Is there a best date to start a SIP?

Summary: Is there a perfect date to start an SIP? Many investors believe there must be one, somewhere between the 1st and the 30th. But that search can miss the bigger point. This story explains what and why. “Quick question,” a colleague asked as he settled into his chair. “What’s the best day to start an SIP?” “Best day?” I asked. “Yes,” he said confidently. “First of the month, middle of the month, or end of the month?” The logic sounded thoughtful. It also sounded familiar. Investors ask versions of this question all the time. Should the SIP start on the 1st or the 10th? Is it better to wait for a correction? Should you begin when the market falls a bit? The assumption behind all these questions is the same. Somewhere in the calendar, there must be a better entry point, a small timing advantage that could improve returns. The problem is that SIPs were designed precisely to remove that obsession. The myth of the perfect SIP date Most people approach investing with the mindset of buying something expensive. When you buy a phone or a car, you try to get the best possible price. So it feels natural to apply the same thinking to markets. “If I start when the market is slightly lower,” the thinking goes, “my SIP will do better.” In reality, markets do not move according to neat calendar patterns. They rise and fall unpr

This article was originally published on March 06, 2026.