Best Stocks to Buy in India Now (Dec 5, 2025): Top Nifty, Bank, Auto, Power & Healthcare Picks for 2026

India’s stock market has moved into a new phase.

On December 5, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%, announced ₹1 lakh crore of government bond purchases and a $5 billion FX swap to flood the system with durable liquidity. ^[1]
Equities immediately cheered: Nifty 50 is trading above 26,000, and rate‑sensitive sectors like banks, NBFCs, autos and real estate are in focus. ^[2]

At the same time:

Bank of America now sees Nifty at 29,000 by December 2026 (about 11% upside), with a clear preference for large caps over small and mid caps. ^[3]
Motilal Oswal’s wealth management chief Ajay Menon calls the 2026 outlook for Indian equities “constructive”, expecting 10–15% earnings growth over FY26–27 as valuations normalise and domestic liquidity remains strong. ^[4]
Fitch Ratings expects Indian IT services to grow only in the mid‑single digits in 2026, as global macro conditions and discretionary tech budgets remain subdued, even though BFSI‑linked IT demand stays steady. ^[5]

Against that backdrop, investors are asking the same question: which are the best stocks to buy in India right now?

Below is a news‑driven, as‑of‑today (Dec 5, 2025) look at stocks and sectors that top brokerages, rating agencies and research houses are backing – plus fresh daily trading ideas and IPOs to watch.

⚠️ Important: This is not personalised investment advice. It’s an information‑only roundup based on public research and news flow. Always check valuations, your risk profile and, ideally, talk to a qualified adviser before you act.

1. How this “best stocks” list was built

To keep this relevant for Google News / Discover users on December 5, 2025, the picks below are based on:

Today’s and very recent broker recommendations (Times of India, Financial Express, NDTV, ET, Samco, INDmoney). ^[6]
Fresh sector & macro outlooks from Bank of America, ICRA, Fitch Ratings and Motilal Oswal. ^[7]
Thematic lists of “best bank stocks” and beginner‑friendly blue chips from Samco. ^[8]
Current IPO research notes on Aequs and Vidya Wires. ^[9]

The focus is on liquid, fundamentally‑backed names rather than illiquid microcaps, with a clear split between:

Core long‑term themes (1–3 years), and
Shorter‑term trading ideas (weeks to a few months).

2. Big picture: why banks, autos, real estate & premium consumption are in the spotlight

A few key trends define the opportunity set right now:

RBI has turned more growth-friendly.
The December policy cut takes the repo rate to 5.25%, with ICRA estimating FY26 CPI inflation at just 2.0% and GDP growth at 7.3% – and arguing this is likely the last cut of the current easing cycle. ^[10]
Equities like the policy mix.
Market commentary today highlights the rate cut and liquidity infusion as constructive for banks, NBFCs, autos and real estate, which all benefit from cheaper money and stronger credit growth. ^[11]
BofA is betting on “rich‑proof” India.
Bank of America’s 2026 strategy is overweight five core themes:
- Financials (banks, NBFCs, gold financiers)
- Elite discretionary spending (jewellery, consumer durables, premium QSR/quick commerce)
- Premium mobility (autos)
- Real estate cyclicals
- Stable services (travel, hospitals, utilities, telecom) ^[12]
IT is quality, but not the hottest growth pocket.
Fitch expects Indian IT services to deliver only mid‑single digit revenue growth in 2026, with BFSI IT demand holding up but consumer and manufacturing IT budgets still soft amid tariff uncertainty. ^[13]

Put simply, domestic cyclicals and premium consumption look better placed than export‑heavy IT if you’re hunting for growth.

3. Core Theme #1 – Frontline banks & financials

This is the consensus overweight for 2026.

RBI just lowered borrowing costs and promised substantial liquidity. ^[14]
Bank of America puts financials at the top of its overweight list, naming HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance and Muthoot among its key “rate‑cut beneficiary” buys. ^[15]
Samco and Jefferies both see meaningful upside in high‑quality banks, highlighting low NPAs, solid ROEs and reasonable price‑to‑book ratios. ^[16]

3.1 HDFC Bank (HDFCBANK)

Why it’s on many “best bank stocks to buy” lists:

Lowest NPA profile among top banks, with gross and net NPAs near 1.24% and 0.33% respectively, according to Samco. ^[17]
Strong retail + corporate franchise, and room for valuation re‑rating once merger integration noise fades.
Jefferies has a “Buy” with a target around ₹1,240, implying roughly mid‑20s upside from its report date. ^[18]

Who it suits:
Investors wanting a core, relatively lower‑volatility private bank that compounds over long periods, with clear benefit from lower rates and strong deposit traction.

