Long-term Stocks in India for 2026 for Multibagger Returns

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Investing in long-term stocks is considered one of the most effective and innovative ways to build wealth and achieve long-term growth and stability. Long-term stocks in India are suitable for holding periods of 5-10 years, which allows investors to benefit from compounding and market flexibility. These stocks are mainly from companies with strong business fundamentals, consistent earnings, low debt, and a clear vision for the future. 

Long-term investing allows you to benefit from the compounding of short-term market fluctuations. By focusing on the fundamentally strong companies with business models, investors can aim for steady growth and long-term valuation creation. 

Long-term stocks are ideal for investors who believe in patience and discipline, for those who understand that wealth is created not by timing the market but by staying invested in the right businesses over the long term. This article will guide you on investing in the best long-term stocks for 2026 in India, including their benefits and risks, and offer clarity on investing in long-term stocks in India. 

What are Long Term Stocks?

Long-term stocks refer to equity investments that are held for more than one year and fulfil the conditions for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax. Long-term stocks comprise securities used for long-term investment, serving both capital protection and return-generation purposes. Many investors consider a 5-year or longer time horizon to benefit from compounding, steady growth, and companies with strong fundamentals, consistent earnings, and sustainable business models.

Best Long Term Stocks in India with Market Capitalisation

Here is the list of the best long-term stocks in India: Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and more.

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Long-Term Stocks | Company Overview

1. Reliance Industries

Founded: 1958

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Market Capitalisation: ₹20,45,771 crores

Reliance Industries Limited is an Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai. Its businesses include energy, petrochemicals, natural gas, retail, entertainment, telecommunications, mass media, and textiles. Reliance is the largest public company in India by market capitalisation and revenue, and the 86th largest company worldwide. The revenue of Reliance Industries is approximately ₹9.98 lakh crores, and the total assets are ₹19.50 lakh crores, with the total operating income of ₹1.83 lakh crores. It is best to consider investing in long-term stocks in India, and Reliance Industries has completed the sale process of its 76% equity stake in a Mauritius-based oil company.

2. HDFC Bank

Founded: 1994

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Market Capitalisation: ₹15,21,447 crores

HDFC Bank Limited is an Indian banking and financial services company and is considered India’s largest private sector bank by assets and market capitalisation. In 2023, it was the sixteenth-largest employer in India, with over 173,000 employees, following its takeover of the parent company. HDFC Bank offers a range of products and services. It is considered one of the best Diwali picks for investors. The total revenue of HDFC Bank is ₹4.71 lakh crore, with total assets of ₹39.10 lakh crore and total net income of ₹70,792 crore. It is considered one of the best long-term stocks in India for 2026. 

3. Bharti Airtel Limited

Founded: 1995

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Market Capitalisation: ₹12,43,774 crores

Bharti Airtel Limited is an Indian multinational telecommunications company that provides 5G, 4G, and LTE Advanced services throughout India. It is the second-largest mobile network operator in India, with an operating income of ₹94,249 crore, a net income of ₹37,481 crore, and total assets of ₹514,360 crore. Investors can consider Bharti Airtel Ltd. as one of the best Long-term stocks for 2026 in India. Airtel is credited with pioneering the strategic management of outsourcing all of its business operations, except for marketing, sales, and finance, and building the ‘minutes factory’ model of low cost and high volumes.

4. ICICI Bank

Founded: 1955

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra 

Market Capitalisation: ₹9,71,120 crores

ICICI Ltd. is an Indian multinational bank and financial services company that offers a wide range of banking and financial services for corporate and retail customers through various delivery channels and specialised subsidiaries in the areas of investment banking, life insurance, and non-life insurance. ICICI Bank is considered the best P/B Ratio stock for 2026 in India. The total Revenue for FY25 is ₹2.946 trillion, with an operating income of ₹777.59 billion, and a total net income of ₹510.29 billion. It is considered one of the best long-term stocks for 2026 in India.   

 5. State Bank of India

Founded: 1955  

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Market Capitalisation: ₹8,83,693 crores

State Bank of India (SBI) is an Indian multinational public sector bank and financial services statutory body, headquartered in Mumbai. It is also the tenth-largest employer in India, with nearly 250,000 employees. As of 2024, SBI has 500 million customers, and its FY25 total revenue is ₹5.24 trillion, with operating income of ₹1.10 trillion; total net income is approximately ₹709.1 billion. As of September 2025, the SBI group had 63,580 ATMs and 82,900 BC outlets. In 2024-25, the bank had 241 overseas offices across 36 countries, with the most considerable presence in foreign markets among Indian banks. It is considered one of the best long-term stocks for 2026 in India. 

6. Bajaj Finance

Founded: 1987 

Headquarters: Pune, India

Market Capitalisation: ₹6,29,653 crores

Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) is a deposit-taking Indian non-banking financial company headquartered in Pune. It has a customer base of 101.82 million and holds assets under management worth ₹416,743 crore, as of March 2025. The total revenue for FY25 is ₹69,725 crore, the operating income is ₹26,388 crore, and the net income is ₹16,779 crore. In September 2025, Bajaj Finance amended its Fair Disclosure Code in accordance with SEBI’s PIT Regulations, as approved by the board. Earlier in the same month, the company clarified regarding the unawareness of the reasons for the significant volume. It is considered one of the best Long-term stocks for 2026 in India.

