I want to start investing in India
There are many ways to grow money in India. This page shows each one in plain words so you can compare them. It takes about 20 minutes.
- 1
Start with a monthly SIP
A SIP (systematic investment plan) means putting a fixed amount into a mutual fund every month. Type your monthly amount, expected return and years.
How much will my monthly SIP grow to?
Grow my SIP →Tip: Mutual fund returns are not fixed. They go up and down, so think in years, not months.
- 2
Raise your SIP each year
A step-up SIP grows your monthly amount a little every year, often when your salary rises. Type your SIP and the yearly step-up percent.
How much more will I get if I raise my SIP every year?
Try a step-up SIP →Tip: Raising your SIP by even 5% to 10% a year can make a big difference over 15 to 20 years.
- 3
Invest a one-time amount
A lumpsum is a single amount you invest at once, like a bonus. Type the amount, expected return and years.
How much will my one-time investment grow to?
Grow my lumpsum →Tip: If you are unsure about timing, some people spread a big amount over a few months instead.
- 4
Add safe, long-term savings with PPF
PPF (Public Provident Fund) is a government savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in. Type your yearly amount to see the final value.
How much will my PPF account grow to?
See my PPF →Tip: You can put in Rs 500 to Rs 1.5 lakh a year. The interest rate is set by the government every quarter.
- 5
Compare with a fixed deposit
An FD (fixed deposit) gives a fixed rate for a set time at a bank. Type the amount, rate and time to see what you get at the end.
How much will my fixed deposit be worth at the end?
Check my FD →Tip: FD interest is added to your income and taxed at your slab rate. Compare returns after tax.
- 6
Check your income tax
Your investments can change your tax. Type your salary and any old-regime deductions to compare the new and old tax regimes.
How much income tax will I pay, and which regime is better?
Compare my tax →Tip: Tax-saving options like PPF and ELSS help only in the old regime. Check which regime suits you first.
- 7
See what your money is really worth
Prices rise every year. Type an amount and years to see how inflation shrinks it, so you can set real goals.
How much will things cost in the future with inflation?
Check inflation →Tip: If a safe investment earns less than inflation, your money is slowly losing buying power.
Questions people ask
Is SIP better than FD?
A SIP in an equity mutual fund can grow more over long periods but its value goes up and down. An FD gives a fixed, known return and is safer for short-term goals. Many people use both for different goals.
How much should I invest in SIP every month?
There is no single right amount. Many people start with what fits their budget after needs and an emergency fund, then step it up as income grows. Use the SIP calculator to see what amount reaches your goal.
Is PPF interest tax-free?
Yes, PPF interest and the final amount are tax-free. Deposits can be claimed under 80C only in the old tax regime. The account has a 15-year lock-in with some partial withdrawal options.
How are mutual fund gains taxed in India?
For equity funds, gains on units held over a year are long-term and are taxed at 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh of gains a year. Gains within a year are short-term and taxed at 20%. Rules can change, so check the current rules before you sell.