Investing a large sum like ₹1 crore wisely can help you generate a stable and stress-free monthly income. Whether you’re planning for retirement, a secondary income stream, or just looking to grow your money safely, the key is to strike a balance between safety, returns, liquidity, and taxation. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you select the best investment options available in 2025.
1. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)—For Retirees
- Ideal for people above 60 years of age
- Interest Rate: ~8.2% p.a. (Q1 FY 2025-26)
- Payout: Quarterly interest, but can be planned monthly
- Tax: Interest is taxable; eligible for Section 80C
Income Example: ₹1 crore invested gives ₹8.2 lakhs annually, or ₹68,000/month.
2. Monthly Income Schemes (MIS)—India Post or Banks
- Post Office MIS offers around 7.4% interest.
- Maximum limit per individual: ₹9 lakh (can open joint accounts).
- Payout: Monthly interest
Income Example: ₹9 lakh in POMIS = ₹5,550/month. Investing across family accounts can increase this.
3. Fixed Deposits (FDs)—With Monthly Payout Option
- Bank & NBFC FDs offer 7% to 8.5% p.a. in 2025
- Opt for the monthly interest payout option
- Consider small finance banks (like AU, Equitas, Suryoday) for higher returns
Income Example: ₹1 crore at 8% = ₹8 lakhs annually or ~₹66,600/month
4. Mutual Funds—SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan)
- Hybrid or Debt Mutual Funds with low volatility
- Start SWP for monthly withdrawal
- Tax-efficient compared to FDs (LTCG after 3 years)
Example Plan:
- Invest ₹1 crore in balanced funds (expect ~10% return)
- Withdraw ₹60,000–70,000/month
- The principal remains mostly intact for years
5. Rental Income from Real Estate
- Buy a residential/commercial property for rental yield
- Residential yields ~2.5%–3.5%, commercial ~6%–8%
- Property in Tier-1 cities or REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) can offer stability
Income Example:
- ₹1 crore property = ₹25,000 to ₹60,000/month
- REITs offer 7–9% yield + capital appreciation
6. Annuity Plans from Insurance Companies
- Immediate Annuity Plans by LIC, HDFC Life, etc.
- Lock-in capital for life in exchange for a fixed monthly income
- Useful for retirement income without market risks
Income Example:
- ₹1 crore = ₹55,000–₹65,000/month depending on age and plan
7. Bonds & NCDs (Non-Convertible Debentures)
- Corporate Bonds/NCDs offer 7.5%–9.5% annually
- Choose AAA-rated for safety
- Listed NCDs allow liquidity
Income Example: ₹1 crore in 9% bond = ₹75,000/month
Smart Strategy: Diversify
Rather than putting the entire ₹1 crore in one option, split it across 3–4 instruments for safety and balance. Example:
| Instrument | Amount | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| FD (8%) | ₹30L | ₹20,000 |
| Mutual Funds SWP | ₹30L | ₹20,000 |
| SCSS | ₹20L | ₹13,600 |
| Bonds/NCDs | ₹20L | ₹15,000 |
| Total | ₹1 Cr | ₹68,600 |
Things to Keep in Mind
- Tax Implications: All incomes are taxable unless under 80C/10(10D) exemptions
- Emergency Fund: Keep 5–10 lakhs in liquid or savings for emergencies.
- Review Yearly: Rebalance based on returns and needs
- Start with a Goal: Define how much monthly income you need, then calculate backward
Final Thoughts
Investing ₹1 crore for monthly income is about stability, sustainability, and smart diversification. Don’t chase high returns blindly—understand your risk profile and goals. With the right plan, you can enjoy a secure, tax-efficient, and stress-free income stream for years.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Please consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before investing.
