India has launched its first large-scale study to identify biological markers linked to healthy aging and age-related decline. The BHARAT study aims to build India-specific aging data using advanced multi-omics technologies and artificial intelligence. Researchers hope the project will improve disease prediction and support healthier ageing across the country.
The study’s full name is Biomarkers of Healthy Ageing, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science lead the initiative through the Longevity India program. The project combines clinical data, lifestyle information, and biological samples from participants across India.
Study designed for India’s diverse population
Researchers designed the study to reflect India’s genetic, dietary, environmental, and socioeconomic diversity. The team will recruit participants from different age groups, including adults aged 18 years and older. The study also aims to maintain balanced rural-urban and gender representation.
Scientists will collect blood, urine, stool, hair, and cheek swab samples from participants. They will also conduct clinical and cognitive assessments alongside lifestyle and quality-of-life surveys. The project uses epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, metagenomics, and immune profiling to study aging at multiple biological levels.
Artificial intelligence to support analysis
The IISc serves as the central hub for biobanking, computational analysis, and data integration. Clinical and community partners across India support participant recruitment and sample collection. Researchers will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse the large datasets generated by the study.
The BHARAT study focuses on identifying biomarkers linked to resilience, frailty, and age-related decline. Researchers also plan to recalibrate biological clocks currently based on Western population data. Existing models may not accurately represent aging patterns in Indian populations.
Growing need for population-specific aging data
India’s elderly population could exceed 347 million by 2050. Researchers believe the country urgently needs population-specific aging data and predictive tools. The study aims to establish reference datasets that support future research and clinical applications.
Scientists say most global aging research relies on Western datasets. These datasets shape disease risk models, biomarker benchmarks, and aging clocks currently used worldwide. However, India’s unique ancestry, nutrition, infection burden, and environmental exposures may influence aging differently.
Potential impact on future healthcare
The project differs from previous Indian studies because it uses a discovery-driven, multi-omics approach. Researchers hope the integrated framework will reveal new biological signatures linked to healthy ageing. The findings may also help develop personalised diagnostics and preventive healthcare strategies.
Although the BHARAT study follows a cross-sectional design, researchers plan to build a scalable framework for future longitudinal studies. The initiative could eventually support therapeutic development and precision medicine approaches tailored to Indian populations.