Index Funds Mutual Funds

Track an index, holding its constituents in its proportions.

No manager, no stock picking, and an expense ratio a fraction of an active fund's. Over long periods that fee gap alone beats a majority of active large-cap funds — which is the strongest argument index funds have.

Who it suits. Anybody who would rather have the market's return at the lowest cost than try to beat it. Hold for 5 years or more.

Direct plans Regular plans

Regular plans in this category

Fund 1y3y5y

Point-to-point CAGR from AMFI NAV history, Regular plans only. Ordered by five-year return so the list has a shape, not because the order is a judgement. Past returns do not predict future ones — a fund near the top is usually there because its style suited the last five years, and styles take turns.

Other categories

Large CapFunds that must keep at least 80% in India's 100 biggest listed companies. Mid CapAt least 65% in companies ranked 101st to 250th by market value. Small CapAt least 65% in companies ranked 251st and below. Flexi CapAt least 65% in equity, with no limit on where across large, mid and small. Multi CapAt least 25% each in large, mid and small caps — the split is mandatory. Large & Mid CapAt least 35% in large caps and 35% in mid caps. FocusedA maximum of 30 stocks, at least 65% in equity. Value / ContraAt least 65% in equity, following a value or contrarian strategy.

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Questions people ask

What is a Index Funds fund?

Track an index, holding its constituents in its proportions. No manager, no stock picking, and an expense ratio a fraction of an active fund's. Over long periods that fee gap alone beats a majority of active large-cap funds — which is the strongest argument index funds have.

Who should invest in Index Funds funds?

Anybody who would rather have the market's return at the lowest cost than try to beat it. A sensible holding period is 5 years or more.

How is this list ordered?

By five-year CAGR computed from AMFI's published NAV history, within one plan type. It is a sort, not a verdict — a fund near the top is there because its style suited the last five years, which is not a promise about the next five.

Should I choose the Direct or Regular plan?

A Direct plan holds exactly the same portfolio without the distributor commission, so its expense ratio is lower — commonly 0.5% to 1.2% a year — and it compounds ahead of the Regular plan for ever. Choose Regular only if you want an intermediary's advice and are content to pay for it annually.