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Are you looking for the best investment option for you? From traditional investments like Fixed Deposits (FDs) and gold to market-linked options like Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and mutual funds, this page will help you choose the best option based on your risk appetite and financial goals.
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An investment option in India is a financial opportunity that allows you to grow your money over time. Many different investment plans are available in India, each with its own risks and returns. The best investment option for you will depend on your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon.
Policybazaar offers information on various investment options in India, including the following based on the risk category:
High-Risk: These investments have the potential for substantial returns but also carry a significant risk of loss.
Medium-Risk: These investments offer the potential for higher returns than low-risk options but come with some degree of volatility.
Low-Risk: They are suitable for those with a low-risk tolerance and prioritize capital preservation over high returns.
The following sections list the best investment plans in India 2024 based on different risk categories that you can consider adding to your financial portfolio.
Best Investment Options | Period of Investment (Minimum) |
Investment Objective | Returns Offered | Investment Amount Limit | Tax Benefits under |
Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) | 5 years | Wealth + Life cover | 9% - 15% p.a. |
₹1000—No Limit | Section 80C and 10(10D) |
Initial Public Offerings (IPO) | As per the investment profile | Long-term outlook with risk-taking | Returns vary widely | Decided by the investor | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Stock Market Trading | As per the investment profile | Balances risk and return | Returns vary widely | Decided by the investor | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Equity Mutual Funds | Min. 3 years for ELSS | Risk-taking appetite | up to 20% p.a. | ₹500—No Limit | Section 80C under ELSS |
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) | As per risk tolerance | Balances the risk and return | Returns vary widely | Decided by the investor | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Money Market Funds | Short-term (usually less than a year) | Safe with minimal risk | 4% - 6% p.a. | Decided by the investor | Taxable |
Forex Trading | As per investor strategy | High risk, high reward potential | Returns vary widely | Decided by the investor | Taxable |
Hedge Funds | Typically long-term | High risk, high reward potential | Returns vary widely | High minimum investment | Taxable |
Angel Investment | Long-term | High growth potential | Returns vary widely | High minimum investment | Taxable |
Cryptocurrencies | NA | Anyone | Returns vary widely | NA | Profits taxable at 30% p.a. |
Details of High-Risk Best Investment Options in 2024
ULIP stands for Unit Linked Insurance Plans. These best investment options offer the dual benefits of market-linked investments and life insurance cover.
Flexibility to choose from various investment funds, like Equity, Debt, Hybrid, Index funds, and New Fund Offerings (NFOs).
ULIP plan provides deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the IT Act, 1961.
The payouts received at the end of the policy term are also tax-free under Section 10(10D).
An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is considered among the best investment options for investors looking to buy shares in a company at its early stages. It is the first sale of company shares to the public when a company transitions from private to public ownership.
IPOs let companies raise funds by selling shares to the public on stock exchanges.
It is a high risk, high return investment option.
Investing early allows founders and investors to support new ventures.
Stock Market Trading involves selling or purchasing the market-linked units of publicly traded companies or commodities. These companies are listed on secondary markets/ stock exchanges like the NSE, BSE, and NASDAQ.
Stock market investments are volatile, influenced by economic news and investor sentiment.
A Demat account is necessary to start trading on a stock exchange.
Stock market trading remains one of the best investment options for individuals comfortable with risk and market fluctuations.
Equity-oriented Mutual Funds are the best investment options with high returns, allowing multiple investors to pool money and invest in a diversified portfolio of equity-linked instruments.
They are managed by professional fund managers who make investment decisions on your behalf.
The risk factor and returns depend on the type of fund selected.
ELSS mutual funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are the best investment options that offer a balanced approach to investing with the flexibility of stock-like trading and the benefits of diversification.
They are generally passively managed, as they track a specific index, commodity, or sector like NIFTY 50, gold, and healthcare.
Compared to mutual funds, ETFs typically have lower fees, leading to savings.
ETFs are usually easy to trade, with minimal impact on price when buying or selling shares.
Money Market Funds invest in short-term, low-risk instruments like treasury bills and provide stable returns with high liquidity. They are the best investment options for low-risk, short-term investors.
Money market funds are low risk because they invest in high-quality, short-term debt securities.
They provide steady and modest returns, usually higher than those from savings accounts.
Financial experts manage these funds to ensure safety and liquidity.
Forex trading involves buying and selling currencies to profit from changes in exchange rates. It is a high-risk, high-reward best investment option that is suitable for experienced investors.
Forex trading involves buying and selling currencies to profit from their exchange rate fluctuations.
It operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing traders to participate at almost any time.
It can be complex and volatile, requiring a good understanding of global economic factors and market trends.
Hedge funds are private investment funds that aim for aggressive growth. These best investment options use a range of strategies, like short-selling, leverage, and derivatives.
Hedge funds are typically open only to wealthy individuals or institutional investors due to their higher risk and larger minimum investment requirements.
These funds aim to generate positive returns in both rising and falling markets through flexible investment approaches.
Hedge funds are less regulated than traditional investments, allowing more freedom in their trading and investment practices.
Angel investment is often viewed as one of the best investment options for those interested in supporting early-stage startups.
Investors earn interest on the loans, while borrowers often get loans at competitive rates.
In exchange for equity, angel investors can earn substantial returns if the business succeeds.
While risky, this investment option appeals to investors looking to combine financial gain with innovation.
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are digital or virtual currencies stored on an online ledger or blockchain. They are the best investment options in the modern world because they are decentralized, meaning that any government, financial institution, or external entity cannot control the transaction.
Income from cryptocurrency and Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) will be taxed at 30% p.a. from Apr 1, 2022.
Cryptocurrencies offer global trading 24/7.
Crypto-trading is not illegal, but the regulatory framework is still uncertain in India.
Best Investment Options | Period of Investment (Minimum) | Investment Objective | Returns Offered | Investment Amount Limit | Tax Benefits under |
Pension Plans | 5 years | Low risk tolerance + Long-term investment | 9% - 15% p.a. |
₹1000—No Limit | Section 80C and 10(10D) |
Child Plans | 5 years | Save for your child’s future | up to 17% p.a. |
₹1000—No Limit | Section 80C and 10(10D) |
Capital Guarantee Plans | 5 years | Wealth creation + protection | Guaranteed Principal + Market-linked Returns | Varies by plan | Section 80C and 10(10D) |
National Pension Scheme (NPS) | Up to 60- 70 years of age (extendable by 5 years) | All Resident Citizens/ NRIs/ OCIs/ PIOs (18-70 year age) | Market-linked (9-15% p.a.) | Tier I: ₹500 - No Limit (Min. ₹1000 per year) Tier II: ₹250 – No Limit |
Section 80 CCD (1), Section 80 CCD(2), and Section 80 CCD(1B) |
Real Estate | As per the investment Profile | Anyone | As per market standards | Decided by the investor | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Corporate Bonds | 1 – 10 years | Fixed income with lower risk | 7 - 9% p.a. | Decided by the investor | Taxable for interest income |
Index Funds | 3 – 5 years | Long-term growth with lower fees | Returns based on index | ₹500—No Limit | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Debt Mutual Funds | 1 – 3 years | Low to moderate risk, stable returns | 6% - 8% p.a. | ₹500—No Limit | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Balanced Mutual Funds | 3 – 5 years | Balanced risk and reward | 8% - 12% p.a. | ₹500—No Limit | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Details of Moderate-Risk Best Investment Options in 2024
Pension plans are the best investment option for retirement planning, combining the benefits of investment with life insurance protection. These plans provide you with a regular income after retirement when you are no longer working.
Provide a guaranteed income after retirement, either immediately or deferred.
Allows regular contributions for a lump sum or annuity pay-outs.
