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When planning long-term investments, one common dilemma investors face is whether to contribute a higher amount for a shorter period or a smaller amount for a longer duration.
Both approaches involve disciplined monthly contributions, but the outcomes can differ significantly due to the effect of compounding over time.
When we plug in the numbers using a SIP Calculator, the results are as follows:
If an investor contributes ₹20,000 every month for 15 years at an assumed annual return of 12%, the total investment will amount to ₹36,00,000.
At the end of the 15-year period, the estimated value of the investment would be around ₹1,00,91,520, generating estimated returns of ₹64,91,520.
This option involves a higher monthly contribution, which accelerates the growth initially, but the shorter tenure limits the compounding effect.
Alternatively, if the same investor chooses to invest ₹15,000 per month for 20 years with a 12% expected annual return, the total invested amount remains the same ₹36,00,000.
However, the estimated value after 20 years would be ₹1,49,87,219, leading to estimated returns of ₹1,13,87,219.
This approach benefits from a longer compounding period, allowing the investment to grow steadily even with a smaller monthly contribution.
| Parameters | Option 1: ₹20,000 for 15 Years | Option 2: ₹15,000 for 20 Years |
| Monthly Investment | ₹20,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Duration | 15 Years | 20 Years |
| Total Investment | ₹36,00,000 | ₹36,00,000 |
| Estimated Value (at 12%) | ₹1,00,91,520 | ₹1,49,87,219 |
| Estimated Returns | ₹64,91,520 | ₹1,13,87,219 |
The second option, with a longer duration, results in a higher final corpus despite the lower monthly contribution, mainly due to the extended compounding period.
Read More: SIP Calculator: Estimate Returns on ₹23,000 Monthly Investment Over 5 Years.
Both SIP approaches have their own merits and are designed for different investor needs. The choice between a higher short-term commitment or a lower long-term contribution depends on factors like income stability, financial goals, and investment horizon.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.
Published on: Nov 6, 2025, 3:42 PM IST

Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
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