How Did Indian PC Shipments Increase by 13% in January-March?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian PC shipments grew by 13% year-on-year in Q1 2025.
- Notebook shipments rose by 21% to 2.4 million units.
- Tier-two cities are becoming crucial for market growth.
- AI-capable notebooks saw a 253% growth.
- Premium notebook sales increased by 49%.
New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) Indian PC (excluding tablets) shipments witnessed a remarkable 13% year-on-year growth during the January-March quarter (Q1) of this year, totaling 3.3 million units, as per a recent report.
This growth was primarily fueled by a 21% surge in notebook shipments, which reached 2.4 million units, according to the findings from Canalys, now a part of Omdia.
Notebooks are pivotal to India's digital evolution, driven by the increasing adoption of hybrid work models alongside productivity demands from both consumers and businesses.
In contrast, Indian tablet shipments experienced a notable annual decline of 24%, dropping to 1.0 million units. The overall PC market is projected to expand by 6% in 2025, exceeding 15 million units, while tablet shipments are anticipated to decrease by 8%.
Growth is expected to gain momentum in 2026, supported by refresh cycle spillover and mandates for AI readiness.
“Tier-two and tier-three cities are swiftly becoming the next significant growth hubs for India's PC sector—transitioning from peripheral markets to essential components of its future,” stated Ashweej Aithal, Senior Analyst at Canalys.
As digital literacy increases and access to education, broadband, and e-services expands, consumers in these cities are turning to PCs for productivity, education, and entertainment.
“These users are value-oriented, exhibiting more thoughtful and research-driven buying behavior that emphasizes performance, durability, and after-sales support, in addition to device cost,” he added.
AI-enabled notebooks continued to excel in Q1 2025, showcasing 253% year-on-year growth, albeit from a modest base.
Shipments of premium notebooks (priced over US$1,000) increased by 49%, highlighting strong demand for high-performance devices among both consumer and commercial users.
“Enterprises increasingly regard AI as a fundamental feature, while consumers are gravitating towards premium PCs for their multifunctional value,” Aithal commented. Commercial PC shipments rose by 11%, driven by robust demand from enterprises, although government demand remained weak.
2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for India’s PC and tablet market. Although overall growth is projected to be moderate at 2%, several significant trends are likely to shape the landscape: