Best SIP Plans to Invest in India in 2025

Types of SIP Funds in India

SIP plans in India can be divided into various categories based on asset class, investment strategy, market capitalization, duration, etc. Choose the SIP investment that suits you best and start your investment journey.

SIPs Based on Asset Classes

SIPs based on asset classes refer to the category where investments share common characteristics and are operational under the same rules and regulations. Some of the common asset classes mutual funds include:

1. Equity Mutual Funds

   Equity mutual funds primarily invest in the stocks or shares of companies. It aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation through diversification of the portfolio. Equity mutual funds generally hold high risks as the fund managers directly invest in the stock market.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct - Growth	₹2,315.59 Crs	28.44%	35.4%	₹5,000	17.77%
   Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth	₹33,608.53 Crs	27.3%	34.74%	₹500	23.77%
   Bandhan Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹14,062.19 Crs	31.17%	32.31%	₹1,000	33.71%
   Invesco India PSU Equity Fund Direct-Growth	₹1,390.50 Crs	32.83%	32.39%	₹1,000	16.95%
   ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund Direct - Growth	₹29,718.06 Crs	24.66%	33.64%	₹5,000	22.66%

2. Debt Mutual Funds

   Debt funds are generally less risky when compared to equity mutual funds. They primarily invest in fixed-income instruments issued by companies and the government. Fixed income securities could be government securities, corporate bonds, treasury bills, money market instruments, corporate debts, etc. Risk in debt mutual funds depends on who the money is given to and for how long.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Nippon India Credit Risk Fund-Growth	₹1,013.53 Crs	8.48%	8.7%	₹500	6.47%
   HDFC Income Plus Arbitrage Active FoF Direct-Growth	₹1,384.27 Crs	13.54%	15.61%	₹100	11.47%
   Axis US Specific Treasury Dynamic Debt Passive ETF FoF Direct-Growth	₹48.51 Crs	N/A	N/A	₹500	7.93%
   Aditya Birla Sun Life Medium Term Plan Direct-Growth	₹2,744.47 Crs	10.42%	12.65%	₹1,000	9.79%
   ICICI Prudential Medium Term Bond Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹5,687.83 Crs	8.82%	7.57%	₹5,000	8.6%

3. Hybrid (Balanced) Mutual Funds

   Hybrid or Balanced mutual funds invest in a mixture of asset classes like equity, debt, and gold instruments. Returns under the hybrid mutual funds depend on the type of allocation for each asset class. Some of the top balanced funds are listed below.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund - Hybrid Aggressive Plan - Growth	₹902.14 Crs	20.92%	20.41%	₹5,000	15.89%
   Nippon India Multi Asset Allocation Fund Direct - Growth	₹6,649.41 Crs	22.56%	19.74%	₹5,000	19.29%
   JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund Direct-Growth	₹840.84 Crs	22.7%	22.5%	₹1,000	14.39%
   SBI Magnum Children's Benefit Fund - Investment Plan Direct - Growth	₹4,034.89 Crs	23.98%	35.75%	₹5,000	35.84%
   UTI Multi Asset Allocation Fund Direct-Growth	₹5,902.09 Crs	20.93%	16.9%	₹5,000	10.51%

4. Money Market / Liquid Funds

   Liquid funds or money market funds come in the category of debt funds. These funds lend money to the companies for up to 91 days. Liquid funds are one of the safest investment options under the mutual fund category, as they lend money for a very short duration.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund Direct-Growth	₹51,913.25 Crs	6.9%	₹100	6.92%
   Edelweiss Liquid Fund Regular-Growth	₹8,323.31 Crs	6.78%	₹100	7%
   Axis Liquid Direct Fund-Growth	₹36,757.35 Crs	6.91%	₹100	6.88%
   Mahindra Manulife Liquid Fund Direct -Growth	₹1,011.14 Crs	6.87%	₹1,000	6.19%
   PGIM India Liquid Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹512.79 Crs	6.89%	₹5,000	6.88%

5. Gold Funds / Commodity Funds

   Gold Funds and Commodity funds are the types of mutual funds that help investors buy physical assets without physically going to the store. The primary reason to buy gold funds is for portfolio diversification. Popular gold funds to take into consideration are:

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   HDFC Gold ETF Fund of Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹4,536.91 Crs	32.07%	17.83%	₹100	10.14%
   SBI Gold Direct Plan-Growth	₹4,739.69 Crs	32.17%	17.89%	₹5,000	10.19%
   ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund (FOF)-Growth	₹2,384.06 Crs	31.57%	17.38%	₹100	9.9%
   LIC MF Gold ETF FoF Direct-Growth	₹213.98 Crs	32.2%	18.33%	₹5,000	9.81%
   Nippon India Gold Savings Fund Direct-Growth	₹3,248.15 Crs	31.82%	17.62%	₹100	9.99%

6. Index Funds

   Mutual funds that replicate market indices like NIFTY 50, NIFTY Midcap 50, SENSEX, etc., are called Index funds. To offer similar returns as the market index, index funds invest in similar-weighted constituents.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund Direct - Growth	₹2,472.47 Crs	-0.28%	₹500	25.16%
   UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct-Growth	₹23,731.28 Crs	2.21%	₹1,000	12.91%
   HDFC NIFTY 50 Index Fund Direct -Growth	₹20,589.72 Crs	2.17%	₹100	13.02%
   Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund Direct-Growth	₹1,917.61 Crs	0.39%	₹100	15%
   ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund-Growth	₹13,875.29 Crs	1.98%	₹100	14.68%

7. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

   ETFs, or Exchange Traded Funds, are traded in the stock exchange market just like any other stock. ETFs are available under various asset classes, like equity index funds, gold, etc. ETFs are traded on a real-time basis, unlike mutual funds, which are transacted once a day.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Nippon India ETF Nifty Bank BeES	₹7,496.96 Crs	10.51%	₹10,000	16.31%
   ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 ETF-IDCW	₹31,041.29 Crs	2.4%	₹5,000	13.94%
   Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF - Growth	₹891.49 Crs	24.78%	₹5,000	19.36%
   SBI Nifty 50 ETF-IDCW	₹201,813.73 Crs	2.37%	₹5,000	12.42%
   BHARAT 22 ETF - Growth	₹16,042.88 Crs	-2.24%	₹5,000	14.95%

8. Fund of Funds (FoFs)

   Fund of Funds, in simple language, are mutual funds that invest in other mutual funds rather than stocks, bonds or other securities. The main objective of FoFs is to offer portfolio diversification to investors across various mutual funds.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   ICICI Prudential Thematic Advantage Fund (FOF)- Growth	₹4,863.19 Crs	4.75%	₹5,000	15.4%
   Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF Direct - Growth	₹5,774.62 Crs	43.4%	₹500	26.59%
   ICICI Prudential Diversified Equity All Cap Omni FoF - Growth	₹195.06 Crs	1.58%	₹500	22.27%

SIPs Based on Investment Strategy (Focus)

SIP based on investment strategy primarily means a mutual fund that behaves in a focused manner. Some SIPs can be classified by their management style, investment strategy, or special purpose. Let's explore the best SIP mutual funds based on their investment strategies. 

1. Active Funds

   Active funds or actively managed funds are managed by expert fund managers who are directly involved in researching, selecting and managing the stock portfolio. Their main focus is to outperform the market’s index.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth	₹33,608.53 Crs	27.3%	34.74%	₹500	23.77%
   Axis Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹26,142.65 Crs	19.87%	27.51%	₹100	23.55%
   HDFC Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹38,116.69 Crs	17.96%	21.71%	₹100	14.14%

2. Passive Funds

   Passive mutual funds are investment schemes that replicate the performance of market indices, such as the NIFTY 50, SENSEX, and NIFTY Midcap 50. It is done by investing in the same stock in the same proportion to get similar results as the market index.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund Direct - Growth	₹969.97 Crs	-5.23%	₹500	24.63%
   DSP Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct - Growth	₹1,047.44 Crs	-8.26%	₹100	16.2%
   HDFC NIFTY 50 Index Fund Direct -Growth	₹20,589.72 Crs	2.17%	₹100	13.02%

