Difference Between SIP and Mutual Fund

For new investors, the terms SIP and mutual fund often create confusion. While they are closely related, they are not the same. A mutual fund is an investment product, and SIP is simply a way to invest in it. Understanding the difference between SIP and mutual fund can help you choose the right investment approach based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and budget.

Read more

SIP Plan Benefits
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
No hidden charges
No hidden charges
Save upto ₹46,800 in Tax
Save upto ₹46,800 in Taxunder section 80C^
Zero LTCG Tax
Zero LTCG Tax
Disciplined & worry-free investing
Disciplined & worry-free investing

Payment Mode
Invest
₹ 10,000
Invest for
AUM (Cr)

₹10,632

NAV

114.77

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 32.5 21.1 18.6 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹3,375

NAV

69.26

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 21.8 16.38 14.68 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹2,780

NAV

72.3

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 22.27 16.19 14.65 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹38,561

NAV

76.86

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 23.81 14.86 14.24 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹5,888

NAV

81.6

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 22.06 12.91 14.21 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹3,683

NAV

40.87

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.96 13.12 13.78 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹4,489

NAV

68.35

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 21.15 14.74 13.71 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹454

NAV

67.29

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.86 13.38 13.51 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹7,420

NAV

152.09

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.86 13.6 13.09 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹242

NAV

49.03

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.6 14.87 13.03 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹3,375

NAV

69.26

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 21.8 16.38 14.68 %

AUM (Cr)

₹2,780

NAV

72.3

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 22.27 16.19 14.65 %

AUM (Cr)

₹3,683

NAV

40.87

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.96 13.12 13.78 %

AUM (Cr)

₹4,489

NAV

68.35

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 21.15 14.74 13.71 %

AUM (Cr)

₹454

NAV

67.29

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.86 13.38 13.51 %

AUM (Cr)

₹7,420

NAV

152.09

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.86 13.6 13.09 %

AUM (Cr)

₹242

NAV

49.03

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.6 14.87 13.03 %

AUM (Cr)

₹105

NAV

55.82

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 21.13 14.69 13.01 %

AUM (Cr)

₹2,995

NAV

68.23

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.93 13.17 12.76 %

AUM (Cr)

₹13,662

NAV

81.43

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.47 12.79 12.32 %

AUM (Cr)

₹10,632

NAV

114.77

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 32.5 21.1 18.6 %

AUM (Cr)

₹38,561

NAV

76.86

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 23.81 14.86 14.24 %

AUM (Cr)

₹5,888

NAV

81.6

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 22.06 12.91 14.21 %

AUM (Cr)

₹2,469

NAV

180.38

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 30.5 21 18.2 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,025

NAV

73.32

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.53 14.58 14.09 %

AUM (Cr)

₹13,991

NAV

68.4

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 19.13 13.37 12.62 %

AUM (Cr)

₹3,493

NAV

58.75

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.29 13.16 12.05 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,193

NAV

52.9

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 19.23 12.67 11.9 %

AUM (Cr)

₹557

NAV

56.97

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.28 11.64 11 %

AUM (Cr)

₹219

NAV

94.3

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 7.88 8.33 8.43 %

AUM (Cr)

₹849

NAV

40.73

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 6.05 7.98 7.86 %

AUM (Cr)

₹503

NAV

38.47

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.79 7.98 7.68 %

AUM (Cr)

₹204

NAV

47.41

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.03 7.48 7.37 %

AUM (Cr)

₹74

NAV

40.87

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.43 7.35 7.32 %

AUM (Cr)

₹94

NAV

38.9

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.46 7.47 7.21 %

AUM (Cr)

₹7,730

NAV

32.34

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.16 7.13 7.21 %

AUM (Cr)

₹130

NAV

29.29

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.99 7.04 7.21 %

AUM (Cr)

₹19,549

NAV

49.8

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.55 7.3 7.19 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,081

NAV

46.44

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.9 7.22 7.11 %

AUM (Cr)

₹912

NAV

98.37

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.81 16.06 15.1 %

AUM (Cr)

₹370

NAV

47.81

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 13.49 10.99 10.45 %

AUM (Cr)

₹65

NAV

59.67

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 10.77 9.59 9.87 %

AUM (Cr)

₹23,173

NAV

72.44

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 11.15 9.83 9.77 %

AUM (Cr)

₹5,869

NAV

39.62

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 12.66 9.88 9.75 %

AUM (Cr)

₹863

NAV

39.03

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 12.5 9.98 9.61 %

AUM (Cr)

₹297

NAV

31.16

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 12.35 9.41 9.57 %

AUM (Cr)

₹7,962

NAV

110.29

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 12.21 10.12 9.53 %

AUM (Cr)

₹2,027

NAV

43.11

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 12.9 9.52 9.29 %

AUM (Cr)

₹19

NAV

33.17

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 11.6 9.5 9.22 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,317

NAV

80.47

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.2 14.11 13.2 %

AUM (Cr)

₹7,420

NAV

155.28

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 18.9 14.23 13.13 %

AUM (Cr)

₹2,995

NAV

70.94

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 19.38 14.27 12.78 %

View More

What is an SIP?