7. Life Insurance Corporation

Founded: 1956 

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Market Capitalisation: ₹5,69,281 crores

The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is an Indian public sector life insurance company headquartered in Mumbai. It is India’s largest insurance company and its largest institutional investor with total assets under management worth ₹54.52 lakh crore as of March 2025. The total revenue of the LIC of India is ₹8.88 lakh crore, the net operating income is ₹56,267 crore, and the total net income is ₹48,320 crore. The LIC benefited from this process and, in 2013, reported that the first-year premium compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 24.53%, while the total life premium CAGR was 19.28%. LIC stocks are consistently rising, making them the best long-term investment in India for 2026 for investors willing to invest in such stocks for growth and profitability. 

8. Larsen & Toubro

Founded: 1946

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Market Capitalisation: ₹5,43,815 crores

Larsen & Toubro Limited is an Indian multinational conglomerate with interests in industrial technology, heavy industry, engineering, construction, manufacturing, power, information technology, defence, and many more. As of 31st March 2022, the company had 45,615 permanent employees, out of which 2,997 were women and 48 employees and disabilities. At the same period, the company had 200,062 workers on a contract basis.  L&T Mutual Fund is a company of the L&T Group. Its average assets under management (AUM) as of May 2019 is ₹73,936.68 crores. Investors can consider L&T as one of the best long-term investments in India, offering higher growth and stability. 

9. Maruti Suzuki

Founded: 1981

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Market Capitalisation: ₹4,93,206 crores

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is a publicly listed Indian subsidiary of Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation. It is the largest automobile manufacturer in India, specialising in small cars. The company was established by the Government of India as Maruti Udyog Limited in February 1981 as a joint venture with Suzuki, marking the first major foreign automaker’s investment in India. The total operating income of Maruti Suzuki India is ₹17,424 crore, with a total net income of ₹13,488 crore and a net worth of total assets of ₹115,353 crore. The company planned to launch its first electric car, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R electric, in the second half of 2021, but later cancelled the plan. It is stated as the best long-term stocks in India for investment, leading to profitability and growth. 

10. Mahindra & Mahindra

Founded: 1945

Headquarters: Worli, Mumbai

Market Capitalisation: ₹4,66,771 crores

Mahindra & Mahindra is an Indian automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was established in 1945 as Mahindra & Mohammed and later renamed Mahindra & Mahindra. Part of the Mahindra Group, M&M is one of the largest SUV manufacturers in India, and its Mahindra Tractors subsidiary is the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume. Its major competitors in the Indian vehicle market include Maruti Suzuki India and Tata Motors. It is considered the best long-term stock in India for 2026, offering high growth potential in the years to come. 

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Reasons for Investing in Long-Term Stocks in India  

Long-term stocks in India are essential for investors seeking sustainable growth and steady income over the long term. These stocks represent shares in well-established companies with strong fundamentals, competitive advantages, and a proven track record of performance across various economic cycles.  

• Tax Benefits: In India, long-term stocks are generally taxed at a lower rate compared to short-term stocks, which are typically taxed at different rates but not at the higher rates applicable to holding long-term stocks.   
•  More Cost-Effective: One of the main benefits of a long-term stock in India is that it is more cost-effective than buying and selling regular stocks, as the longer you hold your investments, the less it costs to pay.  
• Dividend Income: Companies that prioritise stocks with long-term growth may provide the criteria for regular income payments, which is why investors choose the best long-term stocks in India. This is because consistent dividends can offer a high valuation for investing.
• Diversification: The scope of diversification is very high for investing in the best long-term stocks in India, as they provide diversification across various stocks involved in the long term. This approach also offers the benefit of identifying profitable stocks by investing in long-term stocks in India.  
• Volatility: Indian stock markets are highly volatile in nature, influenced by both domestic and global factors. As a long-term investor, it’s crucial to embrace market volatility and not view the price swings that occur as a natural consequence of economic changes.   

Best Long-Term Stocks with 6-Month Return

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Long-term Stocks in India 

There are certain factors that investors should consider before investing in long-term stocks in India. Here we discuss the factors affecting long-term stocks below:

• Financial Strength: Investors should consider revenue growth, profit margins, and manageable debt levels when evaluating long-term stocks for 2026. These factors may persist over the long term, making them a viable option for long-term investments. 
• Leadership Quality: Leadership quality plays a crucial role in decision-making, as ethical, transparent, and visionary management teams can offer companies the ability to succeed through changing times, thereby increasing their chances of being recognised as high-return stocks. 
• Industry Prospects: Investing in banking, IT, and consumer goods tends to reflect the strong long-term potential and frequently includes some of the best stocks for sustained holdings to invest in long-term stocks in India. 
• Personal Goals: Sometimes selecting the best long-term stocks in India has high potential for the future, making the expectations realistic, and also choosing the top long-term stocks may provide profitability in the long run. 
• Dividend Goals: Many companies reward shareholders with dividends, providing a stable income stream along with price appreciation. This is the most influential factor in long-term growth and potential, as investors can create opportunities for achieving high-growth potential in the near future. Therefore, investors should consider their dividend goals before investing in long-term stocks in India. 