3. Sectoral Funds

   Sectoral funds are a sub-section of equity mutual funds that invest in stocks of a particular industry or sector. It is important to have advanced knowledge of the particular sector in which you are willing to invest, for example, banking, pharma, IT, etc.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct-Growth	₹5,418.32 Crs	31.43%	35.15%	₹500	25.19%
   ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Direct-Growth	₹7,941.20 Crs	29.65%	38.08%	₹5,000	17.2%
   Tata Digital India Fund Direct-Growth	₹11,501.01 Crs	16.3%	19.4%	₹5,000	18.93%

4. Thematic Funds

   Equity mutual funds that invest in sectors or themes that exhibit significant growth are called Thematic Funds. They are broader when compared to sectoral funds as they pick companies that work on similar ideas like infrastructure, consumption, commodities, etc.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund - Growth	₹2,934.02 Crs	20.34%	32.04%	₹5,000	27.83%
   Sundaram Services Fund Direct - Growth	₹4,366.51 Crs	19.94%	25.6%	₹100	21.02%
   HDFC Housing Opportunities Fund Direct - Growth	₹1,326.14 Crs	21.04%	24.36%	₹100	11.99%

5. Focused Funds (limited number of stocks, max 30)

   As per the SEBI guidelines, equity funds that invest in a maximum of 30 stocks are called Focused Funds. These funds focus on the stocks that they think will outperform in the future, and hence, market study is important before selecting these funds for investment.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Invesco India Focused Fund Direct - Growth	₹4,199.03 Crs	25.46%	24.47%	₹1,000	24.71%
   HDFC Focused Fund Direct-Growth	₹21,456.24 Crs	24.43%	30.23%	₹100	16.02%
   ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund Direct-Growth	₹12,380.36 Crs	24.94%	26.47%	₹5,000	16.52%

6. Contra Funds

   A sub-section of equity mutual funds, Contra Funds focus on investing in stocks that are currently undervalued or not performing well in the market. These funds follow the strategy of buying low and selling high.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Kotak Contra Fund Direct-Growth	₹4,471.76 Crs	23.92%	24.55%	₹100	17.29%
   SBI Contra Fund-Growth	₹46,947.01 Crs	20.47%	28.88%	₹5,000	19%
   Invesco India Contra Fund Direct-Growth	₹19,287.72 Crs	21.83%	23.39%	₹1,000	18.91%

7. Value Funds

   Value funds are types of equity mutual funds that seek stocks with long-term potential that are underperforming based on their fundamentals. In-depth market research is required to invest in these stocks.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Axis Value Fund Direct-Growth	₹1,004.52 Crs	25.13%	N/A	₹100	18.51%
   ICICI Prudential Value Direct-Growth	₹53,715.52 Crs	22.93%	26.61%	₹1,000	18.73%
   HSBC Value Fund Direct-Growth	₹13,816.77 Crs	25.5%	26.42%	₹5,000	19.73%

8. Dividend Yield Funds

   Dividend Yield funds are mutual funds that invest in companies having the potential to pay regular dividends to their shareholders. The focus of these funds is to generate income rather than capital appreciation.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund Direct-Growth	₹5,734.56 Crs	26.11%	30.83%	₹5,000	17.01%
   LIC MF Dividend Yield Fund Direct - Growth	₹639.84 Crs	23.47%	23.06%	₹5,000	20.21%
   UTI Dividend Yield Fund Direct-Growth	₹4,039.91 Crs	21.53%	22.05%	₹5,000	14.27%

9. ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme)

   Equity Linked Savings Schemes are mutual funds that offer tax deduction of up to 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax. With a lock-in period of 3 years, ELSS mutual funds help investors build long-term wealth by investing in the stock market.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth	₹4,401.97 Crs	27.44%	26.99%	₹500	18.24%
   SBI ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct-Growth	₹30,271.16 Crs	25.44%	25.53%	₹500	16.45%
   HDFC ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹16,579.03 Crs	23.22%	25.91%	₹500	15.54%

SIPs Based on Market Capitalization (for Equity Funds)

Market capitalization in simple words, means identifying companies based on their market value. Market cap equals the total outstanding shares of the company in the stock market. Mutual Funds can be categorized into the following classes based on their market capitalization.

