International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Investment plays a vital role in the economic development of individuals and the nation. Small investment practices have become increasingly important among individual investors, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas such as Wardha District of Maharashtra. This study aims to examine the challenges faced by individual investors in small investment practices. The research adopts a descriptive research design and is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 165 respondents using convenience sampling. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the perceptions of investors regarding various challenges. Statistical tools such as percentage analysis, mean, standard deviation, multiple response analysis, and One-Sample t-test were applied using SPSS software. The findings reveal that factors such as lack of financial knowledge, complexity of investment products, fear of losing money, unreliable information, market fluctuations, and lack of trust in financial institutions significantly affect investors. However, factors such as limited surplus income and long lock-in periods were not considered major challenges. The study concludes that individual investors in Wardha District face moderate to significant challenges in small investment practices. The results highlight the need for improved financial literacy programs and better access to reliable investment information to encourage effective small investment participation.

Saroj Dayashankar Jha, Dr. Sarita Sachin Udapurkar,"A Study on The Challenges of Small Investment Practices Among Individual Investors in Wardha District of Maharashtra" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(1): Page(2199-2204) Jan-Feb 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.