5 Best Stocks to Buy Today India for Long Term: Mid- and Small-Caps

If you’re searching for the best stocks to buy today India for long term, you’re in the right place. While big names like HDFC Bank and Nestle India often steal the spotlight, I’ve been digging into smaller companies lately and found some hidden gems in the mid- and small-cap space. These are stocks that could turbocharge our portfolio over the next 10-15 years. As a fundamental analyst, I’m all about finding companies with strong financials, growth potential, and a knack for thriving in India’s evolving economy.

So, let’s skip the usual suspects and explore five under-the-radar picks that could be our long-term winners.

Why Mid- and Small-Caps Deserve a Look

Sure, large-caps offer stability, but mid- and small-caps?

They’re where the real growth stories hide. These companies are often in their prime expansion phase, nimble enough to innovate, yet established enough to weather storms.

With India’s economy projected to grow over the next decade, these stocks could ride the wave of rising consumer demand, infrastructure booms, and sector tailwinds.

Let’s dive into the 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term from this exciting space.

1. Aurobindo Pharma

• Market Cap: Rs.269,635 Cr. (Mid-Cap)
• Why It’s a Winner: Aurobindo Pharma is a global player in generic drugs, and with India’s pharma sector booming, this mid-cap gem is poised for big things.

Financial Snapshot (from Stock Engine, as of March 2025)

• Revenue Growth: 10-12% CAGR over 5 years, driven by exports to the US and Europe.
• Profit Margins: 15-18%, with a focus on high-margin injectables.
• ROE: 12-14%, steady and improving.
• Debt: Moderate debt-to-equity ratio of ~0.5, manageable for its growth plans.

Why It’s Built for 10-15 Years

I think, Aurobindo Pharma isn’t just riding the pharma wave, it’s shaping it, making it a standout for long term investors.

The global generics market is exploding, with demand for affordable drugs surging in developed markets like the US and Europe. In these economies, Aurobindo already has a strong foothold.

Its robust R&D pipeline, focusing on high-value biosimilars and complex generics like injectables, positions it to capture premium segments that promise fatter margins and less competition.

India’s own healthcare story adds fuel, government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and a growing middle class mean more patients, more prescriptions, and more demand for cost-effective medicines Aurobindo excels at producing.

Financially, its moderate debt (debt-to-equity ~0.5) keeps risks low while funding expansion, like its new USFDA-approved facilities. The company’s 10-12% revenue CAGR and steady 12-14% ROE signal consistency.

But it’s the long-term trends, aging populations globally, rising chronic diseases, and India’s pharma export boom, that make it a quality stock.

Regulatory expertise (handling tough markets like the US) and a diversified portfolio (over 500 products) reduce volatility.

For the 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term, I think, Aurobindo’s a prescription for steady, compounding growth.

2. Ashok Leyland

• Market Cap: Rs.261,350 Cr. (Mid-Cap)
• Why It’s a Winner: Trucks, buses, and EVs – Ashok Leyland is steering India’s logistics and transport revolution.

Financial Snapshot (from Stock Engine, as of March 2025)

• Revenue Growth: 8-10% CAGR, tied to infrastructure and e-commerce growth.
• Profit Margins: 10-12%, improving with cost controls.
• ROE: 15-17%, reflecting solid profitability.
• Cash Flow: Positive, funding its EV ambitions.

Why It’s Built for 10-15 Years

Ashok Leyland is perfectly aligned with India’s strong logistics and transport evolution.

The country’s infrastructure boom, massive highway projects, smart cities, and sprawling warehouses, isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Ashok Leyland’s trucks and buses are the workhorses powering this growth.

Its 8-10% revenue CAGR reflects this steady demand, but the real kicker is its forward-thinking pivot to electric vehicles (EVs) through Switch Mobility.

With India aiming for 30% EV adoption by 2030, Ashok Leyland’s early mover advantage in electric buses and trucks positions it to dominate a green future.

Positive cash flow fuels this innovation without straining its balance sheet. While a 15-17% ROE shows it’s squeezing solid returns from every rupee.

Beyond domestic growth, its exports to emerging markets like Africa and the Middle East add a global edge.

E-commerce, too, keeps demand humming, imagine more delivery trucks as online shopping explodes.

Sure, fuel price swings or policy hiccups could jostle it, but its diversified portfolio (light to heavy vehicles) and cost controls (10-12% margins) cushion the ride.

For the 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term, Ashok Leyland’s a roadworthy bet.

3. Amara Raja Batteries

• Market Cap: Rs.218,811 Cr. (Small-Cap)
• Why It’s a Winner: From car batteries to lithium-ion cells, Amara Raja is charging up India’s energy future.

Financial Snapshot (from Stock Engine, as of March 2025)

• Revenue Growth: 12-15% CAGR, fueled by auto and renewable energy demand.
• Profit Margins: 10-12%, with room to grow in high-tech segments.
• ROE: 14-16%, a sign of efficient capital use.
• Debt: Low debt-to-equity ratio (~0.2), keeping it nimble.

Why It’s Built for 10-15 Years

Amara Raja Batteries is a small-cap dynamo built for a 10-15 year horizon. It is perfectly plugged into India’s electrified future.

The EV revolution is revving up, India’s targeting 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030. Amara Raja’s new lithium-ion gigafactory is set to power this shift. It is expected to supply batteries for cars, two-wheelers, and beyond.

Its 12-15% revenue CAGR already reflects booming demand from the auto sector. But the renewable energy push, solar and wind storage, doubles its runway.

