On 5 October, SEBI unveiled Project Jagrook during World Investor Week at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The announcement, made by SEBI Chair Rajiv Prasad, marked the start of a 32‑month effort to close the knowledge gap that often keeps first‑time investors on the sidelines.
The campaign is a joint effort between SEBI, the National Stock Exchange, the Bombay Stock Exchange, AMFI, and NISM. It offers 11 language modules that demystify investment basics, ranging from SIPs and REITs to commodities and bonds, all delivered via television, social media, and a mobile app.
A standout feature is the MUST initiative—“Mentor‑Under‑Student‑Training.” Faculty and senior students undergo certification and then run financial‑literacy sessions on campuses nationwide. The goal is to embed sound investing habits from the very first paycheck.
SEBI has also launched a verified WhatsApp channel and the SEBI Saarthi app, giving investors instant access to helplines and a UPI‑verification tool called SEBI Check. These digital touchpoints aim to intercept potential fraud at the point of payment.
Market analysts project that increased retail awareness could lift market share by 3–5% over the next three years, potentially adding ₹1.2–₹2.0 trn of new retail inflows. SEBI’s own data shows a 12% uptick in investor registrations in the first quarter after launch, indicating early traction.
Looking ahead, SEBI will review the initiative’s impact in March 2027, with plans to expand the program based on user engagement metrics and the effectiveness of the student‑trainer model.