SIP vs NPS comparison: Which Gives a Higher Corpus on ₹15,000 Monthly Investment Over 20 Years?

Investing wisely today can secure a financially stress-free tomorrow. Among the most popular long-term investment options in India are Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and the National Pension System (NPS). But when it comes to investing ₹15,000 per month for 20 years, which option generates a higher corpus? Let’s analyze both with a comprehensive breakdown based on returns, tax benefits, liquidity, and retirement goals — all aligned with EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles.
What is SIP? & SIP vs NPS comparison

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a disciplined way to invest in mutual funds. You invest a fixed amount monthly in equity or debt mutual funds.
Key Features:
- Flexible amount and tenure
- High liquidity
- Potential for high returns (especially equity funds)
- No lock-in (except in ELSS)
What is NPS?
National Pension System (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings scheme regulated by PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority). It aims to provide financial security post-retirement.
Key Features:
- Long-term retirement planning tool
- Partial tax-free maturity
- Partial withdrawal allowed after specific tenure
- Mandatory annuity purchase at retirement
Assumptions for Analysis
Corpus After 20 Years
SIP at 12% CAGR
- Maturity Corpus: ₹99.91 lakhs
- Investment: ₹36 lakhs
- Profit: ₹63.91 lakhs
NPS at 10% CAGR
- Maturity Corpus: ₹91.98 lakhs
- Investment: ₹36 lakhs
- Profit: ₹55.98 lakhs
Verdict: SIP wins in terms of absolute corpus due to higher average returns and liquidity.
Taxation Benefits
Flexibility & Liquidity
- SIP: Offers full control. You can pause, stop, or switch funds anytime.
- NPS: Restricted withdrawals and mandatory annuity purchase reduce flexibility.
Suitability
Final Verdict: SIP vs NPS
Conclusion:
If your primary goal is wealth creation with flexibility, SIP outperforms NPS in terms of corpus and liquidity. But if you’re retirement-focused and want assured tax benefits, NPS is a solid, disciplined route.
Expert Tip:
A hybrid approach can be optimal. Consider:
- ₹10,000https://vivekweb.com/ in SIPs for aggressive growth
- ₹5,000 in NPS for tax benefits and stable retirement income
This balances high returns with tax efficiency and retirement planning.
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