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List of Best Gilt ETFs in India 2026

As of 2025, India’s government bond market is expanding, with Gilt Funds offering low-risk exposure to government securities (G-Secs). Funds like ICICI Prudential Gilt Fund and Axis Gilt Fund provide stable returns linked to sovereign debt, making them an attractive option for conservative investors seeking safety and steady income.

Top Gilt ETFs in 2026

Gilt ETF Stock Screener

Gilt ETF Stock Screener: Analyse & Filter Indian Stocks on Tickertape

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NameStocks (3)Sub-SectorSub-SectorMarket CapMarket CapClose PriceClose PricePE RatioPE Ratio1D Return1D Return1M Return1M Return6M Return6M Return1Y Return1Y ReturnPB RatioPB RatioReturn on EquityReturn on EquityROCEROCEDividend YieldDiv YieldDebt to EquityDebt to EquityVolatility vs NiftyVolatility vs Nifty
1.Nippon IN ETF Nifty 8-13 yr G-Sec Long Term GiltLTGILTBEESDebtDebt2,702.062,702.0629.2129.21--0.240.240.140.140.790.795.995.99------0.000.00--0.140.14
2.Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL Broad Based Gilt ETFABGSECEquityEquity11.7011.70110.99110.99--0.000.00-0.19-0.190.190.194.914.91----------0.500.50
3.Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL 10 Year Gilt ETFGSEC10ABSLEquityEquity11.0311.03110.61110.61--0.480.480.800.800.990.995.885.88----------0.650.65

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 is derived from Tickertape Stock Screener and is subject to real-time updates.

Selection criteria: Based on publicly available information | Sorted by market capitalisation from highest to lowest.

Overview of Top Gilt ETFs in India

ICICI Prudential Gilt Fund

ICICI Prudential Gilt Fund invests in government securities (G-Secs) with various maturities. It offers low credit risk and stable returns. Investors can expect a passive approach to interest rate cycles. The fund is suitable for conservative investors who want exposure to sovereign debt with minimal credit risk.

Axis Gilt Fund invests in government securities and aims to track bond yields to generate returns. The fund focuses on safety and interest rate movements. It is a reliable choice for conservative investors seeking low-risk, long-term debt exposure. Its passive approach avoids corporate credit risk.

Baroda BNP Paribas Gilt Fund

Baroda BNP Paribas Gilt Fund invests in both short-term and long-term government bonds. It aims to provide a steady income with minimal credit risk exposure. The fund’s performance largely depends on interest rate movements, making it suitable for risk-averse investors seeking to balance their portfolios with low-risk assets.

SBI Gilt Fund

SBI Gilt Fund invests in government securities to provide stable, low-risk income. It tracks bond indices to offer exposure to Indian government debt with minimal credit risk. The fund's performance depends on interest rate cycles, making it a good option for conservative investors seeking predictable returns.

DSP Gilt Fund

DSP Gilt Fund invests mainly in government securities, including short- and medium-term bonds. The fund focuses on providing low-risk returns. It leverages interest rate fluctuations to offer stability in a market sensitive to monetary policy changes. It is ideal for investors looking for safe, fixed-income exposure.

What is a Gilt ETF?

A Gilt ETF is an exchange-traded fund that invests in government securities (G-Secs), which are bonds issued by the Government of India. These ETFs track a specific index of government bonds with various maturities, providing investors with exposure to sovereign debt. Gilt ETFs offer a low-risk investment option due to the bonds' sovereign backing.

How to Invest in Gilt ETFs?

Here's how you can invest in Gilt ETFs using Tickertape -

  1. Create an account on the Tickertape or log in if you already have one.
  2. Open Tickertape Stock Screener
  3. Filter Gilt ETFs screener based on various parameters such as market cap, close price, past returns and more. You can review this data to evaluate each ETF’s performance trends and determine whether they align with your investment thesis.
  4. Once you’ve decided on an ETF, you can place a buy order through your brokerage account linked to Tickertape.

You can also stay updated on alerts and announcements for your favourite stocks with Tickertape Alerts. Further, you can analyse your overall portfolio and potential red flags in it by connecting it to Tickertape. Check out detailed analysis of your portfolio now!

Advantages of Investing in Gilt ETFs in India

Sovereign Credit Backing

GILT ETFs invest in Government of India securities backed by the sovereign, offering lower credit risk than corporate bond ETFs.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Exposure

GILT ETFs move with interest-rate cycles. Rising yields push prices down, while falling yields support price gains.

