Determinants of digital rupee adoption: An empirical analysis of public readiness, trust, and behavioural intention in India

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have arisen as an important innovation in digital finance, with the goal of improving payment efficiency, strengthening monetary sovereignty, and increasing financial inclusion. In this context, the study aims to measure understanding and perceptions of the Digital Rupee, as well as the factors that influence behavioural intention to use CBDC in India. The study uses a descriptive and analytical research design and is based on primary data acquired from 150 respondents, including the general public and bank workers, via a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple regression approaches. The findings show that perceived usefulness and design efficiency, trust and security, and comparative benefits over private digital wallets all have a substantial impact on behavioural intention to embrace the Digital Rupee. Although digital literacy, awareness, and financial inclusion awareness all have good effects, their impact differs by user group. The study suggests that functional value, institutional trust, and user-centric design are crucial for the effective and long-term adoption of the Digital Rupee in India.