With a low debt-to-equity ratio of ~0.2, it’s nimble enough to scale without choking on loans. A 14-16% ROE signals efficient capital use that keeps profits humming.

The company’s pivot to high-tech segments like lithium-ion promises fatter 10-12% margins as it moves beyond traditional lead-acid batteries.

India’s rural electrification and urban EV subsidies are tailwinds, and Amara Raja’s partnerships (like with global players) give it a tech edge.

Sure, competition’s heating up, but its early lead and lean balance sheet offer resilience.

From a small-cap today, it’s got the punch to grow into a large-cap contender.

For the 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term, Amara Raja’s staying power is electric.

4. Maharashtra Seamless

• Market Cap: Rs.9,700 Cr. (Small-Cap)
• Why It’s a Winner: Steel pipes for oil, gas, and infrastructure – Mahseamless is a quiet winner in a critical sector.

Financial Snapshot (from Stock Engine, as of March 2025)

• Revenue Growth: 15-18% CAGR, tied to energy and infra projects.
• Profit Margins: 12-15%, boosted by operational efficiency.
• ROE: 10-12%, with upside as projects scale.
• Debt: Near-zero debt, a rare find in small-caps.

Why It’s Built for 10-15 Years

Maharashtra Seamless is a small-cap business tailor-made for a 10-15 year holding period. It is quietly thriving in India’s energy and infrastructure boom.

The country’s ambitious plans, in oil and gas pipelines, urban water systems, and mega-infra projects like Bharatmala, rely on steel pipes. Mahseamless is a go-to supplier that can deliver on those demands.

Its 15-18% revenue CAGR reflects this growing demand. A near-zero debt, it’s a rare small-cap that’s not weighed down by loans, giving it room to scale as projects multiply.

A 10-12% ROE is solid, with upside as orders grow, and 12-15% profit margins show it’s squeezing efficiency from every pipe.

India’s energy transition, more LNG pipelines and renewable setups, keeps it relevant, while global oil demand ensures export potential.

But what about steel price volatility? Its lean operations and focus on seamless pipes (a premium niche) cushion the blows. From a Rs.9,700 Cr. market cap today, it’s got the ability to climb higher as India builds out its backbone.

For the 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term, Mahseamless is a low-key powerhouse with staying power and growth in spades.

5. Elecon Engineering

• Market Cap: Rs.9,739 Cr. (Small-Cap)
• Why It’s a Winner: Elecon Engineering powers India’s manufacturing backbone.

Financial Snapshot (from Stock Engine, as of March 2025)

• Revenue Growth: 10-12% CAGR, driven by industrial demand.
• Profit Margins: 15-18%, with strong order books.
• ROE: 20-22%, a standout for small-caps.
• Debt: Low, supporting growth investments.

Why It’s Built for 10-15 Years

I think, Elecon Engineering is a small-cap dark horse. It fundamentals are perfectly synced with India’s manufacturing renaissance. The ‘Make in India’ push isn’t just a slogan, it’s a multi-decade shift toward industrial self-reliance.

Elecon’s gears and equipment are the unsung heroes powering steel plants, cement factories, and power stations.

Its 10-12% revenue CAGR reflects steady demand, but the real story is its niche dominance, specialized gear systems aren’t easy to replicate, giving it a moat.

A standout 20-22% ROE proves it’s a profit machine, rare for a Rs.9,739 Cr. small-cap, while 15-18% margins signal strong order books and pricing power.

Low debt keeps it agile, funding growth without strain as India ramps up infrastructure and heavy industry.

Global trends, like renewable energy (gears for wind turbines) and mining, open export doors, diversifying its base.

Sure, its P/E of 26.20 suggests a premium, but that’s the price of growth in a sector set to boom.

From factories to ports, Elecon’s fingerprints are on India’s industrial future.

For the 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term, it’s a gritty, high-potential contender.

Mid- and Small-Cap Edge Over Large-Caps

Why these over the big boys?

Mid- and small-caps like these have higher growth ceilings, think 3-5x returns over a decade if they scale into large-caps. Large-caps like HDFC Bank are safer bets, but their growth is slower (10-15% CAGR vs. potential 20-30% for these picks in good years).

The trade-off? More volatility, so buckle up and invest gradually.

Practical Tips if I’ll buy it today:

• Valuation Check: P/E ratios vary (e.g., Elecon at 26.20 is fair for its growth; Mahseamless at 12.84 is a steal). You can use a fundamental analysis tool like Stock Engine to get a deeper valuation perspective (Intrinsic value vs current price).
• SIP Approach: Start small, buy on dips over 6-12 months.
• Monitor Sector Trends: Pharma, EVs, and infra are hot, keep an eye on policy updates.

I would like to build your perspective on these stocks through a cricketing lens. Aurobindo’s your steady opener, Ashok Leyland’s the all-rounder, Amara Raja’s the power hitter, Mahseamless is the surprise spinner, and Elecon’s the finisher. Together, they’ve got the flair to win the long game.

Conclusion

The 5 best stocks to buy today India for long term aren’t always the usual suspects.

Aurobindo Pharma, Ashok Leyland, Amara Raja Batteries, Maharashtra Seamless, and Elecon Engineering bring growth, resilience, and sector tailwinds to the table.

They’re riskier than large-caps, sure, but the payoff could be massive over 10-15 years.

Disclaimer: I’m not a financial adviser, please consult one. Markets carry risks, and past performance isn’t a future guarantee.

Have a happy investing.