The results of a recent survey conducted by a major Indian online matrimonial service are proof that marriage is a business -- at least for the over 1.5 lakh Indians and NRIs who participated. Apart from the traditional parameters of money (94% of the men said they were "open" to marrying someone who earned less than they did, compared to 34% women), education (62% men would prefer to marry a woman who is as educated as them, while 69% women would prefer someone more educated), age (72% men would prefer marrying someone who was younger than them, while 89% women preferred an older man), the survey found that Indians are willing to place more emphasis on compatibility over horoscopes and are open to getting a pre-nuptial agreement (62% men deemed it somewhat to very important, compared to 70% women).

"We found that women with siblings prefer to get married to guys with siblings. Also, since more women have started working, they prefer a joint family system as it provides them with a safety net," explains the Business Head of the website.