Top Mutual Funds For Beginners– Best Funds, Benefits & Risks

Top Mutual Funds For Beginners in 2025
Showing 1 - 20 of 51 results
| NameMFs (51)↓ | ↓Sub CategorySub Category↓ | ↓PlanPlan↓ | ↓AUMAUM↓ | ↓NAVNAV↓ | ↓CAGR 3YCAGR 3Y↓ | ↓Expense RatioExpense Ratio↓ | ↓Exit LoadExit Load↓ | ↓VolatilityVolatility↓ | ↓Absolute Returns - 3MAbsolute Ret. - 3M↓ | ↓Absolute Returns - 1YAbsolute Ret. - 1Y↓ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | SBI Contra Fund SBI Contra Fund | Contra Fund Contra Fund | Growth Growth | 49,218.42 49,218.42 | 432.29 432.29 | 20.02 20.02 | 0.76 0.76 | 0.25 0.25 | 10.88 10.88 | 4.32 4.32 | 3.06 3.06 | |
| 2. | SBI Focused Fund SBI Focused Fund | Focused Fund Focused Fund | Growth Growth | 40,823.77 40,823.77 | 426.88 426.88 | 17.93 17.93 | 0.77 0.77 | 0.10 0.10 | 11.32 11.32 | 7.51 7.51 | 14.72 14.72 | |
| 3. | SBI Large & Midcap Fund SBI Large & Midcap Fund | Large & Mid Cap Fund Large & Mid Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 35,514.42 35,514.42 | 703.74 703.74 | 17.37 17.37 | 0.79 0.79 | 0.10 0.10 | 12.15 12.15 | 4.47 4.47 | 7.54 7.54 | |
| 4. | SBI Multicap Fund SBI Multicap Fund | Multi Cap Fund Multi Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 23,986.25 23,986.25 | 17.69 17.69 | 17.17 17.17 | 0.81 0.81 | 0.25 0.25 | 12.08 12.08 | 0.32 0.32 | 3.46 3.46 | |
| 5. | SBI Midcap Fund SBI Midcap Fund | Mid Cap Fund Mid Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 23,036.04 23,036.04 | 262.33 262.33 | 16.83 16.83 | 0.86 0.86 | 0.10 0.10 | 12.85 12.85 | 3.07 3.07 | -0.82 -0.82 | |
| 6. | Tata Small Cap Fund Tata Small Cap Fund | Small Cap Fund Small Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 11,792.26 11,792.26 | 41.86 41.86 | 16.93 16.93 | 0.33 0.33 | 0.50 0.50 | 17.40 17.40 | -7.29 -7.29 | -12.72 -12.72 | |
| 7. | SBI Banking & Financial Services Fund SBI Banking & Financial Services Fund | Sectoral Fund - Banks & Financial Services Sectoral Fund - Banks & Financial Services | Growth Growth | 9,273.44 9,273.44 | 50.69 50.69 | 20.34 20.34 | 0.76 0.76 | 0.50 0.50 | 13.17 13.17 | 8.73 8.73 | 17.02 17.02 | |
| 8. | Tata Value Fund Tata Value Fund | Value Fund Value Fund | Growth Growth | 8,881.65 8,881.65 | 407.26 407.26 | 19.65 19.65 | 0.81 0.81 | 0.50 0.50 | 13.99 13.99 | 6.02 6.02 | 1.86 1.86 | |
| 9. | Quant Mid Cap Fund Quant Mid Cap Fund | Mid Cap Fund Mid Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 8,525.04 8,525.04 | 238.60 238.60 | 16.12 16.12 | 0.75 0.75 | 0.50 0.50 | 16.59 16.59 | 2.92 2.92 | -5.41 -5.41 | |
| 10. | SBI PSU Fund SBI PSU Fund | Thematic Fund Thematic Fund | Growth Growth | 5,714.14 5,714.14 | 36.56 36.56 | 27.89 27.89 | 0.85 0.85 | 0.50 0.50 | 16.92 16.92 | 6.58 6.58 | 3.11 3.11 | |
| 11. | Tata Mid Cap Fund Tata Mid Cap Fund | Mid Cap Fund Mid Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 5,282.94 5,282.94 | 508.26 508.26 | 21.77 21.77 | 0.62 0.62 | 0.50 0.50 | 14.44 14.44 | 4.17 4.17 | 3.54 3.54 | |
