Impact of Demographic Factors on E-Banking Awareness and Adoption in India’s Diverse Population

Abstract

This research investigates how demographic elements—such as gender, marital status, income, and educational background—affect consumer awareness and the uptake of e-banking services in India. Despite the remarkable progress in digital banking, there are still notable gaps in its adoption, particularly within rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Through the deployment of a meticulously crafted questionnaire to a sample of 600 participants from both urban and rural settings, the research uncovers notable deficiencies in awareness, comprehension of e-banking functionalities, and acquaintance with mobile applications and their security attributes. Analytical evaluations, encompassing t-tests and regression frameworks, demonstrated that income and educational attainment exerted a more significant influence on e-banking awareness compared to gender or marital circumstances. An important discovery reveals that a significant number of participants were unaware of how to access services, transfer funds, or comprehend security protocols, highlighting the necessity for initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy. The study underscores the significance of focused marketing strategies, educating users, and streamlining user interfaces to improve access to digital financial services. By tackling these obstacles, financial institutions and regulatory bodies can more effectively close the digital gap and broaden the advantages of electronic banking to marginalised demographic segments, ultimately fostering greater financial empowerment across India.