1. Large Cap Funds

   Equity Mutual funds that invest a big part of their AUM (Asset Under Management) in the stocks of the top 100 companies of India are called Large Cap Mutual Funds. As these companies are the biggest brands, they have a good reputation in the market.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Nippon India Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹44,164.76 Crs	21.16%	25.57%	₹100	16.48%
   ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund-Growth	₹71,787.87 Crs	19%	21.22%	₹100	14.89%
   HDFC Large Cap Fund Regular-Growth	₹38,116.69 Crs	17.26%	21%	₹100	18.53%
   LIC MF Large Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹1,459.14 Crs	14.04%	16.94%	₹5,000	13.38%
   Edelweiss Large Cap Fund Regular -Growth	₹1,291.81 Crs	16.09%	17.51%	₹100	13.91%

2. Mid Cap Funds

   Mid Cap Mutual Funds are Equity funds that put their money in mid sized companies ranked 101-250 in the stock market of India. They offer higher returns when compared to large cap companies but the risk is also high.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth	₹33,608.53 Crs	27.3%	34.74%	₹500	23.77%
   Invesco India Mid Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹7,801.80 Crs	29.14%	29.63%	₹1,000	21.82%
   HDFC Mid Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹83,847.39 Crs	26.53%	30.14%	₹100	21.11%
   Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund - Growth	₹38,581.28 Crs	24.76%	29.14%	₹100	22.27%
   Edelweiss Mid Cap Direct Plan-Growth	₹11,026.93 Crs	26.06%	30.96%	₹100	22.14%

3. Small Cap Funds

   Small Cap Funds are equity funds that invest in small companies with market capitalization of less than 5000 crores in India. They offer much higher returns when compared to large and mid cap funds but are much more riskier.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Bandhan Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹14,062.19 Crs	-0.63%	31.17%	₹1,000	33.71%
   Invesco India Smallcap Fund Direct - Growth	₹7,580.46 Crs	0.99%	26.55%	₹1,000	24.9%
   Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹29,462.70 Crs	-5.68%	25.18%	₹5,000	17.95%
   Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Growth	₹65,922.00 Crs	-6.49%	22.27%	₹5,000	20.61%
   HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct- Growth	₹36,353.10 Crs	1.71%	23.67%	₹100	19.89%

4. Multi Cap Funds

   Multicap funds are diversified mutual funds that invest in companies across all sectors, be it large, mid or small cap. This diversification helps to reduce risks.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Nippon India Multi Cap Fund Direct-Growth	₹45,881.41 Crs	23.34%	31.02%	₹100	16.94%
   Axis Multicap Fund Direct-Growth	₹8,291.80 Crs	23.98%	N/A	₹100	18.33%
   ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹15,523.25 Crs	21.37%	25.1%	₹5,000	16.68%

5. Flexi Cap Funds

   Open-ended equity funds, also known as flexi cap funds, do not limit their investment to a single market cap. These equity funds provide diversity and choose companies irrespective of their market size.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   HDFC Flexi Cap Fund Regular-Growth	₹80,642.30 Crs	23.71%	28.76%	₹100	18.87%
   Bank of India Flexi Cap Fund Regular-Growth	₹2,155.45 Crs	22.24%	24.72%	₹5,000	27.01%
   Motilal Oswal Flexi Cap Fund Regular-Growth	₹13,726.64 Crs	22.63%	19.12%	₹500	17.36%

6. Large & Mid Cap Funds

   In simple terms, large and midcap mutual funds are equity funds that invest in the top 200 companies of India as per their market capitalization.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund Regular - Growth	₹12,427.89 Crs	28.49%	28.31%	₹500	23.14%
   Bandhan Large & Mid Cap Fund Regular-Growth	₹9,996.58 Crs	24.45%	25.11%	₹1,000	13.82%
   ICICI Prudential Large & Mid Cap Fund-Growth	₹23,246.14 Crs	22.22%	27.52%	₹5,000	18.47%