Provides deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C and additional tax-free maturity benefits under Section 10(10D).
Child plans are also one of the best investment options to save for your child's future by offering the benefits of both life insurance and investment. They allow partial withdrawals to your child in emergencies.
This long-term investment offers a lump sum payout on maturity, which can be used to meet your child’s financial needs, such as education, marriage, or starting a business.
Your child also gets a death benefit in case of your premature death.
Offers tax deductions under Section 80C and tax-free maturity under Section 10(10D) of the IT Act, 1961.
Capital Guarantee Plans are a type of best investment option that offers a guarantee that your initial investment will be returned to you, regardless of market performance.
Invests part of your premium in low-risk funds for guaranteed fixed returns and the rest into market-linked funds for higher potential returns.
Ensure financial security for your family with life coverage.
Customize investments based on your risk appetite and goals.
Capital guarantee plans are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 10(10D).
NPS is one of the government-backed best investment options that offer guaranteed pension benefits. The NPS fund invests in bonds, government securities, equity, and other market-linked assets.
NPS has two types of accounts:
Tier I Account: Mandatory long-term savings account without premature withdrawals
Tier II Account: Optional account with more flexibility for withdrawals
National Pension Scheme (NPS) offers two fund options:
Auto Choice Funds: Automatic asset allocation based on your age
Active Choice Funds: Customize asset allocation in equity, debt, and government securities
Enjoy tax deductions under Section 80CCD(1) and Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Real estate is a physical and tangible best investment option, including land, homes, and commercial buildings. Over time, real estate can appreciate in value, offering potential capital gains.
Real estate in India has historically appreciated, making it a top choice for long-term capital gains.
Offers steady rental income for passive earnings and is usable for personal or commercial purposes.
Indian government provides tax benefits under the Income Tax Act of 1961:
Section 24(b): Deduction for interest paid on home loans.
Section 80C: Deductions on principal repayment of home loans.
Section 54: Exemptions on capital gains tax from sale of residential property.
Corporate bonds are debt securities issued by corporations to raise capital. In India, corporate bonds are the best investment options that provide you with an opportunity to lend money to companies in exchange for regular interest payments.
The principal amount is returned at the end of the bond's maturity, offering fixed income through interest payments.
Available in various maturities and credit ratings for flexibility.
Subject to credit risk, with a chance of issuer default.
Index funds are mutual funds or ETFs that aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index, like the Nifty 50 or S&P 500. They offer diversification, lower fees, and are best investment options for long-term, passive investors looking for steady market returns.
They offer broad market exposure, allowing you to diversify across many stocks or bonds.
These funds typically have lower fees compared to actively managed funds due to their passive management style.
They usually provide steady, long-term returns that mirror the index they track.
Debt mutual funds invest primarily in fixed-income securities like bonds, debentures, and government securities.
Debt mutual funds invest primarily in fixed-income securities like bonds and debentures.
These best investment options offer regular income and lower risk compared to equity funds.
Suitable for conservative investors looking for stable returns and capital preservation.
Balanced mutual funds invest in a mix of equities and fixed-income securities. These best investment options aim to balance growth and income, offering both capital appreciation and stability.
Balanced mutual funds invest in a mix of equities and fixed-income securities to balance risk and return.
These funds aim for moderate growth by combining stock market exposure with stable income from bonds.
They are suitable for investors seeking a blend of growth potential and income stability.
