How to Redeem ELSS SIP?
You can withdraw an ELSS SIP only after each instalment completes
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SIP Plan Benefits
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
No hidden charges
Save upto ₹46,800 in Taxunder section 80C^
Zero LTCG Tax¶
Disciplined & worry-free investing
What are ELSS Funds?
ELSS is a tax-saving mutual fund that invests mainly in equities and allows tax deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh per year under Section 80C.
Key Points:
- ELSS invests in the stock market, so returns are market-linked but offer strong long-term growth potential.
- You can invest through SIP or lump sum. Each SIP instalment has its own 3-year lock-in. During these 3 years, you cannot withdraw or redeem the ELSS fund units.
- ELSS has the shortest lock-in among Section 80C options, making it a flexible tax-saving investment.
ELSS Lock‑in Rules for SIP
The most important concept in an ELSS SIP is that every instalment has its own separate 3‑year lock‑in from its investment date. You cannot redeem units linked to any SIP instalment before its individual 3‑year period is over.
Example:
- SIP date: 1 Jan 2022 → Redeemable on 1 Jan 2025
- SIP date: 1 Feb 2022 → Redeemable on 1 Feb 2025
- SIP date: 1 Mar 2022 → Redeemable on 1 Mar 2025
Table: SIP Dates & Unlock Dates
| SIP Instalment Date |
Lock-In Ends On |
| 01 Jan 2022 |
01 Jan 2025 |
| 01 Feb 2022 |
01 Feb 2025 |
| 01 Mar 2022 |
01 Mar 2025 |
| And so on… |
… |
- This means ELSS SIP DOES NOT unlock all at once.
- Units become redeemable month by month as each instalment completes 3 years.
How to Redeem Your SIP Investments In ELSS?
You should follow these steps to redeem your ELSS SIP units:
Step 1. Check which SIP instalments are free to redeem
- Log in to your AMC website, distributor platform, or mutual fund app.
- View your ELSS holdings and check the purchase date or lock-in end date.
- Only units older than 3 years can be redeemed.
Step 2. Decide how much you want to redeem
You can redeem either:
- A specific amount (e.g., ₹1,00,000), or
- A specific number of unlocked units (e.g., 1,000 units)
If your platform does not show instalment-wise details, download an account statement from the AMC or RTA to identify which units are unlocked.
Step 3. Place the redemption request
You can redeem through:
- AMC website/app: Log in → select ELSS fund → Redeem → enter amount/units → confirm.
- Online platforms (Groww, Kuvera, Paytm Money, etc.): Go to portfolio → select fund → Redeem.
- Demat/broker platforms: If units are in Demat form, redeem through your broker.
- Offline: Submit a physical redemption form at the AMC or registrar's office.
Step 4. Receive money in your bank
- Most AMCs credit the redemption amount within 3–5 working days to your registered bank account.
- Payment is usually made through NEFT/RTGS/direct credit.
ELSS / Equity Mutual Fund Tax Rules in 2025
Based on updated rules effective from 23 July 2024, following are the tax rules of ELSS mutual funds:
-
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax
- When you sell your equity mutual fund or ELSS units after 1 year, the gain becomes long-term.
- You do not pay any tax on the first ₹1.25 lakh of LTCG in a financial year.
- If your long-term gains go above ₹1.25 lakh, the extra amount is taxed at 12.5%.
- These new LTCG rules apply only for units sold on or after 23 July 2024.
- No indexation benefit is available for LTCG on equity funds.
-
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) Tax
- If you sell your equity mutual fund or ELSS units before completing 1 year, the gain becomes short-term.
- STCG on equity funds is taxed at 20% (for sales made on or after 23 July 2024).
- Earlier, the STCG tax rate was 15%, but that applied only before 23 July 2024.
Summary of Latest ELSS Tax Rates in India in 2025
| Type of Gain |
Holding Period |
Tax Rate |
Tax-Free Limit |
| Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) |
<1 year |
20% |
No exemption |
| Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) |
>1 year |
12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh |
₹1.25 lakh per financial year |
| Indexation Benefit |
Not applicable |
— |
— |
Should You Redeem Immediately After the Lock-In?
You don't have to redeem your ELSS units as soon as the 3-year lock-in ends. In many situations, holding your investment longer can be more beneficial.
- Equity usually performs better over the long term, so staying invested may help you earn higher returns.
- You can redeem your units in small parts to manage taxes more efficiently.
- If you want steady monthly income, you can set up an SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).
- If your financial goal is still a few years away, it is better to stay invested instead of redeeming early.