7. Micro Cap Funds

   Mutual funds that focus on investing in emerging and small companies that have high growth potential are called micro cap funds. These funds have high risks but the returns are also exceptional. In-depth market research is required before choosing micro cap mutual funds.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 Index Fund Direct - Growth	₹2,594.49 Crs	-8.14%	N/A	₹500	27.15%

SIPs Based on Duration (for Debt Funds)

Debt mutual funds, also called bond funds, are divided into various categories based on their duration, credit quality, and instrument type. Duration based SIP has its own risks and rewards and should be purchased only after complete market research and expert guidance.

1. Overnight Funds

   As per SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), overnight funds are open ended debt mutual funds that lend money to corporates for 1 business day. These bonds are purchased overnight by fund managers and it matures the next business day.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Bank of India Overnight Fund Regular-Growth	₹83.84 Crs	6.17%	₹5,000	5.14%
   Axis Overnight Fund Regular-Growth	₹11,478.86 Crs	6.09%	₹100	5.09%
   Mirae Asset Overnight Fund Regular - Growth	₹855.31 Crs	6.01%	₹5,000	5.01%

2. Liquid Funds

   Liquid funds come in the category of debt funds. These funds lend money to the companies for up to 91 days. Liquid funds are one of the safest investment options under the mutual fund category, as they lend money for a very short duration.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Bank of India Liquid Fund Regular-Growth	₹2,001.88 Crs	6.8%	₹5,000	6.69%
   Edelweiss Liquid Fund Regular-Growth	₹8,323.31 Crs	6.78%	₹100	7%
   Axis Liquid Direct Fund-Growth	₹36,757.35 Crs	6.91%	₹100	6.88%

3. Ultra Short Duration Funds

   Debt funds that lend to companies for a very short duration of 3 to 6 months are called ultra-short duration funds. Short duration means less returns but is also less risky compared to other mutual fund investments.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Months	Return 6 Months	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Tata Ultra Short Term Fund Direct - Growth	₹4,610.86 Crs	1.6%	3.56%	₹5,000	6.41%
   Mirae Asset Ultra Short Duration Fund Direct - Growth	₹1,785.08 Crs	1.55%	3.57%	₹5,000	6.13%
   ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund Direct-Growth	₹16,382.40 Crs	1.61%	3.66%	₹5,000	8.02%

4. Low Duration Funds

   Low-duration funds lend to companies for a period of 6 to 12 months. The lending time is more than liquid and ultra-short funds, and hence are a little more volatile.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 6 Months	Return 1 Year	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Sundaram Low Duration Fund Direct-Growth	₹516.26 Crs	3.71%	7.97%	₹1,000	7.23%
   HDFC Low Duration Fund Direct-Growth	₹24,641.27 Crs	3.8%	8.08%	₹100	7.74%

5. Money Market Funds

   Money market funds are debt funds that invest in money market instruments for a period of maximum 1 year. The fund managers balance the risk by investing in debt securities.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Tata Money Market Fund Regular-Growth	₹41,234.54 Crs	7.69%	7.56%	₹5,000	6.76%
   Axis Money Market Fund Regular-Growth	₹20,503.30 Crs	7.71%	7.56%	₹100	6.3%
   Nippon India Money Market Fund-Growth	₹22,460.96 Crs	7.7%	7.57%	₹500	7.35%

6. Short Duration Funds

   Debt funds that invest in companies for a duration of 1 to 3 years are called short-duration mutual funds. Fund managers invest in companies that have a good loan repayment record and sufficient cash flows.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Nippon India Short Duration Fund-Growth	₹8,739.28 Crs	8.36%	7.79%	₹100	7.66%
   Tata Short Term Bond Fund Regular-Growth	₹3,506.52 Crs	7.23%	7.18%	₹5,000	7.06%
   LIC MF Short Duration Fund Regular-Growth	₹168.26 Crs	7.48%	7.08%	₹5,000	5.84%

