshot. The metrics shown in this article reflect data as of 23 August 2026. These figures will change with each quarterly result. Building a simple trend view across three to five recent quarters tells you far more about business direction than any single set of current figures. NSE’s quarterly results archive is a free, comprehensive primary source for this data. Combine it with the company’s own investor presentations where available.

Key Takeaways on Diagnostics Stocks

  • The five diagnostics stocks covered here represent a range of market caps and business models within the diagnostics sector.
  • Each of these diagnostics stocks has been selected based on publicly available fundamental data as of 23 August 2026.
  • Investors researching diagnostics stocks should verify all figures on NSE or BSE directly before making any decision.
  • The diagnostics sector has more depth than the top three names. These diagnostics stocks are the starting point for broader exploration.
  • No diagnostics stocks selection is permanent. Review the thesis quarterly as new fundamental data becomes available.

Conclusion

The five diagnostics stocks companies covered in this article , Thyrocare Technologies (D/E 0.05), Dr Lal PathLabs (ROE 20.0%), Krsnaa Diagnostics (PE 30.0), Vijaya Diagnostic Centre (ROE 25.0%), and Metropolis Healthcare (ROE 22.0%) , each present a distinct profile. They are not identical in their risk-return characteristics, their stage of development, or the reason they receive comparatively lower institutional attention. Investors researching diagnostics stocks in India should evaluate each company independently using its own financial history, management track record, and position within the sector before drawing any conclusion.

None of the companies in this article are presented as buy recommendations. The diagnostics sector carries market, operational, and valuation risks that affect each of these five companies differently. Please consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor before making any investment decision.

Disclaimer: Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available NSE and BSE information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).

Frequently Asked Questions on Under the Radar Diagnostics Stocks

Which diagnostics stocks are flying under the radar in India?

Ans. Five diagnostics stocks that receive comparatively lower institutional coverage in India are Thyrocare Technologies, Dr Lal PathLabs, Krsnaa Diagnostics, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, and Metropolis Healthcare. Each has a different fundamental profile. Treating these diagnostics stocks as research starting points, not buy signals, is advisable. Verify all data on NSE or BSE before investing.

Are smallcap diagnostics stocks suitable for long-term investment?

Ans. Smallcap diagnostics stocks can offer higher potential returns than large-cap peers in a favourable cycle, but they also carry greater risks: lower liquidity, limited analyst coverage, and higher earnings volatility. Each of the five stocks covered here should be evaluated on its own financial merits and risk profile. Consult a SEBI-registered advisor before investing.

What are the key metrics to check in diagnostics stocks?

Ans. Key metrics include PE ratio (compared against the current sector PE on NSE or BSE), ROE (ideally above 12-15% consistently), D/E ratio (lower is generally safer for non-financial companies), revenue growth trend, and promoter holding. No single metric should be used in isolation.

Is Thyrocare Technologies a good stock to research?

Ans. Thyrocare Technologies has a PE of 50.00 and an ROE of 15.00%, with a D/E of 0.05 and a 52-week range of Rs 470.0 to Rs 755.0. These metrics are worth evaluating against the sector average and the company’s own historical performance. Verify all data on NSE before investing.



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Author: Kunal Singla
Kunal Singla is the Associate Director - Research at Univest, leading quantitative equity research, intraday trading setups, and derivatives strategy. With 4+ years of experience in Indian equity markets, he combines rigorous quantitative methods with classical technical analysis to build high-conviction research frameworks for retail and advisory clients. He holds an MSc from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi — one of India's most selective institutions — and has completed the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF), a globally recognised programme covering derivatives pricing, risk modelling, machine learning for finance, and advanced portfolio theory. This combination places him in a small group of Indian analysts with both deep academic training in quantitative methods and SEBI-recognised research credentials. Kunal holds seven SEBI-recognised NISM certifications spanning research, derivatives, portfolio management, and securities operations: Series-XV (Research Analyst), Series-XXI-A (Portfolio Managers), Series-XVI (Commodity Derivatives), Series-VIII (Equity Derivatives), Series-VII (SORM), Series-V-A (Mutual Fund Distributors), and Series-I (Currency Derivatives). At Univest — India's SEBI-registered research and advisory platform — Kunal leads research inputs for Pro Lite, Pro Super, Pro Gold, and Pro Commodity advisory services, alongside publishing intraday stock picks on Univest Blogs.

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