Best Investment Options | Period of Investment (Minimum) |
Investment Objective | Returns Offered | Investment Amount Limit | Tax Benefits under |
Annuity Plans | Whole Life | Regular income post-retirement | 5-7% p.a. | ₹1500—No Limit | Section 80C, Section 10 |
Guaranteed Return Plans | Chosen Policy Term | Assured return on invested amount | 5-6% p.a. | Varies by plan | Section 80C and 10(10D) |
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) | 5 years (extendable by 3 years) | Age >60 years; Age 55-60 years for Retired Personnel | 8.2% p.a. | ₹1000-- ₹30 lakhs | Section 80 C |
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) | 5 years | Indian Citizen | 7.4% p.a. | Single Life: ₹1000-- ₹9 lakhs; Joint Life: ₹1000—₹15 lakhs |
Nil |
Public Provident Fund (PPF) | 15 years (extendable by 5 years) | Indian Citizens | 7.1% p.a. | ₹500 - ₹1.5 lakhs yearly | Section 80 C and Section 10 |
Gold | As per the investment Profile | Anyone | (13% Avg. Returns in 2023) | Decided by the investor | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
RBI Saving Bonds | 6 years | Indian Resident Citizens/ HUF/ Charitable Trusts | 8.00% p.a. | ₹1000—No Limit | Taxable income |
Bank Fixed Deposits (FDs) | 7 days to 10 years | Market risk-averse | 4-9% p.a. | ₹500-- ₹5 Crores | Section 80C |
National Savings Certificate (NSC) | 5 years | Secure savings with fixed returns | 7.7% p.a. | ₹100—No Limit | Section 80C |
Treasury Bills | 91 days, 182 days, or 364 days | Safe short-term government-backed investment | Returns as per auction rates | ₹25,000—No Limit | Taxable for LTCG and STCG |
Municipal Bonds | Varies by issue | Invest in municipal projects | 6% - 10% p.a. | Decided by the investor | Interest taxable |
Details of Best Low-Risk Best Investment Options in 2024:
Annuity plans are the best investment option for retirees seeking a regular, lifelong income. You pay a lump sum or regular premiums, for which the plan pays you a regular income immediately or later.
Insurance-based investment, which offers regular income after retirement.
Provides a steady, lifelong income stream, as per chosen immediate or deferred pay-outs.
Payments continue until death or for a specified period, depending on the plan.
Guaranteed return plans are the best investment options that promise you a fixed amount of money at the end of a set period.
Low-risk investment option, which ensures a fixed return over a specified period.
Combines life insurance with guaranteed returns that offer both protection and savings.
Returns are pre-defined and unaffected by market fluctuations.
Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS) is a risk-free tax-saving investment option for senior citizens (>60 years of age) available in India. It is one of the best investment options in India for saving for old people as it offers a regular income.
Government-backed SCSS ensures a safe investment for senior citizens.
Investment Amount: ₹1,000 - ₹30 lakhs.
Eligible for tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme is another of the government-sponsored best investment options that offers you a guaranteed monthly income. It is a popular scheme for investors looking for a steady income stream.
Fixed tenure of 5 years, extendable up to 15 years.
Start with ₹1,000 up to ₹9 lakhs (Single) or ₹15 lakhs (Joint).
Interest is taxable but claims up to ₹1.5 lakhs deduction under Section 80C.
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is the best investment option in India for the long-term. It offers tax-exempt contributions, interest, and withdrawals, ensuring tax efficiency.
It is a government-backed plan that offers guaranteed PPF interest rates, making it a secure investment option.
The minimum PPF account duration is 15 years, extendable in 5-year increments.
You can start investing with just ₹500 annually, up to ₹1.5 lakhs.
Gold has a long and rich cultural significance in India. It is often seen as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good luck, making gold and gold assets the best investment option for many Indians.
Gold investment options in India: Physical gold, Gold ETFs, Gold funds, and Gold bonds.
Gold can be pledged for instant loans, easily bought and sold in markets and exchanges, which enhances its investment appeal.
Acts as a hedge against inflation, its value rises when currency value falls.
RBI bonds are safe investment options with high returns in India. They are available to all citizens except Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
The returns are accredited to the investor in demat mode in their Bond Ledger Account (BLA).
These bonds cannot be transferred, traded, or used as loan collateral.
Interest earned is taxable under the IT Act of 1961, and returns on bonds are exempted from wealth tax under the Wealth Tax Act of 1957.
