Best Performing Funds: Performance, NAV, Returns & Schemes 2026
As of January 2026, the AUM of the mutual fund industryreached approximately ₹81.01 lakh cr., supported by steady inflows, particularly through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), and broader retail participation. While the industry has expanded significantly in scale, only a select group of mutual funds have delivered strong returns, which we will examine in this article.
Best Performing Mutual Funds in India 2026
Showing 1 - 20 of 1791 results
last updated at 8:00 AM IST
| NameMFs (1791)↓ | ↓Sub CategorySub Category↓ | ↓PlanPlan↓ | ↓AUMAUM↓ | ↓CAGR 5YCAGR 5Y↓ | ↓CAGR 3YCAGR 3Y↓ | ↓Absolute Returns - 1YAbsolute Ret. - 1Y↓ | ↓Expense RatioExpense Ratio↓ | ↓NAVNAV↓ | ↓Exit LoadExit Load↓ | ↓VolatilityVolatility↓ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | SBI PSU Fund SBI PSU Fund | Thematic Fund Thematic Fund | Growth Growth | 5,891.30 5,891.30 | 30.43 30.43 | 34.67 34.67 | 17.84 17.84 | 0.85 0.85 | 40.47 40.47 | 0.50 0.50 | 15.02 15.02 | |
| 2. | Aditya Birla SL PSU Equity Fund Aditya Birla SL PSU Equity Fund | Thematic Fund Thematic Fund | Growth Growth | 6,085.65 6,085.65 | 30.32 30.32 | 31.83 31.83 | 16.89 16.89 | 0.59 0.59 | 41.24 41.24 | 1.00 1.00 | 16.15 16.15 | |
| 3. | ICICI Pru Bharat 22 FOF ICICI Pru Bharat 22 FOF | FoFs (Domestic) - Equity Oriented FoFs (Domestic) - Equity Oriented | Growth Growth | 2,794.87 2,794.87 | 29.50 29.50 | 27.12 27.12 | 16.71 16.71 | 0.12 0.12 | 36.70 36.70 | - - | 14.36 14.36 | |
| 4. | Invesco India PSU Equity Fund Invesco India PSU Equity Fund | Thematic Fund Thematic Fund | Growth Growth | 1,334.55 1,334.55 | 28.80 28.80 | 32.41 32.41 | 16.05 16.05 | 0.91 0.91 | 82.44 82.44 | 1.00 1.00 | 17.80 17.80 | |
| 5. | ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 7,553.54 7,553.54 | 28.71 28.71 | 26.09 26.09 | 11.15 11.15 | 1.18 1.18 | 219.68 219.68 | 1.00 1.00 | 14.79 14.79 | |
| 6. | SBI Children's Fund-Investment Plan SBI Children's Fund-Investment Plan | Solution Oriented - Children's Fund Solution Oriented - Children's Fund | Growth Growth | 5,157.53 5,157.53 | 27.52 27.52 | 25.22 25.22 | 15.23 15.23 | 0.84 0.84 | 48.99 48.99 | 3.00 3.00 | 11.84 11.84 | |
| 7. | DSP India T.I.G.E.R Fund DSP India T.I.G.E.R Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 5,459.77 5,459.77 | 27.12 27.12 | 29.06 29.06 | 18.16 18.16 | 0.89 0.89 | 373.57 373.57 | 1.00 1.00 | 14.53 14.53 | |
| 8. | LIC MF Infra Fund LIC MF Infra Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 904.53 904.53 | 27.11 27.11 | 31.52 31.52 | 18.23 18.23 | 1.01 1.01 | 59.59 59.59 | 1.00 1.00 | 17.00 17.00 | |
| 9. | Nippon India Power & Infra Fund Nippon India Power & Infra Fund | Sectoral Fund - Energy & Power Sectoral Fund - Energy & Power | Growth Growth | 6,533.73 6,533.73 | 27.11 27.11 | 29.27 29.27 | 15.32 15.32 | 0.98 0.98 | 407.77 407.77 | 1.00 1.00 | 15.93 15.93 | |
| 10. | DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF | FoFs - Gold FoFs - Gold | Growth Growth | 1,769.37 1,769.37 | 26.97 26.97 | 50.52 50.52 | 109.89 109.89 | 1.65 1.65 | 66.61 66.61 | - - | 39.36 39.36 | |
| 11. | Canara Rob Infrastructure Fund Canara Rob Infrastructure Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 864.25 864.25 | 26.94 26.94 | 29.15 29.15 | 16.84 16.84 | 1.07 1.07 | 194.37 194.37 | 1.00 1.00 | 14.93 14.93 | |