7. Medium Duration Funds

   Medium-duration funds are open-ended debt funds that invest in securities for a period of 3 to 4 years. These funds are riskier when compared to low-duration funds.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Nippon India Medium Duration Fund Direct-Growth	₹105.91 Crs	9.07%	9.64%	₹5,000	5.03%
   ICICI Prudential Medium Term Bond Fund-Growth	₹5,687.83 Crs	8.13%	6.86%	₹5,000	7.5%
   Axis Strategic Bond Fund Regular-Growth	₹1,937.70 Crs	8.26%	6.82%	₹100	8.07%

8. Medium to Long Duration Funds

   Medium to long-duration funds are open-ended debt funds that invest in securities for a period of 4 to 7 years. Long duration offers better returns but is also riskier when compared to low duration investment options.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   LIC MF Medium to Long Duration Fund-Growth	₹204.28 Crs	7.82%	5.25%	6.25%	₹5,000	7.85%
   JM Medium to Long Duration Fund-Growth	₹31.30 Crs	7.54%	4.74%	3.94%	₹1,000	6.2%
   UTI Medium to Long Duration Fund Regular Plan-Growth	₹329.66 Crs	7.43%	8.1%	5.46%	₹500	7.58%

9. Long Duration Funds

   Long-duration funds invest for more than 5 years. Investors who are looking to invest for a longer period but do not want high risks involved in equity funds can go for this debt fund option.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Aditya Birla Sun Life Long Duration Fund Direct-Growth	₹166.90 Crs	N/A	N/A	₹100	8.97%
   Nippon India Nivesh Lakshya Long Duration Fund - Growth	₹9,808.60 Crs	5.9%	N/A	₹5,000	8.39%
   SBI Long Duration Fund Direct - Growth	₹2,766.15 Crs	N/A	N/A	₹5,000	8.5%

10. Dynamic Bond Funds

    Dynamic bond funds are actively managed by fund managers to use interest rates in the economy optimally. Fund managers hold short term bonds when the market rises and switch to long term bonds when the market drops.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    360 ONE Dynamic Bond Fund Regular-Growth	₹669.28 Crs	7.02%	6.94%	₹10,000	7.04%
    UTI Dynamic Bond Fund Regular Plan-Growth	₹481.67 Crs	8.37%	6.59%	₹500	7.73%
    Nippon India Dynamic Bond Fund-Growth	₹4,629.26 Crs	5.91%	6.73%	₹5,000	6.56%

11. Corporate Bond Funds

    Corporate bonds are debt mutual funds that take money from investors and put 80% of it in corporate bonds of the companies with the highest credit rating. Ratings are decided based on the companies' paying back the lent money time.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    Nippon India Corporate Bond Fund-Growth	₹10,013.39 Crs	6.66%	7.28%	₹1,000	7.49%
    DSP Corporate Bond Fund Regular - Growth	₹2,702.97 Crs	5.44%	N/A	₹100	7.12%
    HDFC Corporate Bond Fund Regular-Growth	₹35,968.16 Crs	6.27%	7.63%	₹100	8.15%

12. Credit Risk Funds

    Credit risk debt funds are mutual funds that invest at least 65% in low-rated companies. Low rated bonds offer higher interest rates and also high returns, but the risks are also high.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    Bank of India Credit Risk Fund Regular-Growth	₹105.60 Crs	25.94%	1.64%	₹5,000	2.05%
    DSP Credit Risk Fund Regular-Growth	₹208.36 Crs	11.11%	7.91%	₹100	7.47%
    Axis Credit Risk Fund Regular-Growth	₹367.13 Crs	6.84%	6.81%	₹5,000	7.24%

