Mutual funds for beginners
If you are starting out, keep it simple: a broad index fund, a fund that manages the equity-debt mix for you, and — if you use the old tax regime — an ELSS. This list picks the most widely-held funds in each, all with 3+ year track records.
| # | Fund | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Equity Index · 13+ yrs | ₹27,826 Cr | -8.5% | +5.9% | +5.8% |
| 2 |  Equity Index · 13+ yrs | ₹23,218 Cr | -8.6% | +5.8% | +5.8% |
| 3 |  Equity Index · 13+ yrs | ₹13,590 Cr | -8.6% | +5.8% | +5.8% |
| 4 | Balanced Advantage · 13+ yrs | ₹1,04,783 Cr | -2.6% | +10.3% | +13.0% |
| 5 | Balanced Advantage · 13+ yrs | ₹69,961 Cr | +1.6% | +10.3% | +9.9% |
| 6 |  Balanced Advantage · 5+ yrs | ₹40,683 Cr | +0.2% | +9.2% | +9.5% |
| 7 | Large Cap · 13+ yrs | ₹76,534 Cr | -7.5% | +9.7% | +9.8% |
| 8 | Large Cap · 13+ yrs | ₹53,585 Cr | -3.3% | +8.2% | +8.1% |
| 9 |  ELSS (Tax Saver) · 13+ yrs | ₹31,318 Cr | -2.6% | +9.3% | +4.7% |
| 10 | ELSS (Tax Saver) · 13+ yrs | ₹31,029 Cr | -5.7% | +12.5% | +13.5% |
1Y/3Y/5Y are CAGR (annualised). Fund size is average AUM across all plans for June 2026.
How this list is built
- 3 largest Nifty 50 index funds, 3 largest balanced advantage funds, 2 largest large cap funds and 2 largest ELSS funds
- At least 3 years of history
- Chosen by fund size (all plans) — popularity and staying power, not recent returns
- Direct Plan – Growth option only; rules run automatically on the latest AMFI data (last run 6 Oct 2026)
This is a rules-based screen, not a personal recommendation. Past returns do not predict future returns, and a fund that suits one investor may not suit another.
Want a plan, not just a list?
A top-10 list can’t see your goals, tax bracket or what you already own. Sulekha Sen builds a portfolio around you — fee-only — and checks it for hidden overlap.
Book a free 30-min call →Check your portfolio overlap →
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. NAV data: AMFI, via the open TigZig MF NAV API, as of 5 Oct 2026. Fund size: AMFI quarterly average AUM. Holdings: each AMC’s SEBI-mandated monthly portfolio disclosure. Shown for information only — not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any scheme.