20 Best Investment Options in India in 2024

India stands as a dynamic landscape for investments, showcasing a rapidly growing economy. The country's financial markets offer a variety of investment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for both residents and NRIs. Here are the 20 best investment options in India in 2024 for NRIs that can help in building a strong financial portfolio.

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Disclaimer: # The investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 2 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 18,000/- per month for 30 years, with assumed rates of returns @ 8% p.a. that is not guaranteed and is not the upper or lower limits as the value of your policy depends on a number of factors including future investment performance. In Unit Linked Insurance Plans, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder and the returns are not guaranteed. Maturity Value: 1,06,79,507 @ CAGR 4%; 2,12,15,817 @ CAGR 8%. All plans listed here are of insurance companies’ funds. *Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws. All plans listed here are of insurance companies’ funds.

Top Investment Plans in India in 2024

Here are some of the best investment plans in India 2024 that you can consider adding to your financial Portfolio:

Investment Options	Period of Investment (Minimum)	Who Can Invest?	Risks	Returns Offered	Investment Amount Limit	Tax Benefits
Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)	<= 45 years	An investor keen on wealth creation and life cover	Medium-to-High	Depending on the investor's profile	Rs. 500—No Limit	Available u/ Section 80 C and Section 10 of the IT Act, 1961
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)	5 years (extendable by 3 years)	Senior Citizens (>60 years of age) OR Superannuation/ Voluntarily retired/ Retired Defence Personnel citizens (55-60 years of age)	Nil	8.0% p.a.	Rs. 1000-- Rs. 30 lakhs**	Available u/ Section 80 C of the IT Act, 1961
National Pension Scheme(NPS)	Up to the age of 60- 70 years (extendable by 5 years)	All Resident Citizens & NRIs are applicable Age of Regular Individuals: 18-60 years Age of Senior Citizens: 60-70 years*	Low-to-High	Market-linked (9-12% p.a.)	Tier I: Rs. 500 Tier II: Rs. 1000	Available u/ Section 80 CCD (1), 80 CCD (2), and Section 80 CCE of the IT Act, 1961.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)	10 years	Senior Citizens: >60 years of age – No Limit	Low-risk	7.4% p.a.	Rs. 1,56,658 – Rs. 15 lakhs	Nil
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)	5 years	Indian Citizen	Nil-to-Low risk	7.1% p.a.	Single Life: Rs. 1000-- Rs. 9 lakhs Joint Life: Rs. 1000—Rs. 15 lakhs***	Nil
Public Provident Fund (PPF)	Lock-in period of 15 years (extendable by 5 years)	Earning citizens with long-term investment goals	Nil	7.1% p.a. up to 31st march 2023	Rs. 500-- Rs 1.5 lakhs yearly	Available u/ Section 80 C and Section 10 of the IT Act, 1961
RBI Saving Bonds	6 years	Indian Citizens: Individuals, HUF/ Charitable Institutions/ Universities Not available to NRIs	Nil	8.00% p.a.	Rs. 1000—No Limit	Income earned is taxable u/IT Act, 1961 Exempted from Wealth Tax u/ Wealth Tax, 1957
Bank Fixed Deposits	7 days to 10 years	One who doesn't wish to take the risk or be exposed to equity	Nil	5-8% p.a.	Rs. 500-- Rs. 5 Crores	Deductions available u/ Section 80C for Tax-Saver FDs
Initial Public Offerings (IPO)	NA	An investor should have Demat-cum-trading account	Moderate-to-High	NA	NA	Taxable for LTCG and STCG gains
Direct Equity	Decided by the investor	An investor who knows to balance risk and return	High	NA	NA	Taxable for LTCG and STCG gains
Mutual Funds	Lock-in period of ELSS scheme: 3 years	Investors having medium-to-high risk appetite	Low-to-High	Market-Linked	Rs. 500—No Limit	Tax exemptions for ELSS scheme u/ Section 80C of the IT Act, 1961.
Gold ETF	NA	Anyone	Low-to-Medium	Market-linked	NA	Taxable for LTCG and STCG gains
Real Estate	NA	Anyone	Medium	15-19% p.a.	NA	Taxable for LTCG and STCG gains
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)	NA	High-Income Individuals	Investors having substantial capital at their disposal	Medium-to-high	NA	Taxable as per rules specified for REITs
Cryptocurrencies	NA	Anyone	An investor who knows to balance the risks and returns	High risk & High returns	NA	Profits earned are taxable at a rate of 30% p.a.
The Government of India (GoI) increased the entry age of the NPS Scheme for senior citizens to up to 70 years in 2021. GoI increased the investment limits in SCSS Scheme up to Rs. 30 lakhs from Rs. 15 lakhs in Budget 2023. **Union Budget 2023 increased the investment limits in POMIS Scheme from Rs. 4.5 lakhs to up to Rs. 9 lakhs in Single Life Account and from Rs. 9 lakhs to up to Rs. 15 lakhs in Joint Life Account.

