The Famous 15-15-15 Rule
Invest ₹15,000/month for 15 years at 15% returns = ₹1,01,52,946 (approx. 1 Crore)
Why 15 Years is the Sweet Spot for SIP
15 years offers the perfect balance between affordability and compounding power:
- Affordable monthly amount: ₹19,819 is achievable for most middle-income earners
- Maximum compounding: Your money doubles through returns alone (180% gain on investment)
- Ride out volatility: 15 years absorbs multiple market cycles
- Aligns with life goals: Perfect for child education or retirement planning
The 15-15-15 Rule Explained
The 15-15-15 rule is a simple heuristic for remembering how to become a crorepati:
- ₹15,000 invested monthly
- For 15 years
- At 15% annual returns
- Equals approximately ₹1 crore
While 15% returns are aggressive, mid-cap and small-cap funds have historically delivered such returns over 15+ years. For conservative planning, use 12% (₹19,819/month) or 10% (₹23,861/month).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 15-15-15 rule realistic?
The rule assumes 15% returns which is aggressive. Historically, diversified equity funds have delivered 12-14% over 15 years. For realistic planning, use 12% (requiring ₹19,819/month) instead of 15%.
Why is 15 years better than 10 years for SIP?
With 15 years, you invest ₹16 lakh less while reaching the same ₹1 crore goal. The extra 5 years of compounding does the heavy lifting. Your wealth gain at 15 years (180%) is nearly double that of 10 years (94%).
Should I use step-up SIP for 15-year goal?
Yes, especially if you're early in your career. Starting with ₹10,822/month (10% step-up) instead of ₹19,819 is much easier. Your SIP grows with your salary, making it sustainable.
Which funds are best for 15-year SIP?
For 15 years, you can afford more equity exposure: Flexi-cap funds (60%), Mid-cap funds (20%), and Large-cap/Index funds (20%) is a balanced allocation. Review annually but don't react to short-term volatility.
What if I start late and have only 10 years?
You'll need ₹43,042/month instead of ₹19,819 - more than double. Consider combining SIP with lumpsum if available. Alternatively, target a lower corpus and extend to 12 years (₹31,952/month).