How to Actually Make ₹1 Crore in 10 Years (Without a Tech Salary or Startup Luck)

Let’s be honest

You’re scrolling through Instagram and YouTube, and it feels like every finance influencer is flaunting their “₹1 crore in 10 years” chart, making it seem like it’s a piece of cake.

But let’s be real—you don’t have that dream salary, your boss isn’t showering you with ESOPs, and there’s definitely no unicorn startup parked in your garage.

So, is this dream even within reach for regular folks?

The short answer is: Yes, it is. But it’s a lot messier than those influencers would have you believe.

Let’s dive into what it really takes—complete with actual numbers, genuine challenges, and a practical plan you can stick to.

1. The Truth About Compounding: No Magic, Just Math

Here’s the real scoop:

Compounding is an incredible tool, but it only works if you’re willing to invest both money and time—and resist the urge to withdraw during every little hiccup.

Let’s break down the numbers:

If you put in ₹15,000 each month with a 12% annual return (which is optimistic but achievable with equity mutual funds):

In 10 years, you could see around ₹34 lakh.

Dreaming of hitting ₹1 crore?

You’d need to invest about ₹44,500 a month for a decade at that same 12%, or you could look for ways to increase your returns or extend your investment period.

Sure, it can be realistic! But that only happens if you stay consistent and get started early. Here’s a little table for you:

So, no, the “₹5,000 SIP to crorepati” stories are mostly fiction—unless you’re investing for 20+ years.

2. Salaried, Freelance, or Small Business? Choose Your Path

Let’s break it down:

Salaried:

Pros: You get a steady paycheck, plus there might be EPF contributions and bonuses.

Cons: Your earning potential is pretty limited unless you decide to upskill, switch jobs, or dive into a side hustle.

Freelancer/Consultant:

Pros: Your income can really soar (or take a nosedive), but it all hinges on your discipline with SIPs.

Small Business:

Pros: The sky’s the limit in terms of potential, but there’s no guarantee of consistent cash flow.

Cons: Facing a cash flow crunch? Your investments are usually the first to take a hit.
Whatever your path, the monthly investment target doesn’t change—the route to get there just does.

3. Where Should You Put the Money?

Let’s be real – there’s no need to juggle 20 different funds and a Demat account packed with 50 stocks.

Core: Stick to 1–2 solid equity mutual funds (think index and flexicap).

Sidekick: Set aside some cash for midcap or smallcap investments if you’re feeling adventurous and ready for a bit more risk.

Defense: Consider PPF or fixed deposits for that much-needed stability—these will help keep your head clear during those bear market blues.

Wild Card: If you’re up for a little excitement, throw a small portion into SGB (Sovereign Gold Bonds) or even dabble in crypto, but keep it to a strict maximum of 5%!

Here’s a sample portfolio for a ₹45,000/month SIP:

– ₹30,000 in equity mutual funds (index + flexicap)

– ₹7,500 in a mid/small-cap fund

– ₹5,000 in PPF

– ₹2,500 in SGB/crypto/FDs

This combination offers you a nice balance of growth, safety, and just a hint of thrill.

4. The Wealth Killers No One Warns You About

Here’s what might throw you off track:

Family Demands: “Shaadi hai, paise chahiye.” Don’t cash out your investments. Instead, create an emergency fund for these situations.

Market Crashes: When your portfolio takes a 20% hit, your instinct might be to sell. Resist that urge. Just keep investing.

Job Loss: Never put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure you have at least 4-6 months’ worth of expenses saved in a separate account.

FOMO Investing: Meme stocks and random cryptocurrencies—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Unexpected Big Expenses: Be prepared for them—don’t let them throw you off your financial goals.

5. The Boring Years: Where Most People Quit

Here’s a little secret:

During those first 5 to 7 years, your SIP might not seem all that impressive. The growth can feel sluggish, and you might find yourself wondering, “Is this really working?”

But hold on for years 8, 9, and 10! That’s when compounding really revs up like a monster truck. Just take a look at your statement then—you’ll notice that you’ve earned more in those three years than in the entire first seven!

6. When to Go Aggressive, When to Play It Safe

• 20s–early 30s: Go heavy on equities. Don’t fear volatility.
• Mid-late 30s: Start mixing in some safety (PPF, SGB, FDs).
• 40s+: Prioritize protecting your corpus, not just growth.
  But the key? Never stop the SIP. Adjust, but never stop.

7. The 10-Year, ₹1 Crore Sample Plans

Let’s get practical:

Want to try your own numbers? Use our SIP Calculator

8. Reality Check: Why Most People Fail (And How You Won’t)

Most people:

• Stop investing after a bad market year.
• Withdraw for unnecessary purchases.
• Don’t increase SIPs with salary hikes.
• Fall for shiny “guaranteed” schemes.

You:

• Set up automatic SIPs.
• Bump SIP by 5–10% each year.
• Ignore the noise.
• Keep your eyes on that 8-digit finish line.

9. Try It Yourself

Don’t trust anyone’s “one-size-fits-all” chart—including mine.
Run your numbers, see what you can spare, and make your own plan.

Final Word

You don’t need a ₹5 lakh/month salary or lottery luck.
You just need time, discipline, and a plan that fits your life—not your neighbor’s.

No shortcuts. No clickbait. Just a decade of smart, stubborn investing.

Start today. Future You will thank you.

Amit Sharma

As the Lead Analyst at Invest With Bull, Amit Sharma bridges the gap between complex banking regulations and your wallet. With a core focus on Credit Card Arbitrage and BDA Real Estate, Amit provides the data-backed analysis that salaried professionals need to maximize returns and minimize interest. He is dedicated to building financial literacy through unbiased, actionable research.

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