| 12. | Bank of India Credit Risk Fund Bank of India Credit Risk Fund | Credit Risk Fund Credit Risk Fund | Growth Growth | 100.26 100.26 | 26.93 26.93 | 8.12 8.12 | 11.54 11.54 | 0.98 0.98 | 13.78 13.78 | 4.00 4.00 | 5.09 5.09 | |
| 13. | Franklin Build India Fund Franklin Build India Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 2,858.37 2,858.37 | 26.81 26.81 | 28.93 28.93 | 12.58 12.58 | 0.99 0.99 | 172.38 172.38 | 1.00 1.00 | 14.49 14.49 | |
| 14. | HDFC Infrastructure Fund HDFC Infrastructure Fund | Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure Sectoral Fund - Infrastructure | Growth Growth | 2,131.53 2,131.53 | 26.57 26.57 | 27.33 27.33 | 5.94 5.94 | 1.19 1.19 | 52.79 52.79 | 1.00 1.00 | 14.31 14.31 | |
| 15. | Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund | Mid Cap Fund Mid Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 31,046.66 31,046.66 | 25.74 25.74 | 24.09 24.09 | 1.77 1.77 | 0.85 0.85 | 107.45 107.45 | 1.00 1.00 | 17.78 17.78 | |
| 16. | Bandhan Small Cap Fund Bandhan Small Cap Fund | Small Cap Fund Small Cap Fund | Growth Growth | 20,129.67 20,129.67 | 25.53 25.53 | 32.61 32.61 | 11.65 11.65 | 0.51 0.51 | 51.66 51.66 | 1.00 1.00 | 16.08 16.08 | |
| 17. | LIC MF Gold ETF FoF LIC MF Gold ETF FoF | FoFs - Gold FoFs - Gold | Growth Growth | 740.10 740.10 | 25.43 25.43 | 34.20 34.20 | 53.39 53.39 | 0.44 0.44 | 41.21 41.21 | 1.00 1.00 | 36.21 36.21 | |
| 18. | SBI Gold SBI Gold | FoFs - Gold FoFs - Gold | Growth Growth | 14,997.68 14,997.68 | 25.07 25.07 | 34.71 34.71 | 54.81 54.81 | 0.24 0.24 | 46.27 46.27 | 1.00 1.00 | 30.42 30.42 | |
| 19. | ICICI Pru Gold ETF FOF ICICI Pru Gold ETF FOF | FoFs - Gold FoFs - Gold | Growth Growth | 6,164.38 6,164.38 | 25.05 25.05 | 34.70 34.70 | 54.83 54.83 | 0.13 0.13 | 48.46 48.46 | 1.00 1.00 | 31.63 31.63 | |
| 20. | Quantum Gold Saving Fund Quantum Gold Saving Fund | FoFs - Gold FoFs - Gold | Growth Growth | 484.86 484.86 | 25.04 25.04 | 34.76 34.76 | 54.76 54.76 | 0.04 0.04 | 57.94 57.94 | - - | 30.80 30.80 |
Disclaimer: Please note that the above table is for informational purposes only, and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing. The data used in this article is for educational purposes only.
What are Best Performing Mutual Funds in India?
Best performing mutual funds are schemes that have delivered the highest returns over a specific time period, such as 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, compared to other funds in the same category.
These funds may belong to different categories, including large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid, or sectoral funds. A fund may perform well because of strong stock selection, sector allocation, market conditions, or favourable economic trends during that period.
Overview of the Best Performing Mutual Funds
SBI PSU Fund
SBI PSU Fund invests mainly in shares of Public Sector Undertakings and government-owned companies. The fund builds its portfolio around sectors where PSUs operate, such as banking, energy, infrastructure, and industrials. Its performance depends on how these government-linked companies perform in the stock market.
Aditya Birla SL PSU Equity Fund
Aditya Birla SL PSU Equity Fund focuses on equity investments in Public Sector Undertakings and companies where the government holds a significant stake. The fund invests across sectors like financial services, oil and gas, utilities, and capital goods. Its returns reflect movements in PSU stocks.
DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF
DSP World Gold Mining Overseas Equity Omni Fund of Funds invests in overseas funds that hold shares of global gold mining companies. Instead of investing directly in physical gold, the fund gains exposure to companies that produce and explore gold. Its performance depends on gold prices and global mining sector trends.
Invesco India PSU Equity Fund
Invesco India PSU Equity Fund invests primarily in government-owned and government-controlled companies listed in India. The fund selects stocks from sectors where PSUs have a strong presence. Its returns depend on how these PSU stocks perform across market cycles.
Quant Multi Asset Allocation Fund
Quant Multi Asset Allocation Fund invests across multiple asset classes such as equity, debt, and sometimes commodities. The fund adjusts its allocation based on its investment strategy and market conditions. This multi-asset approach aims to spread risk across different asset types rather than relying on a single category.
How to Invest in the Top-Performing Mutual Funds?
Here's how you can identify and invest in the high retrun mutual funds with Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener -
- Create an account on the Tickertape or log in if you already have one.
- Open Highest Return Mutual Funds Screener
- Filter out the best-performing mutual funds based on over 50 fundamental and technical filters.
- After identifying the mutual fund in India that aligns with your investment thesis, click on “Place Order” to invest in the fund.
With Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener, you can invest via ‘lumpsum’ or start a ‘SIP’ in to performing mutual funds. Moreover, by connecting your portfolio, you can do a deep analysis of your portfolio and assess its performance.
Taxation on Best Performing Mutual Funds in India
The highest performing mutual funds can belong to different categories such as equity, debt, hybrid, gold, or international funds. The tax treatment depends on the category of the fund and the holding period.
| Fund Category | Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | STCG Rate | Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) | LTCG Rate | LTCG Exemption | Indexation Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Mutual Funds | Sold within 12 months | 20% | Held for more than 12 months | 12.5% | Gains up to ₹1.25 lakh tax-free per financial year | Not available |
| Debt Mutual Funds | Sold within 36 months | Taxed as per income tax slab | Held for more than 36 months | 12.5% | No exemption | Not available |
| Equity-Oriented Hybrid Funds | Sold within 12 months | 20% | Held for more than 12 months | 12.5% | Gains up to ₹1.25 lakh tax-free per financial year | Not available |
| Debt-Oriented Hybrid Funds | Sold within 36 months | Taxed as per income tax slab | Held for more than 36 months | 12.5% | No exemption | Not available |
| Gold Mutual Funds | Sold within 24 months | Taxed as per income tax slab | Held for more than 24 months | 12.5% | No exemption | Not available |
| International Mutual Funds | Sold within 24 months | Taxed as per income tax slab | Held for more than 24 months | 12.5% | No exemption | Not available |
Benefits of Best Performing Mutual Funds in India
Higher Return Potentia
Best performing mutual funds typically deliver strong returns during specific market conditions. This may happen when certain sectors outperform, earnings growth accelerates, or investor sentiment improves. Funds that align their portfolio with these trends often reflect higher returns compared to category peers.
Sector and Theme Participation
Many best performing mutual funds capture gains from sectors that lead the market in a particular cycle. For example, PSU stocks, commodities, infrastructure, banking, or mid and small cap segments may drive performance in different years. Funds positioned in these areas may benefit when those themes gain momentum.
Active Allocation Strategy
Actively managed best performing funds often adjust their exposure based on valuations, earnings visibility, and macroeconomic developments. Tactical rebalancing across sectors or market caps can influence short-term and medium-term performance.
Market Cycle Capture
Different market phases reward different strategies. In bull markets, mid cap and small cap funds may outperform. In stable growth phases, large-cap funds may lead. Best performing mutual funds often reflect alignment with the prevailing market cycle.
Risks of Best Performing Mutual Funds in India
Performance May Not Be Sustainable
Funds that deliver strong returns in a particular year often benefit from favourable market conditions such as sector rallies, liquidity support, or earnings momentum. However, market leadership changes over time. A category that outperforms in one cycle may underperform in the next. Past performance reflects historical conditions, not future certainty.
Higher Volatility in Certain Categories
Many best performing mutual funds belong to mid-cap, small-cap, or thematic categories. These segments typically show sharper price movements compared to large-cap funds. During market corrections, such funds may experience deeper drawdowns.