Low Cost, Passive Investment

GILT ETFs track government bond indices and have low expense ratios, making them more cost-efficient than actively managed debt funds.

Liquidity on Stock Exchanges

These ETFs trade like equities, offering better liquidity than traditional government bonds that often require larger investment and higher trading costs.

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Risks of Investing in Gilt ETFs in India

Diversification with Low Risk

GILT ETFs provide access to government debt, helping balance equity-heavy portfolios with lower-risk fixed-income exposure.

Interest Rate Risk

GILT ETF values fall when interest rates rise, especially for long-duration ETFs with higher rate sensitivity.

Liquidity Risk

Some GILT ETFs trade with low volumes, leading to wider bid–ask spreads and weaker execution during trades.

Inflation Risk

GILT ETFs may struggle to beat inflation, especially when bond yields stay below inflation levels, causing low or negative real returns.

Limited Returns in Low-Rate Environments

GILT ETFs may underperform when rates remain flat or low, with limited scope for price appreciation.

Tracking Error Risk

Tracking differences may arise from fund expenses, rebalancing delays, or execution gaps, causing ETF returns to deviate from the benchmark index.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Gilt ETFs

Maturity Profile of the ETF

Long-duration GILT ETFs show more volatility, while short-duration GILT ETFs are more stable but offer lower return potential.

Market Conditions and Interest Rates

Interest-rate trends shape near-term performance; rising rates can pressure long-term GILT ETFs.

Tax Implications

Capital gains and dividend taxation depend on holding period and tax rules, influencing net returns.

Investment Horizon

GILT ETFs generally suit long-term investors who seek steady bond-linked returns but can tolerate short-term volatility.

Expense Ratios and Fund Management

Expense levels and tracking accuracy vary across GILT ETFs and influence long-term performance outcomes.

Yield to Maturity

YTM indicates potential returns if bonds are held to maturity, excluding price changes or defaults.

Taxation on Gilt ETFs

The tax rules for Gilt ETFs depend on the investment duration. The distinction between short-term and long-term gains determines the tax rate.

Holding Period Tax Treatment Rate
All Holding Periods For investments made after April 1, 2023, all gains are treated as Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) regardless of the holding period. All gains are added to your income and taxed according to your income tax slab.

Conclusion

Gilt Funds offer a straightforward, low-risk investment opportunity for those looking to invest in government securities. While their returns are linked to interest rate cycles, they provide predictable income and minimal credit risk. Understanding the fund's duration, interest rate outlook, and market conditions is essential for maximising returns. Gilt Funds can be a strategic addition to an investment portfolio, especially for conservative investors seeking stability in their fixed-income investments.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gilt ETFs

  1. What is a Gilt ETF?

    A Gilt ETF is an exchange-traded fund that invests in government securities (G-Secs), which are bonds issued by the Government of India. These ETFs track a specific index of G-Secs, providing investors exposure to sovereign debt with low credit risk, and are traded on stock exchanges like equities.

  2. Which Gilt ETF is best?

    The following can be considered the best Gilt ETFs based on fund size:
    1. ICICI Prudential Gilt Fund
    2. Baroda BNP Paribas Gilt Fund

    Disclaimer: The above Gilt ETFs list in India is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.

  3. What is the largest Gilt ETF?

    The ICICI Prudential Gilt Fund is one of the largest and most well-known Gilt Funds in India, with significant assets under management (AUM). However, the largest Gilt ETF can vary by type (short-, medium-, or long-duration) and investor interest.

  4. Is a Gilt a good investment?

    Gilt funds and ETFs are typically considered low-risk investments due to their sovereign backing. They provide steady returns, especially in stable interest rate environments. However, their returns can be affected by interest rate movements, making them more suitable for conservative investors seeking low-risk, fixed-income exposure.

  5. Are gilts tax-free?

    No, Gilt are not tax-free. Income from Gilt ETFs is subject to capital gains and dividend income tax rules. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed according to the individual's income slab, while long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.

  6. Can I buy Gilt directly?

    Yes, Gilt can be purchased from the secondary market through a stockbroker, bank, or via the DMO's (Debt Management Office) Purchase and Sale service. To use the DMO service, you must be a member of the Approved Group of investors. For more details, you can check the requirements for membership.

  7. How to sell gilt ETFs?

    Gilt ETFs can be sold by submitting a sell order through your demat account on the exchange. The trade executes at the current market price, and the proceeds are credited once the settlement process is completed.