Indices
Only 7 Original Sensex Companies Have Survived 40 Years of Change

The BSE Sensex, a barometer of India's corporate health, has witnessed immense transformation over the past 40 years. Our Fin Shorts piece delves into a striking reality: only seven of the original Sensex companies have stood the test of time and change since 1985. This journey highlights the dynamic nature of the Indian stock market and the resilience required for sustained success. A total of 93 companies have graced the index, with 63 eventually departing, underscoring the high stakes of the Indian equities landscape. The shift from a manufacturing-dominated index in 1991 (96%) to a more diversified one (less than half) today illustrates the profound business transformation in corporate India. This analysis offers valuable insights for long-term investing and understanding wealth creation in a rapidly evolving market.
The BSE Sensex, a barometer of India's corporate health, has witnessed immense transformation over the past 40 years. Our Fin Shorts piece delves into a striking reality: only seven of the original Sensex companies have stood the test of time and change since 1985. This journey highlights the dynamic nature of the Indian stock market and the resilience required for sustained success. A total of 93 companies have graced the index, with 63 eventually departing, underscoring the high stakes of the Indian equities landscape. The shift from a manufacturing-dominated index in 1991 (96%) to a more diversified one (less than half) today illustrates the profound business transformation in corporate India. This analysis offers valuable insights for long-term investing and understanding wealth creation in a rapidly evolving market.
More in Indices

Government Economic Policy
SEBI Changes Closing Auction Timings and Derivatives Settlement Rules
- SEBI’s closing auction session will run from 3:30 pm to 3:40 pm from December 7, 2026
- Only market and limit orders will be allowed during the auction; stop-loss orders are barred
- Expiring index derivatives will stop trading at 3:30 pm, while stock derivatives continue until 3:45 pm

Global markets
Global Funds Cut India Exposure as AI Boom and Valuations Shift Focus
- Foreign ownership of NSE-listed companies has fallen to a 17-year low amid fund exits
- Foreign funds have pulled about $25 billion from Indian equities amid an AI-led rotation
- Domestic institutions bought about $60 billion of stocks, helping cushion foreign selling