Investments that yield returns over a more extended period, at least three years, are known as long-term capital gains (LTCG). These gains can come from various sources like mutual funds and government bonds. If someone owns a capital asset for more than 36 months before selling it, it's considered a long-term capital asset. However, certain assets, such as listed equity on an Indian stock exchange (when listing isn't mandatory before July 10, 2014), mutual funds, debentures, government securities, Unit Trust of India (UTI) units, and zero-coupon bonds, are treated as long-term assets if held for 12 months instead of 36 months. Unlisted company shares and immovable property like land or buildings are treated as long-term capital assets if held for 24 months instead of 36 months.