3.2 ICICI Bank (ICICIBANK)

Why it stands out:

Among major banks, ICICI sports one of the highest ROEs (~19–20%) and ROAs (~2.1%), with healthy NIMs and low NNPA, per Samco’s banking study. ^[19]
Jefferies sees around 29% upside to a target of ₹1,760, citing strong profitability and room for further valuation catch‑up. ^[20]

Who it suits:
Those looking for a growth‑tilted banking play with strong digital capabilities and a better‑than‑average return profile.

3.3 State Bank of India (SBIN)

Why India’s largest PSU lender is still interesting:

Despite its size, SBI delivers ROE of ~19% and keeps NNPA below 1%, which Samco flags as impressive for a bank of this scale. ^[21]
Jefferies rates it “Buy” with ~17% upside to a target of ₹1,140, backed by its capital base, retail reach and digital platforms. ^[22]
Benefits directly from RBI’s liquidity push and improving credit demand. ^[23]

Who it suits:
Investors comfortable with PSU governance who want broad India credit growth exposure at reasonable valuations.

3.4 Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank & friends – quality satellite bets

Kotak Mahindra Bank (KOTAKBANK) earns a top rating in Samco’s model banking portfolio and a “Buy” from Jefferies with ~27% upside to ₹2,650. ^[24]
Axis Bank (AXISBANK) is highlighted by both Samco and Jefferies as a high‑ROE, low‑NPA lender that benefits from post‑Citi integration and digital investments. ^[25]
Bandhan Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, PNB, Federal Bank etc., carry higher beta; Jefferies, for instance, sees up to 33% upside in Bandhan Bank as it rebalances away from concentrated microfinance. ^[26]

Who they suit:
Investors willing to add a bit more risk around a core HDFC/ICICI/SBI holding basket in return for potential extra upside.

3.5 NBFCs: Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, Muthoot

These are front‑and‑centre in BofA’s “rate‑cut beneficiaries” bucket, as lower funding costs and strong credit demand can expand growth and sustain margins. ^[27]

Caveat:
NBFCs tend to react sharply to any macro or regulatory shock. They can be powerful compounding machines but demand tighter risk management and position sizing.

4. Core Theme #2 – Premium autos & mobility

Bank of America’s “Premium Mobility” theme is squarely about India’s visible shift towards higher‑end passenger cars and commercial vehicles:

Premium vehicles grew around 28% CAGR from FY21–FY25, while mass‑market vehicles saw negative growth. ^[28]
BofA’s key auto picks include Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra and Eicher Motors. ^[29]

Add RBI’s rate cut (cheaper EMIs) and stronger credit availability, and autos look well placed for 2026. ^[30]

4.1 Maruti Suzuki (MARUTI)

Leader in passenger vehicles with a growing mix of SUVs and premium models – exactly where demand growth is strongest. ^[31]
Less exposed to export tariff noise than some peers.

4.2 Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M)

Double engine: SUV franchise + tractors/farm equipment.
Beneficiary of both rural recovery and urban premiumisation; also has optionality in EVs and last‑mile mobility.

4.3 Eicher Motors (EICHERMOT)

Plays the premium motorcycle (Royal Enfield) and heavy commercial vehicle story.
BofA favours it as a winner from India’s premium mobility trend. ^[32]

4.4 Tata Motors (TATAMOTORS)

Featured in Samco’s “top 5 stocks for beginners” earlier this year, thanks to its EV push and diversified PV/CV franchise. ^[33]
Also receives nuanced coverage in ET pieces discussing competitive pressures in commercial vehicles. ^[34]

Who auto stocks suit:
Investors comfortable with cyclical earnings and commodity input risk who want to ride a multi‑year upgrade cycle in vehicle ownership.

5. Core Theme #3 – Real estate cyclicals

BofA argues the residential up‑cycle is not done yet, projecting roughly 10% market value growth in 2026, with most of the action in the premium segment (launches above ₹1.5 crore). ^[35]

Its preferred plays:

DLF
Lodha (Macrotech Developers)
Godrej Properties ^[36]

Why they’re interesting now:

Benefit from falling mortgage rates and RBI’s liquidity measures. ^[37]
Consolidation within the sector – large, branded developers are grabbing market share from smaller, weaker rivals. ^[38]

Who this suits:
Investors who understand real‑estate cyclicality and can handle earnings lumpiness, but want exposure to India’s urban housing and premiumisation story.

6. Core Theme #4 – Elite discretionary & stable services

6.1 Titan Company & premium consumption

BofA’s “elite discretionary spending” theme focuses on jewellery, premium consumer durables and high‑ticket services, citing Titan and Havells as key buy‑rated names. ^[39]

Why Titan keeps appearing on lists:

Deep brand equity in jewellery and watches, plus growing wearables and luxury accessories.
Direct beneficiary of rising affluent income and formalisation of jewellery retail.

