HNIs or high net worth individuals is a class of individuals who are distinguished from other retail segment based on their net wealth, assets and investible surplus. While there is no standard put forth for the classification, the definition of HNIs varies with the geographical area as well as financial markets and institutions.
Though there is no specific definition, generally in the Indian context, individuals with over Rs. 2 crore investible surplus may be considered to be HNIs while those with investible wealth in the range of Rs. 25 lac – Rs. 2 crore may be deemed as Emerging HNIs.
If you are applying for a IPO of equity shares in an Indian company, generally, if you apply for amounts in excess of Rs. 2 lakhs, you fall under the HNI category. On the other hand, if you apply for amounts under Rs. 2 lakhs, you are considered as a retail investor. There may be so many ways in which HNIs are categorized and defined, there is no single bracket that could put them under.