Bank Fixed Deposits offer fixed returns over a specific investment tenure. These are the best investment options for offering guaranteed returns for a chosen tenure.
Offer stability with fixed FD interest rates, higher FD rates for Senior Citizens, and a predetermined maturity period.
FDs are available for tenures from 7 days to 10 years and allow for loan facilities against the FD scheme.
Tax-Saver FDs offer deductions under Section 80C.
The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a government-backed savings scheme offering fixed interest rates and tax benefits.
It is a government-backed best investment option, offering a fixed maturity period of 5 or 10 years, with interest compounded annually.
The investment is eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
It can be purchased from post offices and is available in various denominations.
Treasury Bills (T-Bills) are short-term government securities with maturities of up to one year ranging from 91 days to 1 year. They are issued at a discount and redeemed at face value, offering the best investment option with guaranteed returns and low risk.
They are sold at a discount to their face value and pay the full face value at maturity.
They offer liquidity and can be easily bought and sold in the money market.
The returns on T-Bills are determined by the difference between the purchase price and the face value at maturity.
Municipal bonds are debt securities issued by local governments or municipalities to fund public projects. They offer tax-exempt interest income and are considered low-risk best investment options.
Municipal bonds can be classified into general obligation bonds (backed by the issuer's credit) and revenue bonds (backed by specific project revenues).
They often provide tax-exempt interest income, making them attractive to investors in higher tax brackets.
They typically offer lower yields compared to corporate bonds due to their tax advantages.
Policybazaar is a financial marketplace that can connect you with various investment options. You can get started on the Policybazaar website through the following steps:
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Risk Tolerance: Before choosing an investment, understand your financial goals (short-term vs. long-term) and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with potential losses).
Step 2: Explore Best Investment Options: Policybazaar offers information on various investment plans in India, including:
Low-Risk: Guaranteed Return Plans, Fixed Deposits (FDs), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Public Provident Fund (PPF), Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
Medium-Risk: Capital Guarantee Plans, Debt-based Mutual Funds (SIP or lump sum)
High-Risk: Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs), Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), Stocks, Real Estate
Step 3: Choose Based on Your Risk Profile: Policybazaar can help you compare different options based on their features and returns. Choose the option that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
You can consider the following factors while choosing the right investment options and making financial decisions for the future:
Financial Goals: Determine your investment goals, whether it is saving for retirement, buying a house, or education.
Risk Tolerance: Understand how much risk you can handle. Riskier investments can offer higher returns but also carry more uncertainty.
Time Horizon: Consider how long you plan to invest. Longer time horizons may allow you to take more risks.
Asset Diversification: Spread your investments across different assets to reduce risk. Do not put all your money in one place.
Costs: Be aware of fees and expenses associated with investing. High costs can eat into your returns.
Research: Research different best investment options thoroughly before making decisions. Understand their potential returns and risks.
Tax Implications: Consider the tax implications of your investments. Some investments may offer tax benefits.
To determine if your investment plans will yield high returns, consider various factors such as the investment type, duration, and market conditions. While predicting exact returns is impossible, tools like the SIP calculator, Income Tax Calculator, and Child Plan Calculator will help you estimate potential returns based on your investment amount, duration, and other required factors.
You get a diverse range of the best investment options in India, which cater to various risk appetites and financial goals. It is essential to assess your individual objectives, risk tolerance, and market conditions before making investment decisions. With careful planning and diligence, you can harness the potential of India's dynamic economy to achieve long-term financial growth.
Capital Guarantee Plans
Guaranteed Return Plans
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
National Pension Scheme (NPS)
Bank fixed deposits (FDs)
Government bonds
†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
Past 10 Years' annualised returns as on 01-12-2024
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in 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
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.
#The investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 1 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 10,000/- 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: ₹1,05,02,174 @ CARG 8%; ₹50,45,591 @ CAGR 4%
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs.
**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).
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Invest ₹10K/Month & Get ₹1 Crore returns*
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