Havells, meanwhile, rides premiumisation in electricals and appliances (fans, wires, small appliances, etc.).

6.2 Hospitals & healthcare – Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals

BofA slots hospitals under “stable, high‑visibility services”, highlighting Apollo Hospitals as a key name within a growing premium healthcare theme. ^[40]

On top of that, today’s short‑term stock picks from Bajaj Broking (via TOI) put Max Healthcare in the spotlight:

Analysts see Max Healthcare forming a base around its 52‑week EMA and key Fibonacci retracement, and expect a move towards ₹1,190 over six months from a buy zone around ₹1,070–1,090. ^[41]

Why hospitals look interesting:

Healthcare spending is structurally rising, backed by public spending, insurance coverage and premium private care. ^[42]
Pricing is less cyclical than autos/real estate.

6.3 Travel, hotels & airlines – IndiGo, Chalet, Lemon Tree

Under the same “stable services” bucket, BofA highlights: ^[43]

InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) – India’s dominant airline.
Chalet Hotels and Lemon Tree Hotels – plays on upscale leisure and business travel.

There is near‑term noise:

IndiGo is facing a flight disruption crisis and mass cancellations this week due to pilot duty norms, which has pressured the stock in intraday trade. ^[44]

Longer term, though, premium travel capacity and hotel room rates remain supported by income growth and limited quality supply – exactly what BofA’s “rich‑proof” thesis is built on. ^[45]

7. Core Theme #5 – Power & utilities, with Tata Power in focus

BofA’s final overweight theme revolves partly around regulated power utilities and telecom, describing them as “quasi‑bond‑like” given stable cash flows and sensitivity to lower rates. ^[46]

On the stock‑specific side today, Bajaj Broking’s daily recommendation list singles out Tata Power: ^[47]

The stock has been oscillating in a ₹380–₹420 range, with repeated buying support near ₹380.
Analysts see a potential move first to ₹420, then ₹430, if it breaks out of this rectangle pattern over the coming months.

From a fundamental angle, Tata Power:

Offers exposure to renewable generation, transmission/distribution and rooftop/EV charging.
Sits at the intersection of energy transition and regulated utility cash flows.

Who it suits:
Investors seeking a mix of growth (renewables) and relative defensiveness compared with pure cyclicals.

8. Quality large caps for beginners & long-term investors

If you’re newer to equities or building a simpler long‑term portfolio, Samco’s December 2025 beginner list is worth noting. It highlights: ^[48]

Tata Motors – autos & EVs
ONGC – energy major, high dividend potential
Bharat Electronics (BEL) – defence electronics & diversified industrial electronics
HDFC Bank – core banking compounder
Hindalco – aluminium & copper play on infrastructure and lightweight materials

These are not “get rich quick” ideas – more like foundational, relatively liquid names where you can build SIPs or staggered entries over time.

9. Tactical trading ideas for December 2025 (higher risk)

For active traders, several short‑term technical calls have been published this week.

9.1 Today’s (Dec 5) ideas – Max Healthcare & Tata Power

Already covered above, Bajaj Broking’s note suggests: ^[49]

Max Healthcare – buy near ₹1,070–1,090 for a ~10% move towards ₹1,190 in ~6 months.
Tata Power – buy near ₹381–386, trading a rectangle with potential towards ₹420–430 if resistance breaks.

These are tactical trades with specific ranges and stop‑loss levels, not open‑ended long‑term calls.

9.2 Earlier this week – Kotak Bank, HUL, Samvardhana Motherson

On December 3, Anand Rathi’s technical desk, via TOI, recommended: ^[50]

Kotak Mahindra Bank – post‑consolidation breakout above its 200‑SMA, with a target around ₹2,250 over ~90 days.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL) – range breakout supported by 200‑day moving averages, signalling a potential trend reversal back towards ₹2,575.
Samvardhana Motherson International – weekly breakout after multi‑week consolidation, targeting ₹128 from around ₹115–117.

Note: BofA’s macro strategy is underweight mass staples and apparel due to rural weakness and structural premiumisation, so consumer staples like HUL may remain more of a trading play than a high‑conviction structural overweight. ^[51]

9.3 Late‑November breakouts – Samvardhana, Adani Ports, Max Financial

On November 27, Nuvama’s research, again via TOI, picked: ^[52]

Samvardhana Motherson International – fresh bullish breakout with 200‑DMA support.
Adani Ports and SEZ – cup‑and‑handle breakout after 16‑month consolidation, eyeing new highs.
Max Financial Services – bullish flag breakout after 4‑month rally, with an 8–10% near‑term potential.

These are momentum trades at all‑time or multi‑year highs; they demand strict stop‑loss discipline.

