# ELSS SIP units unlock separately after three-year lock-in 2026-08-06T18:20:37+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Each instalment in an Equity Linked Savings Scheme SIP has its own three-year lock-in, Livemint reports. An investor cannot redeem the full investment after three years from starting the SIP. Units bought in August 2023, for instance, become eligible in August 2026, while later instalments unlock in their respective months. The lock-in cannot be ended by paying an exit load and applies even during financial emergencies. ELSS can qualify for Section 80C deductions up to the overall Rs 1.5 lakh limit under the old tax regime. Each instalment counts in the financial year it is invested, not when it becomes redeemable. Analysts cited by Livemint say SIP or lump sum choices should reflect cash flow, discipline and tax needs. ## Coverage - livemint.com Tags: ELSS, mutual funds, Section 80C, SIP, tax planning Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/elss-sip-units-unlock-separately-after-three-year-lock-in/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/elss-sip-units-unlock-separately-after-three-year-lock-in/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.