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Features of Best Investment Options 2024

Let us quickly understand the details of the best investment plans with high returns in India in 2024:

Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)

ULIPs are the best investment option in India. They are financial plans that provide individuals with the combined advantages of investment and insurance. ULIPs allow you to build wealth for your long-term goals such as buying a house, a child’s education, retirement and more. Also, at the same time, it ensures that your life goals are fulfilled even in case of an unfortunate event with a life cover. When a policyholder invests in a ULIP one part of the premium paid is allocated to provide insurance coverage, while the remaining portion is strategically invested in a mix of debt and equity funds.
- Diverse Investment Opportunities: ULIPs provide NRIs with a wide array of investment options, allowing for the selection of funds that align with individual risk appetites and financial goals.
- Dynamic Fund Switching: Fund switching empowers NRIs to adapt their investments based on changing needs. This flexibility enables safeguarding against market fluctuations by transitioning investments to debt funds during downturns and reverting to equities during upswings.
- Emergency Partial Withdrawals: ULIP plans extend the option for NRIs to make partial withdrawals from their funds in case of emergencies, subject to a five-year lock-in period. The specific limits and frequency of withdrawals are contingent on the chosen plan.
- Adaptable Premium Payment Options: NRIs can tailor their premium payment schedules according to their preferences. ULIPs offer flexibility in payment frequency, allowing for annual, half-yearly, or monthly contributions. Additionally, NRIs have the option to make a single premium payment if they prefer a non-regular payment approach.
- Tax Efficiency: Contributions made under ULIPs are eligible for tax benefits up to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Furthermore, the payout received at the conclusion of the policy term is exempt from taxes under section 10(10D).
- Accessible Investment Threshold: NRIs can initiate their ULIP investments with a minimum amount as low as Rs. 1,500 per month or Rs. 1,50,000 per annum, making it an accessible choice for varying budget preferences.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

The Senior Citizens' Saving Scheme (SCSS) stands as a secure and tax-saving investment option tailored for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) aged 60 years and above, within the Indian financial landscape. Representing one of the most prudent investment options for elderly individuals, this scheme ensures a steady income stream, catering specifically to the unique needs of senior citizens.

Key Features of the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme for NRIs:
- Nomination Facility: SCSS extends the convenience of a nomination facility, allowing NRIs to designate beneficiaries and streamline the financial planning process.
- Premature Withdrawal: NRIs have the flexibility to make premature withdrawals if the need arises, providing a measure of financial fluidity and adaptability to changing circumstances.
- Tenure Flexibility: The SCSS offers diverse tenure options, accommodating the varied preferences and requirements of NRIs, ensuring a personalized and tailored investment experience.
- Accessibility through Financial Institutions: This scheme is easily accessible through both post offices and banks located across India, making it convenient for NRIs to participate in this risk-free investment avenue.
- Individual and Joint Life Accounts: NRIs have the choice to open both individual and joint life accounts, fostering versatility in investment strategies and catering to different familial and financial structures.
National Pension Scheme (NPS)

NPS is one of the best investment options backed by the government that offers guaranteed pension solutions. The fund invests in bonds, government securities, equity, and other investment alternatives as per the investor's preference.

Features of the National Pension Scheme (NPS):
- Lowest administrative and fund management charges
- Allows partial withdrawals of funds
- Provides financial independence post-retirement
- Flexibility of pension pay-outs between 60-75 years of age
- Accumulated interest is tax-free in Tier-I Account
- 40% of the maturity proceeds are tax-exempt on lump-sum pay-outs from the Tier-I Account.
- If a periodic pension (not lump sum) is taken post-maturity, the amount is taxable as regular income
- National Pension Scheme offers two fund options:
  - -Auto Choice Funds
  - -Active Choice Funds
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

Individuals aged 60 years and above, particularly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), have the opportunity to explore the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana for their investment needs. It is the best investment option in India, especially for those with limited income.

