The most common investing question in India is not 'which fund' — it is 'how much SIP should I start?' The honest answer depends on your take-home pay, emergency fund, and goals. Here is a salary-based starting map you can actually use.
The simple rule
Aim for 20% of take-home toward your future (emergency fund first, then SIP). If rent is high, start at 10% and increase with every raise. Consistency beats a heroic amount you abandon in month three.
SIP by monthly take-home
- ₹30,000 take-home: ₹3,000–5,000 SIP after a starter emergency fund.
- ₹50,000: ₹8,000–12,000 SIP (plus EPF already running).
- ₹75,000: ₹15,000–20,000 SIP; consider NPS for extra tax break on old regime.
- ₹1 lakh+: ₹25,000–40,000 SIP; add step-up of 10% yearly.
The takeaway
Build at least 3 months of essentials in cash before maxing equity SIP. Investing without a buffer means you sell at the worst time when life hits.
Where to put the SIP
For most people under 40 with a 7+ year horizon: a low-cost Nifty 50 or Nifty 500 index fund in direct plan. Use a goal SIP calculator to work backwards from a target corpus (house, retirement, education).