How to plan and save for your child’s education

Start with the future cost, not today's The fees you see now are not the fees you'll pay. Education inflation often runs 8–10% a year — higher than general inflation — so a degree costing ₹15 lakh today could cost far more in fifteen years. Always plan against the future cost, not the present sticker price.

Time is your biggest asset The earlier you start, the more compounding does the heavy lifting and the smaller your monthly contribution needs to be. Starting when your child is born versus at age ten can more than halve the amount you must save each month.

Match the investment to the timeline - 10+ years away: equity SIPs (index or diversified funds) for growth that beats education inflation. - 3–5 years away: shift gradually to safer debt instruments so a market dip near admission time can't derail you. - Under 3 years: capital protection first — FDs, RDs or liquid funds.

Keep it a dedicated goal Open a separate SIP or account earmarked for education so it isn't raided for other needs. Review it yearly and step up the amount as your income grows or as revised cost estimates come in.

Don't sacrifice your retirement There are loans for education; there are none for retirement. Fund your own retirement in parallel — an education loan can bridge a shortfall, but no one will lend you a pension.

Run the numbers Estimate the future cost with education inflation, then work backwards to the monthly SIP that gets you there. Seeing the number early tells you whether to start now, save more, or extend the timeline.