Features of PMVVY:
- Pension Options: Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payouts.
- Loan Facility: Avail up to 75% of the investment after consistent contributions for 3 years.
- Free-Look Period: 15 days (extendable to 30 days if purchased online).
- Pension Range: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 9,250 per month.
- Nomination Facility: Securely nominate beneficiaries for a seamless transition.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)

The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme is a secure investment avenue designed to assist NRIs in effectively managing their monthly savings. This government-backed scheme is regulated by the India Post Department.

Features of PO-MIS:
- Facility of Individual and Joint Life Account with 2 or 3 persons
- Minors (>10 years of age) can open an account under their name
- Separate investment limits for an account opened as a guardian of a minor
- Offers monthly income in the form of interest payable at 7.4% p.a. per month for a tenure of 5 years.
- If monthly interest is not claimed, no interest is earned on the accumulated interest
- Monthly interest earned is taxable
- No tax rebate on maturity or investment amounts
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

As a government-supported scheme, the Public Provident Fund (PPF) stands out as the best investment option in India for Non-Residential Indians (NRIs) in India. Offering a secure avenue for financial growth, PPF ensures substantial returns on investment, all while safeguarding your funds.

Features of Public Provident Fund (PPF):
- Can open an account at any nearby bank or post office branch
- Loans on PPF available after continuous investment for 3 years
- Can withdraw funds from the 6th policy year onwards
- Loan facility from 3rd investment year to up to 6th year
- After maturity, the account is retainable for an indefinite period at the current rate of interest
RBI Savings Bonds

RBI bonds are high-return investments that are available to all citizens (except NRI) in India. The returns are accredited to the investor in Demat mode in their Bond Ledger Account (BLA).

Features of RBI taxable Bonds:
- Bond applications are to be submitted at 1600 RBI-designated agency banks and SHCIL branches.
- The bonds are issued at a face value of Rs. 1000
- No upper limit to investment
- Non-transferable, non-tradeable in Stock Exchange, and can’t be used as collateral to raise loans
- Premature withdrawal available for senior citizens
- Interest payout semi-annually at 8% p.a.
- Proof of investment: Certificate of Holding to investors
- Interest earned is taxable u/ IT Act, 1961
- Returns on Bonds are exempted from Wealth-tax under the Wealth Tax Act of 1957
Bank Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Bank Fixed Deposits offer fixed returns over a specific investment tenure. With consistent returns over time, it is one of the safest and the best investment options with high returns in 2024.

Features of Bank Fixed Deposits:
- Online process to open, maintain, and renew policy
- Profits payable on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly basis
- Offers overdraft facility against FDs
- Market fluctuations do not affect fixed deposit
- Offers guaranteed returns during the tenure
- Tenures options: from 7 days to up to 10 years
- Additional rates of 0.25-0.75% p.a. to senior citizens
- Bank FDs are of two types:
  - Cumulative Option
  - Non-Cumulative Option
Initial Public Offerings (IPO)

An IPO marks the debut of a private company on stock exchanges, offering its shares to the public for the first time. This shift from private to public status enables all investors, including NRIs, to acquire shares and capitalize on potential returns.

Features of the IPO:
- Initially, the investors keep an eye on low rate IPOs whose stocks value might inflate over time.
- Current market conditions, company's performance, upcoming trends, management, and similar other aspects influence stock prices.
- It also helps the founders, angel investors, and venture capitalists to cash out their early investments.
- The IPOs of a growing company is considered a long-term low-risk investment option.
Direct Equity

Direct equity investments involve purchasing market-linked stocks or units of a listed company. Despite the inherent high-risk nature, these investments offer superior returns compared to other market options, making direct equity an excellent choice for NRIs seeking lucrative long-term investment opportunities.

Features of Direct Equity:
- In legal terms, the investor is buying the ownership of a company in proportion to the stocks.
- To invest in a direct equity fund, the investors need a Demat account.
- Investing in the direct equity of a growing company has a greater long-term reward.
- Consider factors like picking the right stock and deciding the right timing of your entry and exit in the market.
- Analyze risks and returns
Mutual Fund

Investing in Mutual Funds offers a disciplined approach for NRIs. These funds diversify across market-linked instruments like equity, debt, stocks, and money market funds. Returns align with the fund's market performance, providing a strategic avenue for wealth growth.

