Answer
How long to reach ₹10 lakh with a ₹5,000 monthly SIP?
At an expected 12% annualised return, a ₹5,000 monthly SIP reaches ₹10 lakh in approximately 9 years 2 months.
Run your own scenario — try a higher SIP or a different target.
Open the SIP calculator with these inputsA ₹5,000 monthly SIP compounding at 12% per annum reaches ₹10 lakh in 9 years 2 months. Of the final corpus, you contribute ₹5.52 lakh from your own pocket; the rest is market-driven compounding.
If returns disappoint and you average only 10%, it takes 9 years 10 months. If markets are generous and you average 14%, it shortens to 8 years 8 months. Equity SIPs in India have historically delivered within this range over 10+ year windows.
Two levers move the timeline: a higher monthly contribution, or a longer runway. Increasing the SIP linearly shortens the timeline sub-linearly — but starting earlier compounds far more efficiently. Time matters more than amount.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a ₹5,000 SIP really build ₹10 lakh?
Yes — at 12% annualised return, a ₹5,000 monthly SIP reaches ₹10 lakh in 9 years 2 months. Your own contribution over that period is ₹5.52 lakh; the rest comes from compounding.
What if I want to reach ₹10 lakh faster?
Either contribute more each month or accept a higher-risk equity allocation aiming for higher returns. At 14% the same ₹5,000 SIP reaches the goal in 8 years 8 months. Doubling the monthly amount roughly halves the time.
Is the 12% return assumption realistic for India?
Indian broad-market equity indices have delivered 11–13% CAGR over 15+ year windows, net of expenses. 12% is a sensible base case; this page shows 10% as the conservative scenario and 14% as the optimistic one so you can plan against a range.
Should I step up the SIP every year instead?
A 10% annual step-up dramatically shortens the timeline because later contributions are larger. If your salary grows ~10% a year, a step-up SIP is almost always the better choice — same starting commitment, ~60% more wealth over 15 years.