Investors are always looking for the right shares to buy to build a balanced portfolio that can handle market ups and downs while giving consistent returns over time. They are the types of stocks that an investor buys and hopes to hold for at least three years, as they offer good returns and steady future growth.
For long-term stock choices, analysts typically look at a business’s finances, the potential for expansion, and uniqueness in a particular industry. Long-term investing is a tried-and-tested way for investors to make their money grow. You must be patient and focused to invest in the best long-term stocks. Read on to learn more.
Top picks for long-term stocks in 2025
Being an investor in the stock market demands patience and a smart approach. It is crucial to consider investing as a long-term endeavor to understand that it can benefit your future.
Long-term investing in top stocks in India can help people check out day-to-day market changes and compound their gains. The value of trades in the Indian stock market is expected to reach US$9.66bn by 2026. We have listed a few of the best long-term stocks.
| Name | Market Cap | P/E | Div/Yld% |
| Reliance Industries Ltd | ₹19,63,900 Cr. | 28.2 | 0.34% |
| HDFC Bank Ltd | ₹14,80,285 Cr. | 20.9 | 1.01% |
| Tata Consultancy Services Ltd | ₹12,84,964 Cr. | 26.4 | 1.56% |
| Infosys Ltd | ₹6,58,230 Cr. | 24.8 | 2.69% |
| Hindustan Unilever Ltd | ₹5,56,618 Cr | 53.4 | 1.78% |
| ITC Ltd | ₹5,44,489 Cr. | 27.4 | 3.15% |
All data as of May 22, 2025
1. Reliance Industries Ltd
The Mumbai-headquartered diversified conglomerate operates in oil and gas, chemicals, retail, digital services, and financial services sectors. Reliance Industries is reshaping the telecommunications sector through Reliance JioInfocomm.
The firm has a formidable presence in the retail sector with its Reliance Retail unit. Because of its wide range of operations and growth, Reliance is considered an excellent choice for long-term investors.
2. HDFC Bank Ltd
HDFC Bank Limited was incorporated in 1994. In January 1995, the bank began operations as a scheduled commercial bank. It is one of the leading private banks in India.
The bank and its subsidiaries provide a range of banking and financial services, including retail banking, wholesale banking, treasury operations, insurance, asset management, stock broking, and other banking operations.
3. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS)
TCS, an IT services firm, is part of the Tata Group. TCS provides information technology services, consulting, and business solutions. Its business segments include Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Consumer Business, and Communication, among others.
4. Infosys Ltd
Established in 1981, the Bangalore-headquartered firm is one of India’s leading IT services providers. The firm enables clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and artificial intelligence (AI).
5. Hindustan Unilever Ltd
Established in 1933, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is one of the leading FMCG companies in India. The company sells popular products in different segments, such as personal care products, cleaning products for the home, food, and drinks. Many of its brands such as Boost, Horlicks, Dove soap, and Lux are household names.
6. ITC Ltd
ITC Limited, which was earlier called the Imperial Tobacco Company, is an Indian conglomerate based in Kolkata, West Bengal. The company has diversified into FMCG, hospitality, paperboards, agriculture, and IT services.
Key factors driving the potential of long-term stocks in India
Investing in the best long-term stocks is prudent as the Indian economy keeps growing. Investing in stocks can be a good way to improve overall performance for investors who want to grow their money over time.
The following are the main reasons long-term stocks in India offer much growth potential.
• Economic Growth Trajectory
India’s strong economy has led experts to believe that some stable stocks are poised to do well over time. With a growing number of jobs, increased consumer spending, and more investment in the economy, India is one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
In India, businesses like technology, banking, drugs, and clean energy are growing slowly but steadily. This opens up opportunities for companies that work in these areas to grow their customer base and make more money. Viewed from this point of view, the best long-term stocks build value over time for people who own these shares. For investors, finding and investing in companies that belong to sectors that benefit from these significant trends can help them build wealth over time.
• Regulatory Environment and Reforms
Another important reason for the chances of growth in the best long-term stocks is India’s changing regulatory environment. Over the past decade, India has made several changes to how its financial system and rules work. It tries to make things more open and boost faith in the country’s economy for investors. Initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code seek to make it easy to do business in India.
Besides, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is working to improve the rules for listed companies to safeguard investor interest. Reforms in sectors like banking, real estate, and telecommunications have made investors feel more confident.
Benefits of investing in long-term stocks
A long-term stock investing strategy helps achieve the goals of saving, earning, and accumulating wealth. Given the chance of ups and downs in the market over a short period, investing in equities over the long term is a smart choice for investors.
• Potential for Significant Capital Appreciation
Investing in the best long-term stocks allows you to benefit from possible major capital appreciation. It is common for companies’ stock prices to grow even as their earnings grow. Maintaining an investment in quality stocks across all market conditions can allow investors to gain from the company’s results and the economy’s growth.
So, blue-chip companies or those with a proven history can multiply their stock value over a period of 5 to 10 years or more. The money put into long-term investments helps offset sudden dips so that investors can concentrate on their main goals.
• Dividend Income Stability
Dividends are a benefit of buying and holding mature, best long-term stocks. Generally, steadily profitable companies reward their shareholders by issuing dividends. This ensures that long-term investors receive reliable income when the markets are shaky.
Besides, reinvesting dividends can help you make more profit over the years. Dividend-paying stocks are usually considered less volatile and stable. This is why many cautious investors prefer them for earning steady growth and cash flow over the years.
Conclusion
Buying some of the best long-term stocks in India can transform your portfolio, but it requires patience and a long-term focus. Picking companies that have grown consistently allows investors to reduce risk and reap the benefits of trends over the long run. You can start putting your money into shares for the long run. By researching and planning, everyone can build a profitable long-run portfolio.
FAQs
Q. What makes a stock a ‘long-term’ investment?
Quality companies regularly invest in their businesses to help them grow. These traits ensure stable returns, less fluctuation, and reduced impact of market disruptions. Quality stocks can be found in different industries and with different market values.
Q. How often should I review my long-term investment portfolio?
Stocks can be monitored less often when they are planned to be held for the long run. But if you have invested for the long term, you should check how the stock performs at least once a year. You may check it more often if you invest for a shorter timeframe.
