The Indian cryptocurrency market continues to evolve rapidly, driven by increasing digital adoption, regulatory clarity, and growing investor interest. From mainstream digital assets like Bitcoin and USDC to emerging tokens such as Portal and Scallop, Indian investors are diversifying across layers of innovation — including gaming, decentralized finance (DeFi), and ecosystem tokens. This guide explores the most trending cryptocurrencies in India right now, analyzing performance metrics, market sentiment, and long-term potential.
Top Cryptocurrencies Gaining Momentum in India
1. Portal (PORTAL) – Gaming Meets Blockchain
Portal has surged into the spotlight with a 30.58% gain in the last 24 hours and a 21.75% rise over 30 days. As a blockchain-based gaming token, PORTAL powers immersive play-to-earn experiences that resonate strongly with India’s young, tech-savvy population. With a market cap of $21.39 million and impressive 24-hour trading volume exceeding $65 million, it reflects strong community engagement and speculative interest.
👉 Discover how next-gen gaming tokens are reshaping digital ownership and investment opportunities.
2. Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL) – Scaling Ethereum in India
Formerly known as MATIC, POL remains a cornerstone of India’s blockchain infrastructure. Its 16.51% monthly growth and $1.88 billion market cap highlight its role in enabling scalable dApps and low-cost transactions. Indian developers and enterprises increasingly adopt Polygon’s layer-2 solutions, making POL not just a speculative asset but a foundational piece of the Web3 ecosystem.
3. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) – NFT Culture Goes Mainstream
Despite being an NFT collection originally from the West, Pudgy Penguins has found a passionate following in India. With a 46.18% weekly surge and trading volume surpassing $729 million in 24 hours, PENGU demonstrates how digital collectibles are gaining real economic traction. The brand’s move into physical toys and licensing deals adds tangible value to the token.
4. Aethir (ATH) – Decentralized Cloud Computing
Aethir stands out with a 41.11% monthly increase and strong fundamentals in decentralized AI and cloud infrastructure. As Indian startups ramp up AI development, demand for cost-effective GPU access through blockchain-powered networks like Aethir is rising. ATH’s $268 million market cap suggests early but meaningful institutional interest.
5. USDC – Stability in Volatile Times
While not flashy, USDC plays a crucial role in India’s crypto landscape. Pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, this stablecoin offers a safe haven during market turbulence. With a massive $61.67 billion market cap and daily trading volume over $8 billion, USDC is widely used for remittances, trading, and hedging against rupee volatility.
High-Growth Emerging Tokens
Scallop (SCA): Rising Fast with 48.73% Daily Surge
Scallop Protocol’s SCA token saw nearly 50% growth in one day — one of the highest on the list. Positioned as a cross-chain DeFi platform, Scallop enables seamless asset transfers and yield farming across blockchains. Its appeal lies in accessibility, targeting retail investors looking for high-reward opportunities.
CZ’s Dog (BROCCOLI): Meme Coin with Momentum
Despite its humorous name, BROCCOLI has gained serious traction with a 53.42% monthly return. Meme coins often reflect social sentiment, and BROCCOLI’s rise mirrors global trends where community-driven tokens capture short-term attention. Caution is advised due to high volatility.
Hamster Kombat (HMSTR): Viral Game Token
With a staggering 66.91% monthly gain, HMSTR exemplifies how gamified crypto projects can explode in popularity. Originating from a mobile game sensation, its success shows how entertainment and blockchain are converging — especially appealing to younger Indian users.
Established Giants Still Dominating
Bitcoin (BTC): The Benchmark Asset
Bitcoin remains the gold standard, with a market cap exceeding $2 trillion globally. In India, BTC is increasingly seen as digital gold and a long-term store of value. Even modest weekly gains (0.73%) reflect stability amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
Toncoin (TON): Telegram’s Blockchain Play
Backed by Telegram’s massive user base, TON has achieved a $6.9 billion market cap and steady growth. Its integration with messaging apps makes it ideal for microtransactions and peer-to-peer payments — use cases perfectly suited to India’s mobile-first economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is cryptocurrency legal in India?
A: Yes, cryptocurrency is legal in India. While not recognized as legal tender, it is treated as a digital asset subject to taxation and regulatory oversight.
Q: Which crypto is best for beginners in India?
A: Stablecoins like USDC and established assets like Bitcoin or Polygon (POL) are ideal starting points due to lower volatility and wider acceptance.
Q: How are cryptocurrencies taxed in India?
A: India imposes a 30% tax on crypto gains plus a 1% TDS (tax deducted at source) on all transactions above a certain threshold.
Q: Can I buy small amounts of crypto in India?
A: Yes, most platforms allow fractional purchases, enabling investors to start with as little as ₹100.
Q: Are meme coins worth investing in?
A: Meme coins like BROCCOLI or PEPE can offer high returns but come with extreme risk. They should only make up a small portion of a diversified portfolio.
👉 Learn how to securely store and manage your digital assets with advanced wallet strategies.
Regional Trends Beyond India
While focused on India, these tokens are also gaining traction across Asia, Latin America, and Africa — regions with similar demographics: young populations, rising internet penetration, and underbanked communities seeking alternative financial tools.
In Oceania and the Middle East, institutional adoption of tokens like POL and TON is accelerating. Meanwhile, in the Americas, speculative interest in meme coins and gaming tokens remains high.
Key Investment Considerations
- Volatility: Many trending tokens experience sharp price swings. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
- Utility: Prioritize tokens with real-world use cases — such as cloud computing (ATH), gaming (PORTAL), or payments (TON).
- Liquidity: High trading volume (like USDC or BTC) ensures easier entry and exit.
- Regulatory Outlook: Stay informed about India’s evolving crypto regulations to avoid compliance issues.
👉 Stay ahead with real-time data and tools designed for smart crypto investing decisions.
Final Thoughts
India’s crypto market is no longer just about Bitcoin. It's becoming a dynamic ecosystem where innovation in gaming, DeFi, NFTs, and infrastructure tokens coexist. Whether you're drawn to stable assets like USDC or high-potential newcomers like Scallop and Hamster Kombat, understanding each token’s purpose and performance is key.
As adoption grows and technology matures, these trending cryptocurrencies could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial future — one blockchain transaction at a time.
Core Keywords: trending cryptocurrencies India, best crypto to buy in India, crypto market India, USDC India, Polygon POL, Bitcoin India, Hamster Kombat HMSTR, Scallop SCA