Best Books on Stock Market Investment for Beginners in India

3 min read | Updated on September 01, 2025, 16:56 IST

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With so much information available through social media and other sources, it is quite easy to get overwhelmed with data. If you are a new investor, it is always advisable to choose the best sources of information while starting your investment journey. YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and other short-form content are fine, but there is no comparison to gaining knowledge from the best books on investing, written by the finest writers in India and around the world.

To help you get started, here are ten of the best books that offer timeless wisdom, practical tips, and insights tailored for both global and Indian investors.

Why Read Investment Books?

You can ask the obvious question: why even read books when there is so much content available already? You can simply ask ChatGPT or any other AI bot questions about a company, sector or latest trends. However, reading books remains critical because they offer structured knowledge that goes beyond quick tips and fads. They help you develop strategies and financial discipline. Reading a book requires a lot of time (especially when you are not an avid reader), and hence, your commitment towards a subject is enhanced when you start reading books.

Investment books share stories that help develop a mindset to stay calm during market volatility.

Top 10 Books for Stock Market Beginners in India

The Intelligent Investor – Benjamin Graham

Often referred to as the “Bible of Investing,” this classic teaches the principles of value investing. Graham explains concepts like intrinsic value, margin of safety, and how to think like a long-term investor.

One Up On Wall Street – Peter Lynch

In this book, renowned fund manager Peter Lynch shows how ordinary investors can identify great stocks by observing trends around them. The book is filled with real-life stories and practical advice.

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing – John C. Bogle

John Bogle, founder of Vanguard, makes a compelling case for low-cost index investing. The book explains how to build a simple, diversified portfolio that can outperform many active strategies.

Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki

While not specifically about stocks, this book helps build the mindset required to create wealth. Kiyosaki contrasts two approaches to money and explains why investing is crucial to achieving financial freedom.

The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel

This modern classic explores how emotions and behaviour often matter more than technical skills in investing. Housel’s simple storytelling helps beginners understand why discipline, patience, and avoiding greed are vital in long-term wealth creation.

Coffee Can Investing – Saurabh Mukherjea & Team

One of the few books written specifically for the Indian market, it explains how to create a low-churn portfolio of high-quality stocks. Based on research and data, the authors show how this strategy has consistently beaten benchmarks.

Stocks to Riches – Parag Parikh

Parikh, a veteran Indian investor, writes about the realities of the stock market in India. The book highlights common mistakes, behavioural biases, and how to avoid being swayed by market speculation.

Bulls, Bears and Other Beasts – Santosh Nair

An entertaining and insightful account of the Indian stock market’s evolution, this book is filled with anecdotes and stories that help beginners understand the culture and quirks of the Indian markets.

How to Choose the Right Book for You?

All these books are excellent reads, but you can start with The Little Book of Common Sense Investing or Coffee Can Investing if you are a passive investor. Rich Dad Poor Dad is an excellent book, and you can follow the author’s blog as well. For an India-centric perspective, Stocks to Riches and Bulls, Bears and Other Beasts are excellent reads.

Summing Up

Investing in your education is one of the best investments you can make. These books will help you understand the fundamentals, build the right mindset, and navigate the markets with confidence. Choose one that aligns with your goals, read at your own pace, and most importantly, apply what you learn. After all, in investing, knowledge truly pays the best dividends.

FAQs

Which book is best to learn stock market basics for beginners in India?

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is widely regarded as the best starting point for learning stock market basics and value investing principles.

Are there books specific to Indian stock markets?

Yes, books like Coffee Can Investing by Saurabh Mukherjea and Stocks to Riches by Parag Parikh offer insights tailored to Indian investors.

Can beginners read trading books, or should they start with investing?

Beginners should start with long-term investing books to build a foundation before exploring trading strategies. Books like How to Make Money in Stocks can be read later.

Is it better to read Indian authors or international books?

Both are valuable. International books explain universal principles, while Indian authors provide context specific to the Indian market.

How can I choose the right book for my goals?

Choose based on your interest: for passive investing, try Bogle, for mindset pick Housel, and for India-specific strategies, read Mukherjea or Parikh.

About Author

Upstox Desk

Team of expert writers dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive coverage on stock markets, economic trends, commodities, business developments, and personal finance. With a passion for delivering valuable information, the team strives to keep readers informed about the latest trends and developments in the financial world.