The Indian new middle class, largely a product of economic liberalization and globalization since the 1990s, exhibits distinct characteristics that differentiate it from its predecessors.

Main Features of the New Middle Class:

1. Education and Professionalism: Highly educated, often with degrees in engineering, management, medicine, or IT. They are predominantly employed in white-collar jobs, the service sector, corporate roles, and emerging knowledge-based industries.
2. Urban and Globalized: Primarily concentrated in urban and metropolitan areas, they are exposed to global trends, consumer patterns, and cultural influences. They often have international aspirations, including opportunities for work or education abroad.
3. Consumerism and Aspirations: Characterized by high purchasing power and a strong focus on lifestyle, modern amenities, and branded goods. Their aspirations include owning homes, cars, electronic gadgets, and providing quality education for their children.
4. Individualism and Meritocracy: While traditional social structures still play a role, there's a greater emphasis on individual achievement, merit, and upward mobility through education and career progression.
5. Political Influence: This class increasingly asserts its political voice, often advocating for economic growth, good governance, reduced corruption, and less state intervention in the economy.
6. Heterogeneity: Despite shared economic status and aspirations, it remains diverse in terms of caste, religion, region, and language, reflecting India's pluralistic society.

Differences from the Old Middle Class (Pre-1990s/Colonial Era):

1. Size and Economic Power: The new middle class is significantly larger and possesses far greater economic power and disposable income compared to the old middle class, which was smaller and had limited economic opportunities.
2. Occupational Profile: The old middle class primarily comprised government servants, professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers), and small businessmen. The new middle class has diversified into corporate, IT, finance, and entrepreneurial roles, driven by market forces rather than solely government employment.
3. Outlook and Values: The old middle class was often more rooted in traditional values, less consumerist, and played a significant role in nationalist movements during the colonial period. The new middle class is more globalized, individualistic, and consumer-driven, with a focus on personal advancement and material well-being.
4. Source of Income: The old middle class relied heavily on stable, often government-provided, salaries. The new middle class derives income from a wider array of sources, including private sector employment, entrepreneurship, and globalized service industries.
5. Aspirations: While both sought upward mobility, the new middle class's aspirations are often more global, technologically advanced, and focused on a 'modern' lifestyle, distinct from the more modest and locally-oriented aspirations of the old middle class.