Investment Behaviour and Perception for SIP Investment with Reference to Ahmedabad City

This study looks at how retail investors in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, invest and how they view Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). SIPs have become a key tool for retail financial participation, propelled by shifting macroeconomic trends from a "savings mindset" to a "investment mindset." Primary data was gathered from 118 different respondents (students, salaried individuals, business owners, professionals, and retirees) throughout Ahmedabad using a structured questionnaire and a descriptive research design. Linear regression models and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to evaluate the links between Investor Perception, Investment Behaviour, and eventual SIP Investment Decisions. Deep-rooted investment behavior, which includes financial discipline, risk tolerance, and long-term orientation, is a near-absolute predictor of SIP investment decisions (R = 0.959, R² = 0.920, p = 0.000), while investor perception maintains a weak but statistically significant positive relationship with investment behavior (R = 0.136, p = 0.012). The results show that in order to accelerate the penetration of genuine retail funds, tailored structural financial literacy initiatives are more important than general awareness campaigns.