Features of Mutual Funds:
- Offers high returns over the long term
- Allows you to hold a diversified investment portfolio
- Help you maximize your profits and attain investment objectives
- Professional fund managers look after each mutual fund portfolio
- Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) mutual funds also offer tax exemption benefits u/ Section 80C of the IT Act, 1961
Management of mutual funds by fund houses is a transparent process. This helps the investor make an informed decision.
Gold ETF

Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) offer optimal investment returns for NRIs. These funds facilitate the trading of gold bullion stocks/units in paper or Demat form, allowing investors to closely monitor fluctuations in the domestic gold market.

Features of Gold ETFs:
- Offers high asset liquidity, which can be easily traded on the stock exchange
- Used as a security to obtain loans instantly
- Gold ETFs are based on the premise of fluctuations in gold prices, making them transparent investments in market securities.
- It is a market-linked tool with high risk and higher rewards.
Before locking your units in ETFs, it is advised to conduct thorough research and get accurate information about the product and its position in the market.
Real Estate Investment

Real Estate stands as a thriving investment avenue for NRIs in India, offering rapid growth and substantial returns. Its promising potential extends across diverse sectors like retail, housing, manufacturing, commercial, and hospitality.

Features of Real Estate investment:
- Investments in real estate have a high tangible asset value
- Offers a portfolio with low volatility and high returns
- The risk is low because the value of the property increases periodically
- Real estate is an asset with safe investments and high returns in 2024 in long term
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

A REIT is one of the best investment options in India for high returns. In this model, a company specializing in real estate investments owns and oversees valuable land assets. By leveraging these assets, it generates income, distributing profits among shareholders.

Features of REITs:
- The income and dividend for the stakeholders are the profits generated from the appreciated value or rent collected from the real estate.
- Both small and big investors can invest their money in stock exchange trading.
- No tax exemption benefits are available as it is a market-linked high-value investment.
- It generates steady dividend income for the investors.
Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency, a digitally encrypted form of currency recorded on a blockchain, is globally traded. It facilitates direct transactions between individuals without the need for intermediaries such as banks or central institutions.

Features of Crypto Investments:
- From 1 April 2022, cryptocurrencies and other digital assets are taxed at 30% p.a.
- Cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and offers the highest risk for highest rewards.
- Absence of a crypto regulatory body makes it necessary for all individuals to understand and evaluate investments regularly.
Corporate Bonds

Corporate bonds serve as debt instruments through which companies secure capital. Within the Indian context, these bonds offer Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) a unique avenue to extend financial support to corporations. By investing in corporate bonds, investors can effectively lend funds to companies, receiving consistent interest payments and the eventual return of the principal amount upon maturity.

Features of Corporate Bonds:
- Investment period: Typically 1-10 years
- Suitable for investors seeking fixed income and lower risk
- Risk level: Low to medium
- Returns: Fixed interest payments
- Investment amount: Varies
- Regular interest income, different types of corporate bonds available (e.g., government-backed, high-yield), potential for capital appreciation
Government Bonds

Sovereign bonds, or government bonds, represent a financial instrument through which the Indian government raises funds for public expenditures and addresses fiscal gaps. Renowned for their stability and reliable returns, these bonds serve as a secure investment option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio. With varying tenures, you can conveniently acquire government bonds either directly from the government or through authorized intermediaries.
- Investment period: Long-term
- Suitable for risk-averse investors looking for stable returns
- Risk level: Low (considered safer than corporate bonds)
- Returns: Fixed interest payments
- Investment amount: Varies
- Backed by the government
Index Funds

Index funds serve as investment instruments designed to mirror the performance of distinct market indices, such as the Nifty 50 or the BSE Sensex. By maintaining a well-diversified portfolio of securities that closely mirrors the index composition, these funds provide a passive management approach. The primary objective is to emulate the performance of the underlying index rather than actively strive to outperform it. This characteristic sets index funds apart, offering investors the opportunity to benefit from diversified exposure across different sectors and stocks.
- Risk level: Low to medium
- Passive investment strategy, lower expense ratios compared to actively managed funds, diversification across multiple stocks within the index
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

