In a world where financial independence feels like a distant dream, building ₹1 crore in just five years might sound ambitious—especially if you’re in your 20s or 30s and just starting out. But according to Prateek Singh, host of Zero1 by Zerodha’s popular YouTube video “How to reach 1 CRORE in 5 years,” it’s entirely achievable with discipline, smart planning, and consistent action. Uploaded in May 2025, the video has already crossed over 556,000 views, resonating with young Indians overwhelmed by the flood of generic investment advice online.

Prateek cuts through the noise, offering a straightforward 5-step framework that’s tailored for beginners. He emphasizes that this isn’t about get-rich-quick schemes or risky bets—it’s about building habits that compound over time. The key mantra? “DBL”—Don’t Be Lazy. Wealth building requires proactive steps, not passive hoping.

Step 1: Build Your Safety Nets First

Before chasing big returns, secure the basics. Prateek stresses the importance of protection against life’s uncertainties.

• Get adequate health insurance: Aim for coverage of at least ₹10-20 lakhs per family member. Medical emergencies can wipe out savings overnight.
• Secure term life insurance: If you have dependents, opt for coverage 10-20 times your annual income.
• Create an emergency fund: Set aside 6-12 months of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk option like a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

Without these foundations, any investment plan is vulnerable. Prateek warns that skipping this step is like building a house on sand.

Step 2: Clear High-Interest Debt

Debt can eat into your wealth faster than investments can grow it.

• Prioritize paying off high-interest loans (credit cards at 36-48% interest, personal loans above 15%).
• Avoid lifestyle inflation—don’t borrow for depreciating assets like luxury cars or gadgets.

Once debts are managed, every rupee saved can go toward building wealth instead of paying interest.

Step 3: Start and Scale Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

The core of wealth creation lies in equity mutual funds via SIPs. Prateek advocates starting small and increasing investments aggressively.

• Begin with whatever you can afford—even ₹5,000 per month.
• Commit to stepping up SIPs annually (e.g., by 10-20% or more as income grows).
• Focus on diversified equity funds (large-cap, flexi-cap, or index funds) for long-term growth.

Historical data shows Indian equity markets have delivered 12-15% average annual returns over long periods. With compounding and regular increases, even modest starts can snowball.

Step 4: Avoid Lifestyle Inflation

As your income rises, resist the urge to upgrade your lifestyle proportionally.

• Live below your means and channel salary hikes, bonuses, and windfalls directly into investments.
• Track expenses ruthlessly—use apps or simple spreadsheets to identify leaks.

This step is crucial because it frees up more money for investing without needing a massive income jump.

Step 5: Take Consistent Action (Don’t Be Lazy!)

Prateek’s “DBL” framework is a call to action:

• Review your portfolio regularly (quarterly or annually).
• Educate yourself continuously—read books, follow credible sources like Zerodha Varsity.
• Automate investments to remove emotion and procrastination.

He shares practical tools, including a public Google Sheets workspace with calculators for emergency funds, SIP planning, and goal tracking. These templates help visualize how stepped-up investments can accelerate your journey to ₹1 crore.

Is ₹1 Crore in 5 Years Realistic?

Prateek is upfront: It depends on your starting point, income growth, and returns. For someone earning ₹10-15 lakhs annually with aggressive SIP increases, assuming 12-15% returns, it’s possible faster than you think. The video uses real-world examples to show that consistency trumps perfection—starting today and scaling up is what separates crorepati journeys from average ones.

The message is empowering: You don’t need to be a finance expert or have a huge salary. You need a plan, discipline, and the willingness to act.

If you’re feeling stuck, watch the full video for Prateek’s energetic delivery and real-life insights. It’s a wake-up call that financial freedom isn’t reserved for the lucky few—it’s built one disciplined step at a time.

Disclaimer: Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.

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