Internal Data

There are old research reports in the company library. Summer placement reports of MBA students in the company’s archives are also useful. The information is free of cost.

Census Report

Census is conducted by the Govt of India every ten years, and it covers the whole of India — state by state, city by city, town by town and village by village. It is a very rich source of demographic data.

NCAER

The National Council of Applied Economic Research publishes income pattern reports. Their studies on product penetration and usage are very useful.

The Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy  (CMIE)

It publishes a monthly information bulletin and industry reports. It collates corporate and government data.

Industry Bodies

Industry bodies like associations and chambers of commerce publish data at regular intervals. These data are gathered from the members and from the market. The Automobile Manufacturer’s Association, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry are examples of such bodies. National Association of Software and Services Companies ( NASSCOM ) and Organisation of Pharmaceutical Products of India ( OPI ) actively present information to gain media and government attention.

Media Research

National Redearship Survey ( NRS ) throw up a large data about media circulation, reach, household size distribution, SEC distribution, income-age distribution, and media habits of people. It also provides data of product usage.

Internet

Web-based information services of networks like VANS and Indian Market Monitor collate data from diverse sources, and make them available to paid users. India Infoline is another source for data on Indian corporates.