Best One-Time Investment Plans in India for High Returns
Author Updated on Aug 1, 2025
You may not have figured it out yet, but finding the best one-time investment plan in India can take you a long way. Investing in these plans allows specific tax advantages under Sections 80C and 10(10D) and often involves lower transaction costs as compared to SIP schemes.
In this blog, we will introduce you to some of the best one-time investment options, enabling you to reap steady profits in the long run.
Key Takeaways
- Assess your risk appetite, investment horizon, and expected returns before choosing any one-time investment plan.
- Fixed deposits and debt funds offer lower risk, while equity and ULIPs carry higher return potential with higher risk.
- Tax benefits vary by investment product. For instance, only some options, like 5-year tax-saving FDs and ULIPs, provide Section 80C and 10(10D) advantages.
List of the 6 Best One-Time Investment Options in India
One-Time Investment Plans | Ideal Timeframe to Stay Invested | Tax Benefits on Your Investment | Tax Benefits on Your Maturity Amount | Possible Risk |
Fixed Deposits | Depends on your goal. Can range between 7 days - 10 years. | Beneficiaries get tax advantages of ₹1.5 lakh u/s 80C of the IT Act. | Tax benefits apply on maturity amounts up to ₹50,000 for individuals and ₹1 lakh for senior citizens under the Income Tax Act. | Lowest risk |
Single Premium Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) | Should be at least 5 years to avail tax benefits. | Tax benefits as per Section 80C of the IT Act. | Tax benefits as per Section 10(10D) of the IT Act. | Medium - high risk |
Gold assets | Depends on your financial goal. | Not applicable | Not applicable | Lowest risk |
Debt funds | 3 years and above | Not applicable | Investors get indexation benefits on profit after holding their units for at least 3 years. | Low risk |
Liquid Funds | 5 years+ | No tax benefits unless you invest in an ELSS fund. | Subsidised tax rate on holding the possessions for more than 1 year. | Very high |
Equity funds | 3 years, if not an SIP | Not applicable | Lower tax rate if held for 1 year. | High |
Fixed Deposits
FDs represent the safest one-time investment plan. Customers who invest in a fixed deposit for a specified term can be assured of stable returns. With platforms like Stable Money, you can further streamline the FD-booking process and opt for automatic renewal facilities.
Single Premium Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)
ULIPs combine life insurance benefits with returns linked to the secondary market. If you wish to diversify your debt portfolio but at the same time do not wish to take too much risk, then ULIPs can be a great choice. However, please remember that any profit from ULIPs on or after 1 February 2021 will be taxed as capital gains if the premium exceeds ₹2.5 lakhs.
Gold assets
Gold is often regarded as the best one-time investment plan in India, as it has historically provided a hedge against inflation. This asset class is highly liquid, and investors consider gold to be a safe haven in highly volatile markets.
Debt funds
Debt funds comprise high-rated corporate bonds and government securities, which make them quite reliable as one-time investments. Therefore, you can consider including them in your portfolio for consistent growth.
Liquid funds
Profits from these funds qualify for LTCG tax advantages if you stay invested for 3 years. However, selecting the appropriate liquid fund according to your objectives will require active engagement in the stock market.
Equity funds
Equity funds are risky, but they are likely to offer highly competitive market returns. Before expecting optimal performance from equity funds, you should compare the fund manager’s skill set and other metrics to identify the most suitable growth opportunities.
Selecting the best one-time investment plan in India depends on your risk appetite, time horizon, and expected returns. Plus, you need to assess each option’s tax implications and market risks before locking your funds.
Simultaneously, reviewing your portfolio and adjusting it with your goals will ensure you maximise returns while safeguarding your capital.
Prefer stable returns without the stress of market volatility? Invest through Stable Money in fixed-income options like fixed deposits. Download the Stable Money app now!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Shivalik SF Bank
Investment amount
₹1,00,000
Compounding
Quarterly
- FD rate applicable
- 7.8%
- FD tenure
- 1Y 10M
- Maturity amount
- ₹0
- Interest earned
₹0