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method of investing in mutual funds. It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly, such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly, rather than a lump sum at once. SIPs promote disciplined investing and help average out market volatility through rupee cost averaging. They are especially suited for salaried individuals or investors looking for long-term wealth creation through consistent contributions.

  • Insurance Companies
  • Mutual Funds
Returns
Fund Name 5 Years 7 Years 10 Years
High Growth Fund Axis Max Life
Rating
32.5% 21.1%
18.6%
View Plan
Top 200 Fund Tata AIA Life
Rating
30.5% 21%
18.2%
View Plan
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II Bajaj Allianz
Rating
22.06% 12.91%
14.21%
View Plan
Opportunities Fund HDFC Life
Rating
23.81% 14.86%
14.24%
View Plan
Equity II Fund Canara HSBC Life
Rating
16.83% 9.98%
10%
View Plan
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund Bharti AXA
Rating
20.53% 14.58%
14.09%
View Plan
Multiplier Birla Sun Life
Rating
24.11% 14.42%
14.82%
View Plan
Opportunities Fund ICICI Prudential Life
Rating
20.29% 13.16%
12.05%
View Plan
Balanced Fund LIC India
Rating
10.54% -
-
View Plan
Virtue II PNB MetLife
Rating
21.8% 16.38%
14.68%
View Plan
Fund rating powered by
Last updated: Jul 2025
Compare more funds

  Returns
Fund Name 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Active Fund QUANT 23.92% 31.48%
21.87%
Flexi Cap Fund PARAG PARIKH 20.69% 26.41%
19.28%
Large and Mid-Cap Fund EDELWEISS 22.34% 24.29%
17.94%
Equity Opportunities Fund KOTAK 24.64% 25.01%
19.45%
Large and Midcap Fund MIRAE ASSET 19.74% 24.32%
22.50%
Flexi Cap Fund PGIM INDIA 14.75% 23.39%
-
Flexi Cap Fund DSP 18.41% 22.33%
16.91%
Emerging Equities Fund CANARA ROBECO 20.05% 21.80%
15.92%
Focused fund SUNDARAM 18.27% 18.22%
16.55%

Last updated: June 2025

Compare more funds

Buying the Dip Results in Higher ReturnsBuying the Dip Results in Higher Returns

What is a Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. These funds are managed by professional fund managers and come with various risk-return profiles. Mutual funds can be actively or passively managed and are available in equity, debt, hybrid, and other specialised categories. You can invest in a mutual fund either via SIP or as a lump sum.

Difference Between SIP vs Mutual Fund

Feature SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) Mutual Fund 
Basic Definition A method of investing small, recurring amounts in mutual funds An investment vehicle that pools money for market exposure
Investment Form Invests in equity, debt, or hybrid mutual funds Invests in equity, debt, or hybrid mutual funds
Market Volatility Impact Lower impact due to staggered investing Higher impact due to market timing and large investment
Charges Lower charges; smaller trade value and fund manager fee Higher AMC and transaction charges due to larger investment
Redemption Charges Generally lower redemption costs Higher redemption charges
Liquidity High liquidity High liquidity
Risk Level Market risks apply, but volatility is averaged out Market risks apply; timing plays a key role
Tax Benefits Eligible under Section 80C (up to ₹1.5 lakh per year) Eligible under Section 80C (up to ₹1.5 lakh per year)
Investment Value Smaller, budget-friendly amounts Larger capital commitment required

Start An Sip Today Watch Your Money Grow Start An Sip Today Watch Your Money Grow

Key Takeaways - SIP vs Mutual Fund

  • SIP is a way to invest in a mutual fund, not a separate product.

  • Mutual Funds are investment products, while SIP is an investment method.

  • SIP allows budget-friendly, recurring contributions, ideal for salaried individuals.

  • Mutual Funds via lump sum can benefit from market rallies but carry higher market timing risk.

  • Both are subject to market risk and offer tax-saving benefits under Section 80C.

