SIP or lumpsum: which actually works better in Indian equity?

A SIP is not a product, it is a behaviour. It converts an unpredictable decision into a monthly habit, and that alone is why most investors do better with it.

Mathematically, if markets rise steadily, a lumpsum invested early wins because it stays invested longer. In volatile or falling markets, a SIP buys more units at lower prices and recovers faster.

Since nobody reliably knows which regime is coming, the practical answer for salaried investors is a monthly SIP for the core allocation, plus staggered lumpsum additions when valuations cool off.

Set the SIP date two days after your salary credit and increase the amount by 10% every year. That single step-up usually matters more than fund selection.