For many Indian investors, Rs 1 crore is still considered a significant financial milestone. They see Rs 1 crore as a number that represents security, freedom and a comfortable future. In this write-up, we will discuss how you can reach this goal through SIP investing and also how long it takes to achieve this target.
The answer depends largely on two things — how much you invest every month and the returns you earn over time.
This story focuses on a realistic and common scenario: a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP, and returns of 12%, 15%, 18% and 20%, based on what mutual funds have delivered historically.
SIP returns: Reality check from real data
We analysed around 190 mutual funds (across categories), all of which have a 10-year SIP track record. The data throws up an important truth: high long-term SIP returns (up to or over 20%) are achievable, if the discipline is maintained. Though such returns are rare, and cannot be the norm. (All data is sourced from Value Research.)
Data (as on December 26, 2025) suggests that over 50% (around 100 funds) of 190 funds managed to deliver more than 12% annualised SIP returns. Around 82 funds crossed the 15% CAGR mark and 48 funds delivered 18%+ CAGR returns. A mere 20 funds gave 20%+ SIP returns over 10 years.
In simple words, 15–18% returns over a full decade are already excellent, while 20%+ returns are exceptional and come with high volatility.
This context is important before we jump into crorepati calculations.
Why SIP works for long-term wealth creation
A SIP (systematic investment plan) works quietly but powerfully in the background. You invest a fixed amount every month, irrespective of market levels. When markets fall, your SIP buys more units; when markets rise, the value of your investments grows.
Over long periods, compounding does the heavy lifting. The longer you stay invested, the more your money starts working for you — often far more than your own contributions.
Rs 1 crore with SIP: how time changes with returns
Let’s now see how long it takes to build a Rs 1 crore corpus with a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP, at different return levels.
12% SIP returns
At 12% annualised returns, which is quite reasonable for diversified equity funds over the long term:
Monthly SIP: Rs 10,000
Total investment: Rs 24 lakh
Estimated returns: Rs 75.9 lakh
Total corpus: Rs 1 crore
Time required: 20 years
This scenario suits investors who prefer stability, discipline and lower volatility. It may take longer, but it is still a very achievable path for long-term equity investors.
15% SIP returns
Returns of around 15% are considered excellent but realistic in equity mutual funds, especially over long periods.
Monthly SIP: Rs 10,000
Total investment: Rs 21.6 lakh
Estimated returns: Rs 88.8 lakh
Total corpus: Rs 1.10 crore
Time required: 18 years
Just a 3% increase in returns cuts two full years from your journey to Rs 1 crore — showing the true power of compounding.
18% SIP returns
Only a small set of funds — mostly mid-cap, small-cap and thematic funds — have managed to sustain 18%+ SIP returns over long periods.
Monthly SIP: Rs 10,000
Total investment: Rs 19.2 lakh
Estimated returns: Rs 92.0 lakh
Total corpus: Rs 1.11 crore
Time required: 16 years
This path can build wealth faster, but it also comes with sharper ups and downs, requiring patience and strong risk tolerance.
20% SIP returns: exceptional, but rare
Returns of 20% or more look attractive on paper, but history shows that very few funds achieve this consistently, and volatility is high.
Monthly SIP: Rs 10,000
Total investment: Rs 18 lakh
Estimated returns: Rs 95.4 lakh
Total corpus: Rs 1.13 crore
Time required: 15 years
While the timeline shortens further, investors should remember that chasing such returns increases risk significantly.
What investors should really take away from this
The data and calculations together send a clear message:
More than half the funds crossed 12% SIP returns over the last 10 years, around 43% funds delivered over 15% annualised returns, about 25% funds managed over 18% returns and around 10% funds delivered over 20% annualised returns.
Note: Investors must note here that 15–18% SIP returns over long periods are considered outstanding, while over 20% returns should be treated as exceptions, not expectations.
The real SIP lesson
Becoming a crorepati through SIP is less about finding the ‘perfect’ fund and more about starting early, staying invested and being realistic about returns. A disciplined Rs 10,000 SIP, combined with patience and sensible expectations, can quietly turn into Rs 1 crore — even without chasing extreme returns.
Remember what all investment gurus say – “time in the market matters far more than timing the market”.
Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks. Please consult your financial advisor before investing.
