Abstract : In the post-modern consumerist economies, the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is circumvented at a faster pace. As a result of the impact of globalization and the forces of post-modern consumerism, the hierarchy of needs of individual is moving unnaturally, not exactly in the same order as Maslow predicted in the continuum. In the past few decades compulsive buying has moved from anonymity to a frequently mentioned topic in many of our leading institutions ranging from the various forms of media to the courts. In fact, compulsive buying is now commonly recognized and addressed by psychiatrists globally and has become an issue of serious concern. The present investigation is unique in its approach in studying the comparison of the psychological characteristics of compulsive and non-compulsive buyers in an emerging economy, India. The current study aims to address the current knowledge of compulsive buying and address key facets of its social circumstance and construction specifically in the metropolitan region of NCR (New Delhi, India).The current research will help in improving the limited understanding, and examine how self-esteem is a key motivator, which makes individuals more vulnerable to compulsive buying. There is paucity of research on how self-esteem influences compulsive buying behaviour. The current research will be particularly helpful to comprehend the behaviour of young adults of emerging countries like India who are most susceptible to be influenced by globalization and consumerism and are particularly concerned about elevating their self-image and status. Additionally, the present research aims to improve understanding of compulsive buying and better predict this growing consumer phenomenon in emerging economies like India