ETFs, or Exchange-Traded Funds, are investment funds that are traded on stock exchanges, similar to individual stocks. In India, ETFs offer investors an opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of assets, including equities, bonds, commodities, and more. These funds are designed to track the performance of a specific index or sector and provide investors with a convenient way to diversify their portfolios. ETFs combine the benefits of both mutual funds and individual stocks, offering liquidity, flexibility, and transparency.
- Risk level: Low to high (based on the underlying assets)
- Returns: Reflect the performance of the underlying assets (e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities)
- Diversified across multiple assets, intraday trading possible, lower expense ratios compared to mutual funds
Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending, also known as P2P lending, is a form of debt financing that connects individual lenders with borrowers through online platforms. It allows individuals to lend money directly to other individuals or small businesses, cutting out traditional financial intermediaries. P2P lending platforms provide a marketplace where lenders can review borrower profiles, assess credit risk, and select loans based on their preferences. P2P lending in India is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure transparency, fair practices, and investor protection.
- Suitable for investors seeking alternative fixed-income investments
- Risk level: Medium to high (based on the creditworthiness of borrowers)

Which Is the Best Investment Plan For You?

The above-mentioned best investment options in India can be broadly classified into those tethered to market dynamics and those rooted in fixed income. Choosing the most fitting investment plan from the variety of options available can prove to be a difficult task. To navigate this decision-making process adeptly and secure financial growth for the future, individuals of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status should take into account the following factors:

Comprehensive Understanding of Investment Types:

Gain a proper understanding of the distinct roles played by various investment options.
Market-Linked Investments:

Recognize that market-linked investment options are bound to market fluctuations, yet they offer the potential for high returns on investment.
Fixed-Income Investments:

Acknowledge that fixed-income investment options provide an avenue for wealth accumulation at a predetermined rate of return.

Key considerations when delving into equity or debt instruments for NRIs:

Return on Investment and Historical Performance:

Analyze the return on investment and review the historical performance of funds/plans.
Tax Exemption Benefits:

Evaluate the tax exemption benefits associated with the chosen investment strategy.
Alignment with Future Financial Goals:

Consider future financial goals, such as weddings, travel, education, and home loans, in your investment decisions.
Risk Appetite Assessment:

Determine your risk appetite and tailor your investment choices accordingly.
Investment Tenure Decision:

Decide on the appropriate investment tenure that aligns with your financial objectives.
One-Time Investment vs. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Choose between a one-time principal investment and a systematic investment plan based on your preferences.
Consideration of Current Financial Needs:

Factor in your current financial needs to strike a balance between immediate requirements and long-term goals.
Understanding Lock-in Period and Withdrawal Flexibility:

Grasp the implications of the lock-in period and assess withdrawal flexibility in your chosen investment avenue.

In Conclusion!

A smart way to invest is to thoroughly understand the different investment options available in the market. However, you should always keep savings and investing separate as both serve different needs.

In the end, choosing the best investment option becomes easy with the help of a professional and knowing your risk appetite and goals beforehand.

FAQ's

What is the best investment plan for 1 and 5 Years?
Below mentioned are the best investment plans for 1 year and 5 years:
1 year
- Fixed Maturity Plans
- Debt Mutual Funds
- Post-Office Term Deposits
- Arbitrage Mutual Funds
- Recurring Deposits (RDs)
- Fixed Deposits
5 years
- Liquid Funds
- Savings Account
- Post-Office Time Deposits
- Large Cap Mutual Fund
- Stock Market/Derivatives
Where to invest 1 lakh in 2024?

Consider diversifying your investment across sectors such as ULIPs,Capital Guarantee Plans, or Fixed Deposits. Evaluate your risk tolerance and financial goals before making a decision.
Which sector will do well in 2024 in India?

It's challenging to predict with certainty, but sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy have shown promise. Conduct thorough research or consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice.
How to double one lakh?

Doubling one lakh involves considering higher-risk options. Invest in ULIPs, equities, mutual funds, or other high-return instruments, but be mindful of the associated risks. A diversified approach and a long-term perspective can enhance the likelihood of achieving this goal.

Past 10 Year annualised returns as on 01-12-2024

†Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. The sorting is based on past 10 years’ fund performance (Fund Data Source: Value Research). For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in

^Tax benefit are for Investments made up to Rs.2.5 L/ yr and are subject to change as per tax laws.

*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan.

Tax benefit is subject to changes in tax laws. Standard T&C Apply
~Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ

**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).