New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- A major study reveals widespread enthusiasm for early retirement alongside severe fears about outliving personal funds.

Roughly 70% of urban Indians wish to retire before the standard age threshold of 58 to 60, provided their financial requirements are thoroughly met, according to the Bharosa Talks India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) 6.0 by Axis Max Life Insurance.

Among those targeting an early departure from the workforce, 50% aim to achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) before reaching 50. The survey evaluated 4,134 households spanning metro centres, Tier I, and Tier II cities.

The report highlights a dramatic divide between personal ambitions and actual financial readiness.

While 61% of urba...