Best Long-Term Stocks with P/E Ratio

Benefits of Investing in Long-term Stocks

Here are the numerous benefits of investing in long-term stocks in India for 2026, which is why it is essential to evaluate the positives before making an investment. 

• Lower Costs: Here are a few transactions that may help reduce costs, such as brokerage and fees, allowing more capital to stay invested for compounding. Several factors can lead to a reduction in expenses.  
• Diversification: The scope for diversification is very high when investing in the best fundamental stocks in India, as they offer diversification over the long term. This approach also provides the benefit of identifying profitable stocks by investing in long-term stocks in India. 
• Better Returns: Investing in long-term stocks can lead to higher returns because their global performance may deliver strong returns in the near future. In comparison, short-term trading also offers higher opportunities and yields higher returns. 
• Concession in Tax Schemes: Investing in long-term stocks can provide significant tax advantages, and in many countries, it is more convenient to invest in long-term stocks in India. There are numerous tax exemptions that enable investors to make long-term investments with high returns.   

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Best Long-Term Stocks with P/B Ratio

Risks for Investing in Long-Term Stocks 

Several risks are associated with investing in long-term stocks in India, including market risks, business risks, market volatility, regulatory changes, investment risk, and inflation risk.  

• Market risks: Market risks, also known as volatility risk, refer to the possibility that the value of an investment could be negatively impacted by speculative behaviour, and they are a primary concern before investing in long-term stocks in India. 
• Business risks: Investors must consider various business risks before investing in the best long-term stocks in India. Something could negatively impact the long-term stock market, effectively limiting investors’ long-term growth.
• Regulatory Changes: Changes in government policies may impact long-term stocks, as they can play a crucial role in providing long-term growth and stability. Therefore, investors should consider regulatory changes before investing in long-term stocks. 
• High Debt Levels: Many metal companies carry substantial debts due to heavy capital expenditures, making it challenging when it’s time to repay the debt. It’s necessary to evaluate the company’s debt levels before investing in the best long-term stocks in India.
• Price Volatility: The prices of long-term stocks are highly volatile and can change suddenly due to fluctuations in global demand, supply, and commodity cycles. These fluctuations can impact the company’s profits and share prices, as well as reduce the liquidity of long-term stocks in India.           

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Best Long-Term Stocks with Dividend Yields

Conclusion 

Long-term investments in India and the US offer investors significant wealth-creation and portfolio-growth opportunities. These markets feature a diverse range of companies across various sectors, including established blue-chip corporations, innovative tech giants, and emerging market leaders. Moreover, platforms like Univest can simplify the investment process, offering tools and insights for both markets. However, it’s important to note that all investments carry risks, and diversification across markets, sectors, and asset classes remains essential. Long-term stocks comprise securities used for long-term investment, serving both capital protection and return-generation purposes. Such investments cater to individuals with an aptitude for risk, as well as those who are risk-averse. Companies that prioritise long-term growth may meet the criteria for regular income payments, which is why investors choose the best long-term stocks in India.

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FAQs

What are the long-term stocks in India?

Ans. Long-term stocks refer to equity investments that are held for more than one year and fulfil the conditions for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax. Long-term stocks comprise securities used for long-term investment, serving both capital protection and return-generation purposes. Such investments cater to individuals with an aptitude for risk, as well as those who are risk-averse.

How do investors choose long-term stocks?

Ans. Investors must select stocks based on the company’s fundamentals, including its financial health, competitive position, management quality, and growth potential. Look for consistent performance over time and consider prevailing industry trends for long-term stocks in India.     

What are the risks involved in long-term stocks?

Ans. The prices of long-term stocks are highly volatile and can experience sudden changes due to fluctuations in global demand, supply, and commodity cycles. These fluctuations can impact the company’s profits and share prices, as well as reduce the liquidity of long-term stocks in India.  In comparison, short-term trading also offers higher opportunities and yields higher returns. 

What are the tax implications of long-term stock investments? 

Ans. In many countries, long-term investments (those held for over a year) often qualify for lower tax rates on capital gains. Dividends may be taxed differently; consult a tax professional for specific advice. In India, long-term stocks are generally taxed at a lower rate compared to short-term stocks, which are typically taxed at different rates but not at the higher rates applicable to holding long-term stocks.   

What are the benefits of investing in long-term stocks?

Ans. Here are a few transactions that may help reduce costs, such as brokerage and fees, allowing more capital to stay invested for compounding. There are many things that may lead to a reduction of expenses. Investing in long-term stocks can lead to better returns because their global performance may yield high returns in the near future.                     

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