The honest minimum
The biggest myth in investing is that you need a large sum to begin. You don't. In India you can start a mutual fund SIP from as little as ₹500 a month, and you can buy a single share of most companies for a few hundred rupees. What matters far more than the amount is the habit and the time you give it.
A ₹500 monthly SIP that you never stop will usually do more for you than a large one-off amount you invest and then abandon. Small, automatic and regular beats big and irregular.
Cover the basics first
Before you invest a rupee, keep an emergency fund (three to six months of expenses) in a savings or liquid fund, and clear high-interest debt like credit-card balances. Investing works best on a stable base.
What you actually need to begin
Two things: a demat and trading account (PAN, Aadhaar and a bank account — the online eKYC takes about 10 minutes), and a clear goal (“retirement in 25 years”, “a car in 4 years”). The goal decides the product, not the other way around.
Many people start with a SIP into a diversified fund because it spreads money across many companies automatically, then increase the amount as income and confidence grow.
FAQs
Many mutual funds allow SIPs from as little as ₹500 per month, and some from ₹100. The exact minimum depends on the scheme.
Yes. In the Indian cash market you can buy a single share of most listed companies; there is no lot-size minimum for delivery equity.
Starting small and early usually beats waiting, because more time in the market gives compounding longer to work. This is general information, not advice.
Educational content for general awareness only — not investment, trading or tax advice. Investments in securities market are subject to market risks; read all related documents carefully. Rules and rates are indicative for FY 2025-26 and may change. Mutual funds are distributed by PCJ as regular plans (AMFI-registered distributor, ARN-63632); direct plans are available to investors without a distributor.