Sector Concentration Risk
Some top performing funds may hold significant exposure to a limited number of sectors such as PSU, defence, commodities, or infrastructure. While this can enhance returns during sector rallies, it increases vulnerability if that specific sector faces regulatory, economic, or earnings-related challenges.
Valuation and Momentum Risk
Strong recent performance can push stock valuations higher. If earnings growth slows or investor sentiment changes, price corrections may follow. Funds that rely heavily on momentum-driven stocks may experience sharper reversals.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Best Performing Mutual Funds
Time Frame of Performance
The time period over which returns are measured plays an important role in performance analysis. A fund may rank among the top performers over one year due to a specific sector rally or market momentum. Multi-year performance, such as 3-year or 5-year returns, provides a broader context across different market cycles.
Category Context
Each mutual fund category follows a defined investment mandate. Large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, hybrid, and thematic funds operate under different risk and allocation frameworks. Performance comparisons are meaningful only within the same category, as return expectations and volatility levels differ across segments.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
Return numbers alone do not fully explain performance quality. Risk-adjusted metrics such as standard deviation and Sharpe ratio indicate how much volatility the fund experienced while generating returns. Higher returns accompanied by proportionately high volatility reflect a different risk profile compared to steady performance.
Portfolio Composition
Sector allocation, market cap exposure, and top holdings influence fund performance. Concentrated exposure to a few sectors or stocks may drive sharp gains during favourable phases but can also increase downside sensitivity during corrections.
Market Cycle Sensitivity
Different funds respond differently to market phases. Mid-cap and small-cap funds may outperform during expansionary cycles, while large-cap or defensive-oriented funds may show relative stability during uncertain conditions. Performance often reflects alignment with the prevailing market environment.
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Conclusion
Best performing mutual funds often stand out due to strong recent returns driven by sector trends, market cycles, or allocation strategies. However, performance varies across time frames and categories. Short-term outperformance may reflect favourable market conditions rather than long-term consistency.
Investors should review each fund carefully by analysing multi-year performance, category ranking, risk-adjusted returns, sector allocation, expense ratio, and portfolio concentration. Tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener can help compare funds based on various parameters to make better investment decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Performing Mutual Funds
What are best performing mutual funds?
Best performing mutual funds are schemes that have delivered the highest returns within a specific time period compared to other funds in the same category. Performance is usually measured over 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year periods. These funds may belong to equity, debt, hybrid, or thematic categoriesWhat are the top 5 performing mutual funds?
As of 18th February 2026, the top 5 performing mutual funds as per 5Y CAGR include:Do best performing mutual funds remain top performers every year?
Mutual fund performance changes with market cycles. A fund that performs strongly during one phase, such as a PSU or mid-cap rally, may not lead in another phase when leadership shifts to large caps or defensive sectors.Are best performing equity mutual funds riskier?
Some high-performing funds may belong to categories such as mid-cap, small-cap, or thematic funds, which generally carry higher volatility. Higher returns often come with higher short-term fluctuations, depending on market conditions.How to choose best performing mutual funds before investing?
Tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener allow comparison across 50+ filters covering returns, risk, holdings, and costs. Consulting a financial advisor may also help align fund selection with individual financial goals and risk capacity.What are the advantages of investing in Best Performing Mutual Funds?
Best performing mutual funds often reflect strong portfolio positioning during favourable market conditions. They may capture sector momentum, earnings growth, or market expansion phases more effectively than peers. These funds also provide diversification through exposure to multiple securities within a defined investment mandate.What are the risks of investing in best performing mutual funds?
Performance leadership can shift across market cycles. A fund that delivers strong returns in one period may not maintain the same position in another. Higher returns may also come with higher volatility, especially in mid-cap, small-cap, or thematic categories.Who should look to invest in best performing mutual funds?
Investors who track market trends and review historical performance across categories may evaluate best performing mutual funds as part of broader asset allocation. Suitability depends on time horizon, volatility tolerance, and financial objectives. These funds reflect specific market conditions and may not suit every investment profile.How can you invest in best performing mutual funds?
Here’s how you can identify and invest in the best-performing mutual funds with Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener -- Launch Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener.
- Select Plan: Growth, and add CAGR 5Y (%) filter and sort from highest to lowest.
- Filter and compare funds using over 50 fundamental and technical filters available on the platform.
- After identifying the mutual fund that aligns with your analysis, click on & Place Order to proceed with the investment.