| 12. | SBI Technology Opp Fund SBI Technology Opp Fund | Sectoral Fund - Technology Sectoral Fund - Technology | Growth Growth | 4,934.03 4,934.03 | 263.68 263.68 | 17.15 17.15 | 0.91 0.91 | 0.50 0.50 | 14.64 14.64 | 6.48 6.48 | 4.44 4.44 | |
| 13. | SBI Infrastructure Fund SBI Infrastructure Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 4,788.49 4,788.49 | 53.18 53.18 | 21.15 21.15 | 1.13 1.13 | 0.50 0.50 | 13.45 13.45 | 2.50 2.50 | -3.83 -3.83 | |
| 14. | Tata Multi Asset Allocation Fund Tata Multi Asset Allocation Fund | Multi Asset Allocation Fund Multi Asset Allocation Fund | Growth Growth | 4,478.75 4,478.75 | 27.60 27.60 | 16.45 16.45 | 0.40 0.40 | 0.50 0.50 | 7.66 7.66 | 6.44 6.44 | 12.84 12.84 | |
| 15. | SBI Healthcare Opp Fund SBI Healthcare Opp Fund | Sectoral Fund - Pharma & Health Care Sectoral Fund - Pharma & Health Care | Growth Growth | 4,082.13 4,082.13 | 495.98 495.98 | 24.86 24.86 | 0.91 0.91 | 0.50 0.50 | 13.63 13.63 | 0.05 0.05 | 1.62 1.62 | |
| 16. | Tata Flexi Cap Fund Tata Flexi Cap Fund | Flexi Cap Fund Flexi Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 3,617.70 3,617.70 | 27.69 27.69 | 16.87 16.87 | 0.62 0.62 | 0.50 0.50 | 11.84 11.84 | 2.69 2.69 | 7.11 7.11 | |
| 17. | Quant Infrastructure Fund Quant Infrastructure Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 3,302.59 3,302.59 | 41.75 41.75 | 17.22 17.22 | 0.70 0.70 | 0.50 0.50 | 18.24 18.24 | 3.61 3.61 | -4.45 -4.45 | |
| 18. | Kotak Pioneer Fund Kotak Pioneer Fund | Thematic Fund Thematic Fund | Growth Growth | 3,284.80 3,284.80 | 35.57 35.57 | 23.53 23.53 | 0.49 0.49 | 0.50 0.50 | 13.24 13.24 | 1.41 1.41 | 8.65 8.65 | |
| 19. | DSP Healthcare Fund DSP Healthcare Fund | Sectoral Fund - Pharma & Health Care Sectoral Fund - Pharma & Health Care | Growth Growth | 3,143.91 3,143.91 | 43.83 43.83 | 22.03 22.03 | 0.56 0.56 | 0.50 0.50 | 13.98 13.98 | 1.27 1.27 | -3.85 -3.85 | |
| 20. | Tata Banking & Financial Services Fund Tata Banking & Financial Services Fund | Sectoral Fund - Banks & Financial Services Sectoral Fund - Banks & Financial Services | Growth Growth | 3,125.23 3,125.23 | 52.66 52.66 | 17.85 17.85 | 0.45 0.45 | 0.25 0.25 | 13.29 13.29 | 8.30 8.30 | 15.15 15.15 |
Selection criteria: Plan: Growth | Filters: Exit load - Low, Expense ratio - Low, Volatility - Capped till 20 (0-20), 3 YR CAGR - High | AUM: Sorted from Highest to Lowest
What are Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds are financial instruments that pool money from multiple investors to invest in diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They are managed by professional fund managers who aim to achieve specific investment objectives. For those new to investing, mutual funds offer an accessible and simplified way to participate in the financial markets.
How Do Mutual Funds Work?
- Pooling Money: Investors contribute capital by purchasing shares or units of the mutual fund. This creates a collective pool of money that the fund manager can invest.
