Best Mutual Funds
to Invest in India
in 2026
from New Zealand
Grow your wealth in India with
expert-guided mutual fund investments designed for NZ-based NRIs.
Invest confidently from New Zealand
with access to flexi cap, large cap, mid cap, and high-growth mutual fund options tailored to your risk profile and long-term goals.
Choose the Right
Mutual Fund in India
Based on Your Investment Goals
Explore the mutual/managed fund categories in India based on your risk profile, return expectations, and long-term financial goals as an NRI investor from New Zealand.
Flexi Cap Funds
Among the most popular mutual funds in India, flexi cap funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, making them ideal for balanced long-term growth.
Large Cap Funds
If you are looking for trusted mutual funds in India, large-cap funds focus on top Indian companies and offer relatively stable long-term growth with lower volatility.
Mid Cap Funds
For higher growth potential, mid-cap funds are considered among the fastest growing mutual funds in India. Suitable for investors with a 7–10 year horizon and moderate to high risk appetite.
Small Cap Funds
Historically, small-cap funds can be among the most profitable mutual funds in India, but they come with higher market volatility. Best suited for aggressive long-term investors.
Best Mutual Funds to Invest in India in 2026
Explore some of the most trusted, popular, and top-performing mutual fund categories in India for long-term wealth creation.
Most Trusted & Popular Mutual Funds
in India for
2026
| Fund Name | Risk | NAV | Expense Ratio | 1Y Return | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 90.56 | 0.62 | 3.10% |
| 2 | SBI Contra Fund | Very High | 412.75 | 0.74 | 18.60% |
| 3 | ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund | High | 86.43 | 0.89 | 14.20% |
| 4 | Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund | High | 118.27 | 0.54 | 16.80% |
| 5 | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 2,165.41 | 0.97 | 4.30% |
| 6 | Nippon India Small Cap Fund | Very High | 192.72 | 0.97 | 11.10% |
| 7 | Bandhan Small Cap Fund | Very High | 52.51 | 0.40 | 14.50% |
| 8 | Quant Small Cap Fund | Very High | 277.18 | 0.85 | 8.10% |
| 9 | HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund | Very High | 220.64 | 0.79 | 13.50% |
| 10 | Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund | Very High | 105.38 | 0.91 | -0.90% |
| 11 | Kotak Flexicap Fund | Very High | 74.85 | 0.60 | 15.20% |
| 12 | Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 82.14 | 0.86 | 13.90% |
| 13 | Franklin India Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 156.30 | 0.89 | 7.00% |
| 14 | Edelweiss Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 67.42 | 0.43 | 11.80% |
| 15 | Bank of India Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 38.76 | 0.50 | 7.70% |
Best for investors looking for stability and long-term consistency.
Top Performing Mutual Funds
in India to Watch in
2026
| Fund Name | Risk | NAV | Expense Ratio | 1Y Return | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SBI PSU Fund Direct Growth | Very High | ₹38.67 | 0.85% | 21.00% |
| 2 | SBI Contra Fund | Very High | ₹412.75 | 0.74% | 18.60% |
| 3 | Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund | High | ₹118.27 | 0.54% | 16.80% |
| 4 | Kotak Flexicap Fund | Very High | ₹74.85 | 0.60% | 15.20% |
| 5 | Bandhan Small Cap Fund | Very High | ₹52.51 | 0.40% | 14.50% |
| 6 | ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund | High | ₹86.43 | 0.89% | 14.20% |
| 7 | Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | ₹82.14 | 0.86% | 13.90% |
| 8 | HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund | Very High | ₹220.64 | 0.79% | 13.50% |
| 9 | Nippon India Small Cap Fund | Very High | ₹192.72 | 0.97% | 11.10% |
| 10 | Quant Small Cap Fund | Very High | ₹277.18 | 0.85% | 8.10% |
Best for higher growth potential over 5–10+ years
Most Profitable Mutual Funds in India
(Long-Term)
2026
Based on 3-year and 5-year CAGR performance, these mutual funds are among the strongest long-term wealth creators in India. Past returns do not guarantee future results, but these funds have shown strong consistency.