13. Banking & PSU Debt Funds

    Banking & PSU funds are open-ended debt funds that predominantly invest in Public Sector Undertakings, Public Financial Instruments, and banks. The risk is low in these debt funds.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    Axis Banking & PSU Debt Fund-Growth	₹13,286.45 Crs	7.46%	5.8%	₹5,000	7.68%
    ICICI Prudential Banking & PSU Debt-Growth	₹10,353.87 Crs	7.67%	6.39%	₹500	7.93%
    SBI Banking and PSU Fund-Growth	₹4,119.29 Crs	7.48%	5.62%	₹5,000	7.48%

14. Gilt Funds

    Gilt funds are a type of debt mutual fund that invests primarily in government securities. Government bonds are considered one of the safest investments, but the returns are relatively low.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    SBI Magnum Gilt Fund-Growth	₹11,979.77 Crs	7.82%	6.04%	₹5,000	7.95%
    ICICI Prudential Gilt Fund-Growth	₹7,330.23 Crs	8.13%	6.36%	₹5,000	9.38%
    Axis Gilt Fund Regular-Growth	₹619.01 Crs	7.84%	5.81%	₹5,000	7.16%

15. Gilt Funds with 10 Year Constant Duration

    As the name suggests, gilt funds with 10 year constant duration means debt funds that invest in government securities for a period of 10 years constantly. These funds do not buy or sell government securities because of market fluctuations.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    ICICI Prudential Constant Maturity Gilt Fund-Growth	₹2,367.56 Crs	5.85%	8.1%	₹5,000	8.62%
    SBI Magnum Constant Maturity Fund-Growth	₹1,883.83 Crs	5.54%	7.97%	₹5,000	7.8%
    Bandhan Gilt Fund with 10 year Constant Duration Fund Regular-Growth	₹354.39 Crs	5.6%	8.24%	₹1,000	6.71%
    UTI Gilt Fund with 10 year Constant Duration Regular - Growth	₹159.78 Crs	N/A	N/A	₹5,000	7.83%

16. Floater Funds

    Debt funds that invest in floating rate bonds are called floater funds. The interest rates go up when the bond price goes down, and vice versa.

    Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
    HDFC Floating Rate Debt Fund Regular-Growth	₹15,496.95 Crs	8.18%	7.98%	₹100	7.81%
    ICICI Prudential Floating Interest Fund -Growth	₹7,555.42 Crs	7.73%	7.73%	₹500	7.63%
    Aditya Birla Sun Life Floating Rate Fund Regular-Growth	₹13,619.76 Crs	7.94%	7.72%	₹1,000	7.95%

Based on Special Purpose or Structure

The mutual funds are explained based on the solution or the purpose that they are designed to achieve.

1. Open-Ended Funds

   In general, when you say mutual fund, it is an open-ended mutual fund. Investors purchasing the open-ended funds can buy or redeem their units at the NAV (Net Asset Value) at anytime of the day (working).

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   SBI Small Cap Fund-Growth	₹35,562.96 Crs	-8.41%	13.89%	₹5,000	19.25%
   Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF-Growth	₹10,016.73 Crs	26.39%	33.16%	₹500	22.93%

2. Close-Ended Funds

   Close-ended mutual funds are schemes that issue a fixed number of units during the NFO (New Fund Offer). After the closing of this initial offering, no more units or shares are issued. Also, the units cannot be redeemed, unlike the open-ended funds.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 1 Year	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Sundaram Long Term Micro Cap Tax Advantage Fund Series III Direct-Growth	₹77.12 Crs	-3.72%	18.65%	₹500	14.92%
   SBI Long Term Advantage Fund Series III Direct Growth	₹69.95 Crs	-9.64%	15.46%	₹500	17.11%
   ICICI Prudential Long Term Wealth Enhancement Fund - Growth	₹40.45 Crs	0.88%	20.2%	₹500	15.63%

