How to Double Your Money? 10 Ways to Double Your Invested Money without Risk in India 2024

Understanding the Rule of 72 

When an investor invests money in a scheme, they want to increase or double the sum in the shortest possible time. There is a certain rule called ‘Rule of 72’ that applies while doubling money in an investment. Using this rule, the investor can get an approximate idea of the time required to double money under a certain scheme.

As per this rule, the annual rate of return of the chosen policy should be divided by 72 to get the time needed to double the amount under the scheme. For instance, if you have invested in an FD at a rate of return of 8%. You can divide it by 72 and you will get 9 as the answer. So, it will take 9 years for you to double the FD amount that you have invested. Here, you may note that the higher the rate of return, the faster you can double the money.

Formula for Using the Rule of 72 in Different Financial Instruments

The formula applied for the Rule of 72 is:

T=72/R

Here, T = the time required to double the money

R = the interest rate in percentage

Let’s use this formula to calculate the time required to double money under different tools of investment.

• Formula to Use the Rule of 72 to Double Money Under FDs:

Most banks offer FDs or fixed deposits that vary in terms of tenure ranging from 7 days to 10 years. Moreover, the rate of return also varies depending on the bank.

To check the time required to double money under FD, let’s take an example;

Let’s assume that you invested INR 1 lakh in an FD at an interest rate of 7% per annum. The formula to apply the rule of 72 to calculate the time required to double the money is as follows:

72/7 = 10.28 years

So, approximately you will require 10 years to double your INR 1 lakh

• Formula to Use the Rule of 72 to Double Money Under PPF

Let’s assume your Public Provident Fund (PPF) is providing you a rate of interest of 7.1 %. The formula to calculate the time to double the money will be:

72/7.1=10.14 years

• Formula to Use the Rule of 72 to Double Money Under Mutual Fund

Let’s assume your mutual fund gives you a return of 12-15%. If you invest INR 1 lakh on MF with a 12% interest rate, the formula to calculate will be:

72/12 = 6 years

Drawbacks of the Rule of 72

• The main drawback of the rule of 72 is that it may not give you accurate numbers but estimated values only
• The formula doesn’t comply with simple and variable interest rates
• The formula works better for lower rates of interest as compared to higher ones
• Another issue is that in most investment options, the rate of return keeps varying significantly every year, so it may be difficult to get an exact estimation of the amount
• Hence, the returns you expect may not be even as per the rule of 72 calculations

10 Best Investments to Multiply Money in India

1. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are a good investment source to potentially enhance your money or investment over years. These are of different types and one can choose to invest in any fund that suits their requirements. For people searching for how to double your money in india, some of the top funds to invest include ELSS or Equity Linked Savings Scheme, debt-oriented funds, bonds, equity-oriented funds, liquid funds, and balanced mutual funds among others.

Despite the market risks, Mutual Funds allow greater returns as compared to other options of investment like stocks. Hence, most investors consider mutual funds as an efficient tool to double their savings. Further, the rate of interest in mutual funds is determined depending on the tenure of the fund. Also, you get a rate of interest between 12 to 15 % per year with mutual funds, which take about 6-8 years to double your money.

2. National Savings Certificates (NSC)

This is another investment option to consider if you are thinking about how to double your money in India. The plan is offered by the Indian Postal Department who issues NSC as a lucrative and secured option of investment without much risk.  The NSC is available with a fixed rate of interest and a fixed term of investment of 5 to 10 years. The current rate of interest of NCS is 8.5% per annum for the 5 year term and 8.8% per annum for 10 year term NSC.

Further, with NSC you get exemption from income tax as well under section 80C for up to INR 1,50,000. In addition, you are also not charged any TDS on the maturity amount received at the end of the policy term. The investor can also use NSCs to obtain loans from banks.

3. Equity Market

When it comes to doubling investment, the Equity market or stock market is regarded as a quick option to increase money. The equity market helps in growing your money fast through purchase and sale of stocks, which offer high return on investment. However, the risk involved in the Equity market is high and an investor must consider the risk factor while investing in equity. Here, the growth of investment depends on the market conditions, which are volatile. Hence, an investor might end up losing the investment.

4. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)

Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is another best investment to double your money. KVP is a Small Savings Scheme offered by the post office in India. The interest rates and the tenure of KVP are revised by the Indian Government every quarter. Currently, the KVP interest rate is at 6.9 per cent. However, it is important to check the interest rate before investing in it.  This is another lucrative option of investment with good returns.

5. Corporate Bonds

Another option of investment for people looking for high-interest rates is corporate bonds. However, the rate of interest offered by corporate FDs and NCDs is determined by the credit score as well as the market credibility of the bonds. So, be careful of the pros and cons while making an investment.

6. Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

Gold is a much-loved commodity in India, which people like to invest in. Investors can buy Gold Bonds and Gold ETFs to make the investments more valuable. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme is another option of investment regulated by the RBI and the Government of India. The ETF investment option was launched in the year 2002 in India as an easy way to invest in valuable metal which offer good returns on a yearly basis.

However, it is also a volatile investment option that depends on market conditions and rate of interest as well as the tenure of investment. However, this option allows your investment to double 3 to 5 years.

7. Real Estate

Many investors consider real estate for investing and doubling their money within 4-5 years. If you decide to invest in residential property, you can earn regular rentals. Further, it adds to an asset and might help in saving tax as well. Also, the value of the property goes up within a few years and help you fetch quick returns. However, you would need huge capital to invest in real estate, while the return depends on varied conditions.

8. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

This is a low risk investment plan that allows the investor to start the investment with a minimum contribution amount of INR 500 per year. PPF comes with a 15-year lock-in period. The scheme can be availed by salaried people including government and private employees as well as self-employed individuals. The current rate of return in the fund is 8.75% per year and it allows an investor to double the investment amount in 8 years.

9. Fixed Deposits (FD)

Fixed Deposit (FD) is again one of the best investment to double your money without risk. FD is a traditional investment type allowing good returns an easy and risk-free way. A fixed deposit allows better interest rate for a fixed tenure to investors as compared to savings accounts. Also, it is a safe investment option with guaranteed returns and is not affected by the market volatility.

10. Tax-free Bonds

Tax-free bonds also allow a good interest rate  over the tenure of the bond. It is considered a good avenue of Investment to double your money in 8 – 10 years.