Top ELSS Mutual Funds in 2025
Following are some of the best-performing ELSS mutual funds in India based on their latest returns and performance:
- Insurance Companies
- Mutual Funds
|
Returns |
| Fund Name |
5 Years |
7 Years |
10 Years |
| SBI Life |
13.82% |
13.34% |
|
| HDFC Life |
20.53% |
16.08% |
|
| Axis Max Life |
26.3% |
22.2% |
|
| ICICI Prudential Life |
16.7% |
14.89% |
|
| Tata AIA Life |
21.87% |
22.18% |
|
| Bajaj Life |
17.52% |
14.5% |
|
| Birla Sun Life |
19.43% |
16.41% |
|
| PNB MetLife |
31.41% |
24.68% |
|
| Canara HSBC Life |
12.97% |
11.89% |
|
| Star Union Dai-ichi Life |
15.2% |
- |
|
Fund rating powered by
Last updated: Nov 2025
How to Calculate Your Returns on ELSS SIP Investments?
One effective method to determine the returns on your ELSS SIP investments is by using an SIP calculator. An SIP calculator is a financial tool that helps you estimate the future value of your investments made through SIPs. By using an SIP calculator, investors gain insights into the potential wealth accumulation from their ELSS SIPs, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their investment strategies.
SIP Calculator
Monthly Investment
₹22.4 L
Top Funds with High Returns (Past 7 Years)
13.24%
Equity Pension
15.49%
Global Equity Index Funds Strategy
19.07%
High Growth Fund
13.44%
Opportunities Fund
21.15%
Multi Cap Fund
14.53%
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II
15.89%
Multiplier
14.92%
Frontline Equity Fund
18.41%
Pension Mid Cap Fund
11.57%
Growth Plus Fund
14.8%
US Equity Fund
15.31%
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund
11.95%
Equity Top 250 Fund
14.36%
Future Apex Fund
12.28%
Pension Dynamic Equity Fund
14.68%
Pension Enhanced Equity
Things to Know Before Redeeming an ELSS SIP
Here are a few important points to keep in mind once your ELSS units complete the 3-year lock-in.
- There is no exit load after the lock-in, so you can redeem your units without any penalty.
- Your SIP will not stop automatically. You must cancel it manually if you no longer want to invest.
- You can set up an SWP to withdraw a fixed monthly amount from the units that have already completed the lock-in.
- You may reinvest the redeemed money into another mutual fund, depending on your financial goals.
- Ensure your KYC details are updated so that the redemption amount is credited smoothly to your bank account.
Conclusion
By understanding the redemption process and adhering to the lock-in periods associated with ELSS investments, investors can effectively manage their portfolios and achieve their financial goals with confidence.
FAQs
-
Am I required to redeem my ELSS units once the lock-in period ends?
No, the redemption of ELSS units post-lock-in period is not mandatory. ELSS funds transition into open-ended schemes with full liquidity after three years, offering the flexibility to continue holding or redeem based on your financial objectives.
-
What happens if I don't redeem my ELSS units after the lock-in period?
Your ELSS investment remains unaffected if you choose not to redeem after the lock-in period. It continues to be subject to market fluctuations, with gains taxed according to regulations upon future redemption.
-
Is it advisable to redeem my ELSS after the lock-in and reinvest in another ELSS for tax benefits?
While redeeming and reinvesting in another ELSS for tax benefits is an option, consider your financial goals and existing fund performance. Ensure such actions align with your overall investment strategy and risk tolerance.
-
Can You Redeem ELSS SIP Before 3 Years?
No, you cannot redeem ELSS units before 3 years. ELSS has a strict 3-year lock-in period. This rule applies separately to each SIP instalment. There is no partial redemption or emergency exit before 3 years. This lock-in is the trade-off for claiming tax benefits under Section 80C.
-
What Happens After the Lock-In Ends?
After your ELSS units unlock, you can choose any of the following:
- Redeem fully – withdraw the entire amount (your investment + returns) for your financial goals.
- Redeem partially – take out only what you currently need and keep the rest invested.
- Stay invested – let your investment grow further for long-term wealth creation.
-
Do I lose Section 80C benefit if I redeem after 3 years?
No. Once the lock‑in is complete, you can redeem without affecting the tax deduction already claimed for that year of investment.
-
Can I stop ELSS SIP but keep existing units?
Yes. You can cancel the SIP mandate anytime; existing units remain invested and will be redeemable after each one’s 3‑year lock‑in ends.
-
Is it mandatory to redeem exactly on the day lock‑in ends?
No. You are free to redeem anytime after the lock‑in or continue holding indefinitely; there is no deadline to exit.