3. Interval Funds

   Mutual funds that can invest in both equity and debt funds are called interval funds. The units or shares of these funds can be purchased or redeemed only when the fund house declares the intervals.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Aditya Birla Sun Life Interval Income Fund Quarterly Series I Direct-Growth	₹8.22 Crs	7%	5.79%	₹5,000	6.69%
   Nippon India Annual Interval Fund Series I Institutional Plan Direct- Growth	₹3.04 Crs	7.26%	5.94%	₹5,000	6.95%
   Nippon India Quarterly Interval Fund Series II Retail Plan Direct-Growth	₹25.59 Crs	7%	5.73%	₹5,000	6.92%
   UTI Annual Interval Fund - I Direct-Growth	₹23.64 Crs	6.64%	6.06%	₹10,000	6.49%

4. Children’s Gift / Education Funds

   Children’s Funds are mutual funds that are specifically designed to cater to children's future financial requirements. These funds are just like mutual funds, but they come with a lock-in period of 5 years or till the child reaches 18 years of age.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 5 Years	Return 10 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   SBI Magnum Children's Benefit Fund - Investment Plan Direct - Growth	₹4,034.89 Crs	35.75%	N/A	₹5,000	35.84%
   ICICI Prudential Children's Fund Direct-Growth	₹1,393.18 Crs	19.39%	13.39%	₹5,000	14.38%
   HDFC Children's Fund Direct Plan	₹10,306.93 Crs	18.8%	14.37%	₹100	15.65%

5. Retirement / Pension Funds

   Retirement funds are especially created keeping retirement in mind. These mutual funds come with a lock-in of 5 years or until retirement, whichever is earlier.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund - Pure Equity Plan - Growth	₹1,332.68 Crs	24.28%	27.21%	₹5,000	19.84%
   HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan Direct-Growth	₹6,611.80 Crs	20.48%	25.47%	₹100	20%
   Nippon India Retirement Fund - Wealth Creation Scheme-Growth	₹3,217.65 Crs	17.99%	20.25%	₹500	10.52%

International Exposure Funds

International exposure funds are equity mutual funds that invest in the stocks of companies that are outside India. With the help of international funds, one can invest in the world's biggest companies and diversify their portfolios. International funds include global equity, feeder funds, and foreign thematic/sector funds. 

1. Global / International Equity Funds

   Global or international equity funds invest directly in stocks of companies domiciled outside India, across developed and emerging markets, offering geographical diversification.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Return 5 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Edelweiss US Technology Equity FoF Direct - Growth	₹3,222.37 Crs	40.02%	18.87%	₹100	25.37%
   Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF-Growth	₹10,016.73 Crs	33.16%	20.44%	₹500	22.93%
   ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund-Growth	₹3,257.38 Crs	18.71%	13.95%	₹5,000	15.38%

2. Feeder Funds

   Feeder or "Fund of Fund" structures invest in international mutual funds, ETFs or index funds managed by global AMC partners, making it easy for Indian investors to participate in foreign equity markets.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Edelweiss US Technology Equity FoF Direct - Growth	₹3,222.37 Crs	40.02%	₹100	25.37%
   Invesco India - Invesco Global Equity Income FoF Direct-Growth	₹66.66 Crs	28.69%	₹1,000	11.62%
   Franklin U.S. Opportunities Equity Active FoF Direct-Growth	₹4,223.16 Crs	25.87%	₹5,000	17.41%

3. Foreign Thematic / Sector Funds

   Foreign thematic funds focus on specific sectors or themes, such as global technology, US markets, healthcare, Asian growth, or artificial intelligence, offering exposure to high-growth international trends.

   Fund Name	AUM	Return 3 Years	Minimum Investment	Return Since Launch
   Mirae Asset Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF FoF Direct - Growth	₹349.18 Crs	39.97%	₹5,000	35.38%
   SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund Direct Plan-Growth	₹4,026.55 Crs	26.73%	₹5,000	17.97%

Understanding SIP for Long Term

Time plays an important role when making investments through SIP. The longer you stay invested, the more returns you yield. For example,

Assume you make a monthly SIP of Rs. 5,000 in an equity mutual fund with 14% Annualised Returns for 10, 20, and 30 years.

Hence proved, the longer you invest, the better you save for the future. In 2025, the best SIP plans in India offer a great scope of returns, low expense ratios, and consistent performance. There is a wide range of mutual fund SIP plans available today.