While not yet mainstream, changing mindsets, increased financial independence, and exposure to global norms are pushing more couples to test compatibility before committing legally.
But how does this new phase of modern romance play out in a country still rooted in tradition? We spoke to couples, therapists, and sociologists to understand what Indian partners are really saying about cohabitation.
The Bigger Picture: Numbers Reflect a Silent Shift
A 2023 YouGov India survey found that 44% of urban Indian millennials were open to live-in relationships.
Among Gen Z (ages 18–24), the approval rating was even higher at 60% in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
Meanwhile, only 26% of Gen X (45+) supported the idea, highlighting a clear generational divide.
The Law on Live-In Relationships in India
The Supreme Court of India has upheld live-in relationships as legal and protected under the right to life and liberty (Article 21).
Children born in such relationships are considered legitimate.
However, social acceptance remains uneven, especially in small towns or traditional families.
Still Not Easy: Challenges Indian Couples Face
Parental backlash or “marry or move out” ultimatums
Landlords rejecting unmarried tenants
Feeling “unrecognized” by society despite being fully committed
Fear of being judged as “immoral” or “non-serious”
Many still keep their live-in status secret from families, especially in Tier 2/3 cities or joint-family setups.
Living together before marriage isn’t about copying the West—it’s about reshaping relationships with intentional intimacy, mutual accountability, and emotional readiness. Indian couples are navigating this shift on their own terms—quietly, carefully, and courageously.