- Investment Strategy: Fund managers use the pooled money to buy a variety of assets according to the fund’s investment strategy. For example, an equity fund may invest primarily in stocks, while a bond fund focuses on fixed-income securities.
- Net Asset Value (NAV): The value of the mutual fund is determined by its NAV, which is calculated by dividing the total value of the fund’s assets minus liabilities by the number of outstanding shares. The NAV fluctuates daily based on the performance of the underlying investments.
Overview of the Top Mutual Funds for Beginners in India
SBI Contra Fund
SBI Contra Fund is an open-ended equity scheme following a contrarian investment strategy. The fund identifies stocks that are currently undervalued or out of favor with the market but have strong fundamentals and growth potential. This approach involves taking positions opposite to prevailing market sentiment, investing in sectors or companies that may be temporarily depressed but show promise for future recovery.
SBI Focused Fund
SBI Focused Fund is an open-ended equity scheme that concentrates its investments in a limited number of stocks, typically maintaining a portfolio of 30 stocks or fewer as per regulatory requirements. This concentrated approach allows the fund manager to take high-conviction positions in their best investment ideas across sectors and market capitalisations.
SBI Large & Midcap Fund
SBI Large & Midcap Fund is an open-ended equity scheme that invests in both large-cap and mid-cap stocks. As per SEBI regulations, the fund allocates a minimum of 35% each to large-cap and mid-cap companies, with the remaining portfolio offering flexibility for allocation based on market opportunities.
SBI Multicap Fund
SBI Multicap Fund is an open-ended equity scheme that invests across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Following SEBI's multicap fund regulations, the fund maintains a minimum allocation of 25% each in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, with the remaining 25% available for flexible allocation.
SBI Midcap Fund
SBI Midcap Fund is an open-ended equity scheme that predominantly invests in mid-cap stocks. According to SEBI's categorisation, mid-cap companies are those ranked from 101st to 250th by market capitalisation. The fund typically maintains substantial exposure to this segment, while also having flexibility for some allocation to other market capitalisations.
How to Invest in Mutual Funds for Beginners in India?
Here’s how you can identify and invest in top mutual funds for beginners in India with Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener -
- Launch Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener.
- Sort out the mutual funds for beginners based on over 50 fundamental and technical filters.
- After identifying the mutual fund for beginners that aligns with your investment thesis, click on “Place Order” to invest in the mutual fund.
With Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener, you can invest via ‘lumpsum’ or start a ‘SIP’ in Hybrid Mutual Funds. Moreover, by connecting your portfolio, you can do a deep analysis of your portfolio and assess its performance.
Why Should You Invest in Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds are managed by fund managers who invest your money into different asset classes for profits. The reasons you need to invest in mutual funds are below:
- Start little: Mutual funds provide an opportunity to invest with less investment, starting at Rs. 100 at regular intervals. This can even establish a disciplined approach in you.
- Diversified: As the investment is made in different instruments, the investment is diversified. Hence, even if one asset doesn’t perform well, there can be other options in the fund to compensate for the loss.
- Quick and simple: You can invest in mutual funds easily with a few steps online.
Taxation of Mutual Funds For Beginners
Understanding the latest tax regulations on different types of mutual funds is crucial for managing your investments efficiently. The Union Budget 2024 has introduced several changes impacting the taxation of mutual funds. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new tax rules:
| Type of Fund | Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) | Indexation Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Funds (including Equity Index/ETF) | 20% if units are sold within 12 months | 12.5% if held for more than 12 months; gains up to ₹1.25 lakh exempt per FY | Not available |
| Hybrid Funds – Equity-Oriented (65% or more equity allocation) | 20% if units are sold within 12 months | 12.5% if held for more than 12 months; gains up to ₹1.25 lakh exempt per FY | Not available |
| Hybrid Funds – Debt-Oriented (less than 65% equity allocation) | Taxed at the investor’s income tax slab rate | Taxed at the investor’s income tax slab rate | Not available |
| Debt Funds | Taxed at the investor’s income tax slab rate | Taxed at the investor’s income tax slab rate | Not available |
Types of Mutual Funds for Beginners in India
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity beginner mutual funds invest in stocks and aim for long-term capital growth. Within this category, you can explore options such as funds focusing on specific market segments like large-cap, mid-cap, and sectoral funds. These funds have the potential for higher returns on mutual funds over time, but come with a higher risk due to stock market volatility.
Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds focus on fixed-income instruments like bonds and treasury bills. Debt funds are considered safer compared to equity funds. However, risks such as interest rate fluctuations and credit quality need to be considered.
Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt in their portfolio, offering a balanced approach to risk and reward. Depending on your goals, you can explore funds that lean more toward equity for growth or debt for stability.
Index Funds
Index funds are passive investment options designed to track market indices like the Nifty 50. Investors seeking low-maintenance strategies often consider top-performing mutual funds in the index fund category. However, it’s important to note that these funds only match the market’s performance and do not offer opportunities to outperform it.
International Funds
International funds invest in global markets, providing exposure to foreign equities or debt instruments. These funds can diversify your mutual fund portfolio and reduce dependence on domestic markets. However, risks like currency fluctuations and geopolitical issues may impact mutual fund returns.
Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds For Beginners
Professional Management
Diversification
Accessibility
Flexibility
Liquidity
Risks of Investing in Mutual Funds For Beginners
Market Risk
Expense Ratios
Lack of Control
Misalignment of Goals
Receive real-time market alerts for timely decisions
Monitor your portfolio from the palm of your hands
Watchlist stocks and mutual funds to stay updated

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Mutual Funds For Beginners
Types of Mutual Funds
Align Your Investment Goals
Mutual Fund Performance
Conclusion
Starting your mutual fund investment journey requires careful consideration of your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. While the funds listed above have demonstrated strong historical performance across equity, debt, and hybrid categories, it's essential to conduct thorough research and evaluate each fund's characteristics, expense ratios, and portfolio composition before making any investment decisions. Investors can utilise tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener to analyse and compare the best mutual funds for beginners in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mutual Funds for Beginners
Can NRIs invest in mutual funds in India?
Yes. NRIs are allowed to invest in mutual funds in India. However, you can check the scheme’s terms and conditions before investing.How much money can I invest in mutual funds?
There is no maximum limit to investing in mutual funds with low expense ratio. You can pick a fund according to your investment goal, risk appetite and fund performance. Also, ensure you have left some money for emergency funds.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not a recommendation. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.Do we need a demat account to invest in mutual funds?
No. Having a Demat account to invest in mutual funds is not mandatory. However, you must complete your KYC with the AMC (Asset Management Company) you are picking to invest in mutual funds. The KYC includes the basic details of an investor.
Disclaimer: You can check the Demat account requirement for mutual funds through the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener.Can I withdraw mutual funds anytime?
Yes, you can generally withdraw money from mutual funds at any time, especially if you are invested in open-end schemes. However, keep in mind that some specific types of mutual funds, like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), have a mandatory lock-in period of three years before you can withdraw your investment.Can I start investing in mutual funds with a small amount of money?
Absolutely! Mutual funds are accessible to investors with varying budgets. Many beginner low-risk mutual funds in India allow you to start investing with a relatively small amount, often as low as ₹500, through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). This makes it easy for individuals to begin their investment journey without needing substantial capital upfront.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not a recommendation. Please do your own research or check the SID of the specific fund to know more about SIP plans they offer.Which mutual fund is best for beginners?
Here are the top-performing mutual funds for beginers sorted according to their 5Y CAGR:
- SSBI PSU Fund
- Bandhan Infrastructure Fund
- Quant Infrastructure Fund
- Kotak Infra & Eco Reform Fund
- Tata Small Cap Fund
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not a recommendation. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.How to start mutual funds for beginners?
- Launch Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener.
- Sort out the top mutual funds for beginners based on over 50 fundamental and technical filters.
- Click on “Place Order” to invest in the desired mutual fund. Your order will be placed.
Is a mutual fund 100% safe?
No, mutual funds are not 100% safe. They carry market risk, and returns are not guaranteed. The value of your investment can fluctuate based on market conditions, and you may receive less than your invested amount when you redeem your units.
Disclaimer: Investors should understand that these funds are subject to market risks and should review their financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before investing.