Advantages of Investing in SIP

  • Disciplined Saving Habit: Automates your investment journey and promotes financial discipline.

  • Rupee Cost Averaging: Buys more units when prices are low and fewer when high, lowering the average cost.

  • Power of Compounding: Long-term best SIP plans can lead to significant corpus due to compounding.

  • Budget-Friendly: Start investing with amounts as low as ₹500 per month.

  • Less Stress on Market Timing: You don’t have to worry about investing at the right time.

  • Calculate the returns: You can use the SIP calculator to calculate the returns on your investments

Start Small & Build Your Wealth For A Brighter Tomorrow Start Small & Build Your Wealth For A Brighter Tomorrow

Advantages of Investing in Mutual Fund

  • Quick Deployment: A good option for investing windfall gains or bonuses.

  • Diversification: Access to a variety of asset classes through a single fund.

  • Professional Management: Your investments are handled by expert fund managers.

  • Choice of Funds: A wide range of equity, debt, hybrid, and sector-specific funds available.

Conclusion

Choosing between SIP and mutual fund investment depends on your investment style and financial readiness. If you prefer disciplined, small-ticket investing with reduced market timing risks, SIP is ideal. Knowing how they differ empowers you to make more informed and goal-oriented financial decisions.

FAQs

  • Which is better: SIP or Lump Sum investment in a Mutual Fund?

    There isn't a universally "better" option; it depends on your financial situation, market outlook, and risk tolerance:
    • SIP is generally preferred for: Long-term goals, beginners, those with limited lump sum capital, and during volatile or uncertain market conditions (due to rupee cost averaging).

    • Lump Sum is generally preferred for: Investors with a large sum of money available and a strong belief that the market is at a low point and likely to rise significantly in the short term. However, it carries higher market timing risk.

  • Can I stop my SIP anytime?

    Yes, you can typically stop or pause your SIP at any time without penalty. You will retain the units you have already purchased. However, it's advisable to inform the fund house or your distributor in advance as per their procedures.
  • How do SIPs help in achieving specific financial goals like retirement or a child's education?

    SIPs are an excellent tool for goal-based investing due to their disciplined and compounding nature. By linking a specific SIP to a financial goal (e.g., ₹5,000/month for your child's higher education, ₹10,000/month for retirement), you create a consistent savings habit. Over the long term, the power of compounding allows your regular, small investments to grow substantially, making seemingly distant goals achievable. It also helps in maintaining focus and avoiding impulsive withdrawals.

SIP Hub

˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium, for bookings made in the first 6 months of FY 24-25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
Disclaimer:#The investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 1 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 10,000/- per month for 30 years, with assumed rates of returns @ 8% p.a. that is not guaranteed and is not the upper or lower limits as the value of your policy depends on a number of factors including future investment performance. In Unit Linked Insurance Plans, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder and the returns are not guaranteed. Maturity Value: ₹1,05,02,174 @ CAGR 8%; ₹50,45,591 @ CAGR 4%. All SIPs listed here are of insurance companies’ funds. The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs.
++Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.
**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).

SIP plans articles

Recent Articles
Popular Articles
Star Union Dai-ichi SIP Plan

15 Jul 2025

Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (SUD Life) offers a
Read more
Sahara SIP Plan

15 Jul 2025

Sahara India Life Insurance offers a range of investment
Read more
Pramerica SIP Plan

15 Jul 2025

Pramerica Life Insurance, a joint venture between DHFL and
Read more
LIC SIP Plan

15 Jul 2025

Investing for your future is no longer optional—it's
Read more
SIP Calculator
  • 10 Apr 2018
  • 960105
An SIP is a disciplined way to invest in mutual funds. It involves contributing a fixed amount regularly
Read more
SIP Investment Plans - SIP Funds to Invest in India
  • 01 Feb 2017
  • 1096971
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a smart and convenient way to invest in mutual funds. It allows you to
Read more
Best SIP Plans
  • 14 Feb 2020
  • 270436
Best SIP Plans to Invest in India in 2025 Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become a popular investment
Read more
SIP Plan for 5 Years
  • 15 Apr 2020
  • 190983
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are one of the most efficient and disciplined ways to invest in mutual funds
Read more
SBI SIP Plans (Systematic Investment Plan)
  • 05 Oct 2018
  • 177703
SBI Systematic Investment Plan or SBI SIP Plan is a convenient and disciplined approach to investing in
Read more

Invest ₹10K/Month & Get ₹1 Crore# Tax-Free*
*under 10(10D)
top
Close
Download the Policybazaar app
to manage all your insurance needs.
INSTALL