New Zealand bowled out India for just 170 runs in their second innings on the sixth and final day and need 139 runs to win the first-ever World Test Championship on Wednesday.
Resuming the day at 64 for 2, India could add only 106 runs to their overnight score.
Rishabh Pant was top-scorer for India with his 41-run knock while Ravindra Jadeja (16), Ajinkya Rahane (15) and Mohammed Shami (13) also made small contributions.
Earlier, India lost three wickets in the morning session.
Virat Kohli (13) and Cheteshwar Pujara (15) got out to Kyle Jamieson while vice captain Ajinkya Rahane (15) were dismissed by Trent Boult.
Brief Scores:
India: 217 and 170 all out in 73 overs. (Rishabh Pant 41, Rohit Sharma 30; Tim Southee 4/48, T Boult 3/39, Kyle Jamieson 2/30).
New Zealand 1st Innings: 249 all out.
