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Just starting out

Best mutual funds for beginners.

If you've never invested before, you don't need to pick winners — you need a broad, cheap, well-run fund and a SIP. Index funds and large-cap funds give you the whole market (or its biggest, most stable companies) for a low expense ratio, with none of the small-cap whiplash.

How we rate mutual fundsRead methodology
Who it’s for

First-time investors; anyone who wants to start a SIP without researching individual stocks.

Why this mix

Index + large-cap = maximum diversification, lowest cost, lowest behavioural risk. Ranked by analyst rating — quality and consistency over chasing last year's top performer.

Suggested horizon

5+ years

Risk level

Low–Moderate

The shortlist

Direct-plan funds from the Index Fund and Large Cap categories, ranked by analyst rating. Past returns don’t predict future ones — use this as a starting shortlist, not a buy list.

#Fund5Y CAGR
1Principal Emerging Bluechip Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Option
Principal Mutual Fund
20.3%
2ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund
15.9%
3LIC MF Nifty 50 Index Fund-Direct Plan-Growth
LIC Mutual Fund
14.2%
4Nippon India Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan - Direct Plan Growth Plan - Growth Option
Nippon India Mutual Fund
14.3%
5Nippon India Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan - Direct Plan Growth Plan - Bonus Option
Nippon India Mutual Fund
14.3%
6BANDHAN Nifty 50 Index Fund-Direct Plan-Growth
Bandhan Mutual Fund
14.4%
7Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty 50 Index Fund - Growth - Direct Plan
Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund
14.3%
8Taurus Nifty 50 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth
Taurus Mutual Fund
13.7%

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SEBI regulatory notice

Regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Mutual funds in India are regulated by SEBI and managed by AMFI-registered AMCs. Fund performance, ratings, and expense ratios shown are sourced from AMFI / scheme information documents. Past performance is NOT indicative of future returns. NAV fluctuates with market conditions; capital is at risk.

Risk note: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents (SID/KIM) carefully before investing. We are NOT a SEBI-registered investment advisor (RIA); for personalised advice consult a registered advisor at sebi.gov.in.

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