ELSS funds are the only equity mutual funds that qualify for the ₹1.5L Section 80C deduction, and they carry the shortest lock-in of any 80C instrument — 3 years, versus 5 for tax-saver FDs and 15 for PPF. You save tax AND stay invested in equity.
Salaried taxpayers on the old regime looking to use their ₹1.5L 80C limit; anyone wanting equity growth with a tax break.
ELSS only — the single category with the 80C tax benefit. Ranked by 5-year return so you see who compounded best across a full lock-in cycle.
3+ years (locked)
High
Direct-plan funds from the ELSS category, ranked by 5-year return. Past returns don’t predict future ones — use this as a starting shortlist, not a buy list.
| # | Fund | 5Y CAGR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HDFC ELSS Tax saver - Growth Option - Direct Plan HDFC Mutual Fund | 21.9% |
| 2 | DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth DSP Mutual Fund | 20.3% |
| 3 | BANDHAN ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Bandhan Mutual Fund | 19.8% |
| 4 | Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan Growth Plan - Growth Option Nippon India Mutual Fund | 19.2% |
| 5 | BANK OF INDIA ELSS Tax Saver -Direct Plan- Growth Bank of India Mutual Fund | 18.9% |
| 6 | Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct - Growth Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund | 18.9% |
| 7 | Kotak ELSS Tax Saver Fund-Growth - Direct Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund | 17.9% |
| 8 | Edelweiss ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan-Growth Option Edelweiss Mutual Fund | 17.9% |
| 9 | JM ELSS Tax Saver Fund (Direct) - Growth Option JM Financial Mutual Fund | 17.8% |
| 10 | Union ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Option Union Mutual Fund | 17.0% |
| 11 | Quantum ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Direct Plan Growth Option Quantum Mutual Fund | 16.4% |
| 12 | LIC MF ELSS Tax Saver-Direct Plan-Growth LIC Mutual Fund | 15.5% |
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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.
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