This study provides an overview of financial inclusion's dimensions, its socioeconomic impacts, and future research directions. It analyzes 325 papers, focusing on India and emerging economies, highlighting the importance of financial access for sustainable development. Financial inclusion, defined as access to affordable financial services, is crucial for poverty reduction, economic growth, gender equality, and financial literacy. It enables individuals to save, invest, and manage risks, contributing to broader socio-economic development. The review emphasizes the role of financial inclusion in reducing inequality, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering social stability. It also discusses the integration of fintech and AI in financial services, which enhance accessibility and efficiency. However, challenges remain, including digital literacy gaps, systemic inequalities, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The study identifies key factors influencing financial inclusion, such as income, education, and demographics, and highlights the importance of targeted policies to improve financial access for marginalized groups. It underscores the need for further research to explore the indirect effects of financial inclusion on socio-economic development and to develop effective strategies for inclusive growth. The review concludes that financial inclusion is a critical driver of sustainable development, requiring coordinated efforts across sectors to ensure equitable access to financial services.This study provides an overview of financial inclusion's dimensions, its socioeconomic impacts, and future research directions. It analyzes 325 papers, focusing on India and emerging economies, highlighting the importance of financial access for sustainable development. Financial inclusion, defined as access to affordable financial services, is crucial for poverty reduction, economic growth, gender equality, and financial literacy. It enables individuals to save, invest, and manage risks, contributing to broader socio-economic development. The review emphasizes the role of financial inclusion in reducing inequality, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering social stability. It also discusses the integration of fintech and AI in financial services, which enhance accessibility and efficiency. However, challenges remain, including digital literacy gaps, systemic inequalities, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The study identifies key factors influencing financial inclusion, such as income, education, and demographics, and highlights the importance of targeted policies to improve financial access for marginalized groups. It underscores the need for further research to explore the indirect effects of financial inclusion on socio-economic development and to develop effective strategies for inclusive growth. The review concludes that financial inclusion is a critical driver of sustainable development, requiring coordinated efforts across sectors to ensure equitable access to financial services.