Pressure groups existed in India even before independence, yet they became more effective and important only after independence. Indian National Congress originated as a pressure group. When it turned into a mass organization during the national movement, many other local organizations were formed which, besides participating in the national movement, were also working for promotion of their interests. 

The following pressure groups are influencing Indian politics:

(1) Class-interest Groups: Under this category are included trade unions like All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade

Union (CITU) etc. The Business Groups like FICCI, Groups of Educated classes like --All India Railway Men Association, All India Postal and Telegraph Employee Union, Medical Council, Teachers Union etc. Students organizations like - Student Federation of India Development, Vidyarthi Parishad etc. Women organizations like --All India Women conference, the Peasants Organizations like All India Kisan Sabha, United Kisan Sabha, Shitkari Organisation and Tamil Nadu Kisan Sangh etc.

(2) Pressure Groups based on Community, Religion, Caste and Language: Under this category are those. groups, which have been organized to look after the interests of particular religion or caste. These include Jat Maha Sabha, Vaish Maha Sabha, Marwari Association, Harijan Sevak Sangh, Anglo-Indian Association, All India Conference of Christians and Gaur Maha Sabha etc.

(3) Groups based on Gandhian Philosophy Groups based on Gandhian Philosophy include-Sarvodaya Samaj, Sarva Seva Sangh, Hindustani Prachar Sabha, Bhoodan Movement of Vinoba Bhave etc.