The socio-economic classification (SEC) is a measure used to classify and target consumers based on certain parameters, as defined by Market Research Society of India (MRSI) in 2011. It is based on two variables:
- Education of chief earner
- Number of “consumer durables” owned by the family (from the predefined list of 11 durables namely Electricity connection, Ceiling fan, LPG stove, Two-wheeler, Color TV, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Personal Computer/Laptop, Car, Air Conditioner and Agricultural Land).
Based on these 2 variables, 12 grades have been identified in the SEC system, ranging from A1 to E3
- A1, A2, A3
- B1, B2
- C1, C2
- D1, D2
- E1, E2, E3
These 12 groups are applicable to both urban and rural India.