HDFC Bank has overtaken Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to become India's most valued brand in 2025, according to the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands report. The financial services giant has reclaimed the top spot after a three-year gap, with its brand value rising by 18% over the last year to reach nearly $45 billion. TCS, which held the top position from 2022 to 2024, is now ranked second with a brand value of $44.2 billion.
The 2025 Kantar BrandZ report includes 100 brands, expanded from the usual 75-100, highlighting the increasing dynamism of the Indian brand landscape. The total value of the Top 100 Indian brands has reached $523.5 billion, marking a 6% year-on-year growth. This total valuation represents approximately 13% of India's GDP, underscoring the significant contribution of these top brands to the national economy.
HDFC Bank's resurgence is attributed to a combination of factors, including post-merger consolidation with HDFC Ltd, aggressive digital innovation, and strong consumer trust. The bank has seen a remarkable 377% increase in brand value since 2014, when the first BrandZ India report was released. Key initiatives driving this growth include digital-first innovations like the 30-minute auto loan model and the introduction of unique brand mascots such as "Vigil Aunty," focused on cybersecurity awareness.
Other key players in the top 10 include Airtel and Infosys, maintaining their rankings at third and fourth, respectively. ICICI Bank climbed to the fifth spot, surpassing State Bank of India, which fell to sixth. UltraTech Cement debuted at number 7 with a brand value of $14.5 billion, marking the first time "materials" were included as a category.
Zomato emerged as the fastest-growing brand for the second consecutive year, demonstrating its continued expansion beyond food delivery. In contrast, Asian Paints saw its brand value decline by 30% and dropped to the 12th position.
The financial services (BFSI) sector accounted for approximately 28% of the top 100 brands, followed by B2B tech at 19% and telecom at 13%. The report also highlighted the strong performance of travel and hospitality brands, with Taj recording a 55% rise in brand value, MakeMyTrip growing at 45%, and IndiGo seeing 42% growth over the last year.
The Kantar BrandZ report calculates brand value by considering financial metrics, the share of the parent company's worth attributed to the brand, and brand contribution, which measures how much the brand drives demand and supports premium pricing.
Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Solutions Officer, South Asia, Kantar, noted that brands built on deep consumer understanding can outperform market conditions, even during challenging times. She emphasized the need for brands to stay closely aligned with evolving consumer needs and expectations to achieve sustained growth. Mohanty also pointed out that consumer perception of brands as meaningful and different is eroding, highlighting the need for increased investment in brand building to ensure long-term success.
The 2025 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands report underscores the dynamism and potential of the Indian brand landscape, with HDFC Bank leading the way through its strategic focus on innovation, customer engagement, and brand building.