9.4 NDTV’s analyst picks – Infosys, Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Copper (and two sells)

In a segment aired just before today’s open, analyst Shrikant Chouhan outlined: ^[53]

Buy calls on Infosys, Ashok Leyland and Hindustan Copper with one‑year horizons,
And Sell ratings on CDSL and BSE after sharp rallies.

This underscores two things:

Even within the same market, analyst views can diverge sharply (some names that show up as buys in one list may be sells in another).
Export‑heavy IT names like Infosys may offer quality and currency tailwinds, but Fitch’s outlook implies modest revenue growth in 2026, so upside may be more valuation‑driven than explosive. ^[54]

10. IPOs to watch: Aequs & Vidya Wires (closes Dec 5)

While not “stocks” in the secondary market yet, two December 3–5 IPOs are drawing attention and align with India’s manufacturing and energy themes:

10.1 Aequs Limited – precision aerospace & consumer components

Issue size: ~₹921.8 crore
Price band: ₹118–124
Business: vertically integrated precision‑parts maker serving Airbus, Boeing and consumer electronics/toys/cookware.
GMP: market chatter points to ~35–40% implied listing gain, but research notes stress this is unofficial and volatile, not a guarantee. ^[55]

10.2 Vidya Wires Limited – copper & aluminium wires for EVs, renewables & power

Issue size: ~₹300 crore
Price band: ₹48–52
Products act as “veins and arteries” of motors, transformers, EVs and renewable projects, with high capacity utilisation (~94.5%) and strong ROE (~24.5%). ^[56]
GMP suggests a modest ~11–12% implied premium, again explicitly flagged as unofficial sentiment only. ^[57]

Both IPOs look thematically interesting – aerospace outsourcing and electrification/renewables – but come with classic IPO risks: limited trading history, execution risk and potential post‑listing volatility.

11. What about penny stocks?

Samco’s “Top 10 penny stocks” list is trending, but even that report spends a lot of space warning about: ^[58]

Low liquidity (harder to exit),
High volatility and pump‑and‑dump risks,
Sparse information and governance red flags, and
The very real chance of permanent capital loss.

If you’re already asking “what are the best stocks to buy in India now,” you’re usually better off staying in the liquid, researched large and mid caps we’ve discussed, and only touching penny stocks (if at all) with small, speculative capital.

12. How to build a sensible portfolio from these themes

Instead of blindly buying everything on every list, think in buckets:

Core growth (40–60%)
- 2–4 frontline banks (e.g., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak/Axis)
- 1–2 autos (e.g., Maruti, M&M)
- 1 real estate name (DLF, Godrej Properties or Lodha)
Structural themes (20–40%)
- 1–2 elite consumption plays (Titan, Havells)
- 1–2 healthcare/services names (Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, maybe IndiGo / hotel stock if you accept volatility)
- 1 utility/energy name (Tata Power, or ONGC/Hindalco for more commodity exposure)
Satellite & tactical (0–20%)
- A small basket of trading or high‑beta names (Samvardhana Motherson, Adani Ports, Bandhan Bank, Infosys, Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Copper, etc.), managed with clear stop‑losses and time horizons.

You don’t need to use those exact percentages – the point is to distinguish between long‑term core holdings and short‑term tactical bets, and size them accordingly.

13. Key risks to watch

Even with bullish forecasts, things can go wrong:

RBI may really be done cutting. ICRA believes today’s is likely the last rate cut of the cycle; if growth surprises lower or inflation re‑accelerates, policy support could change. ^[59]
Rupee risk. The rupee briefly slipped below ₹90 per USD after the rate cut, and forward premiums reacted sharply. Exporter and importer earnings will be influenced by how the currency stabilises. ^[60]
Valuation and mid/small‑cap froth. BofA warns that small and mid caps could correct sharply if risks materialise, even as large caps lead the 2026 up‑cycle. ^[61]
Global shocks. Tariff changes, US and Eurozone growth surprises, or geopolitical flare‑ups can quickly hit IT exporters, auto exporters and metals. ^[62]

14. Bottom line

As of December 5, 2025, the best‑positioned stocks on the Indian market – judging by macro policy, sector outlooks and fresh analyst calls – cluster around:

High‑quality banks and NBFCs
Premium autos and mobility
Leading real‑estate developers
Elite discretionary brands and hospitals
Select utilities and energy names

Within those buckets, names like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak Bank, Maruti, M&M, Eicher, DLF, Titan, Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare and Tata Power keep resurfacing across multiple independent research pieces.

Use these as a curated watchlist, not a shopping list. Start from your time horizon, risk tolerance and asset allocation, then decide which themes – and which specific stocks – genuinely deserve a place in your portfolio.

References