| Fund Name | Risk | 3Y Return (CAGR) | 5Y Return (CAGR) | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund | Very High | 22.87% | 24.37% | Aggressive growth |
| 2 | Nippon India Small Cap Fund | Very High | 22.56% | 23.82% | Small-cap wealth creation |
| 3 | Quant Small Cap Fund | Very High | 21.29% | 23.27% | High-risk investors |
| 4 | HDFC Flexi Cap Fund | Very High | 20.35% | 20.70% | Balanced long-term growth |
| 5 | Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund | Very High | 27.71% | 23.74% | Mid-cap growth |
| 6 | Motilal Oswal Large & Midcap Fund | Very High | 27.87% | 22.91% | Diversified growth |
| 7 | SBI PSU Fund | Very High | 33.70% | 29.52% | Sectoral high growth |
| 8 | Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund | Very High | 31.05% | 29.50% | PSU sector growth |
Flexi Cap Funds
- 1 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
- 2 HDFC Flexi Cap Fund
- 3 ICICI Prudential Flexi Cap Fund
Best for balanced long-term wealth creation
Mid Cap Funds (Higher Growth Potential)
- 1 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund
- 2 HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund
- 3 Quant Mid Cap Fund
- 4 Invesco India Mid Cap Fund
These are often among the most profitable choices for 7–10 year horizons.
Small Cap Funds (Highest Return Potential)
- 1 Nippon India Small Cap Fund
- 2 Quant Small Cap Fund
- 3 Axis Small Cap Fund
- 4 Bandhan Small Cap Fund
Historically, this category has delivered some of the highest long-term returns, but with higher volatility.
Large & Mid Cap Funds (Growth and Stability Mix)
- 1 Quant Large & Mid Cap Fund
- 2 ICICI Prudential Large & Mid Cap Fund
- 3 Canara Robeco Emerging Equities Fund
Great for investors who want a balance of growth and relative stability.
Quick Picks for NZ-Based NRIs
If you want a simple long-term combination:
- 1 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund → core holding
- 2 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund → growth
- 3 Nippon India Small Cap Fund → aggressive returns
This mix is highly relevant for 10+ year SiP investing.
* Mutual fund performance is subject to market risk and should be aligned with your financial goals and risk profile.
Data source: Groww
Explore more at groww.in/mutual-funds/category/best-equity-mutual-fund
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.
Why Investors Choose Icarus Wealth
Simple & Stress-Free Investing
We handle the complexities so you can invest with confidence and peace of mind.
Transparent Currency Exchange
Clear, upfront FX rates with no hidden markups or surprises.
Focused Choices, Not Endless Lists
Curated, high-quality fund options aligned with your goals.
Built for Long-Term Growth
We focus on strategies that aim to build sustainable wealth over time.
18+ Years of Cross-Border Expertise
Deep understanding of NZ–India investment landscape since 2007.
Professional Credibility You Can Verify
Our credentials and track record are open and trusted.
Quality Over Speed
We prioritize careful decisions over quick, impulsive moves.
Reviewed by Founder &
Cross-Border Wealth Specialist
18+ years experience
across
India, Australia, and New Zealand
18+ Years
Cross-Border
Experience
Registered
NZ Financial
Service Provider
Trusted by
Hundreds of
Investors
Transparent
Process. Clear
Communication.
Which Mutual Funds
Give Good Returns in India?
Historically:
Compare the Best Mutual Funds by
Risk Profile in India for NZ-Based NRIs
| Risk Profile | Best Fund Category | Expected Long-Term Return* | Investment Horizon | Suggested Monthly SIP (NZD / INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | Large Cap Funds |
11–14% CAGR |
5+ years | NZ$500–NZ$1000 / ₹2,500–₹50,000 |
Stability, retirement, trusted funds |
| Moderate | Flexi Cap Funds |
12–16% CAGR |
5–7 years | NZ$100–NZ$250 / ₹5,000–₹12,500 |
Balanced long-term growth |
| Growth | Mid Cap Funds |
14–18% CAGR |
7–10 years | NZ$150–NZ$300 / ₹7,500–₹15,000 |
Higher wealth creation |
| Aggressive | Small Cap Funds |
15–22% CAGR |
10+ years | NZ$250+ / ₹12,500+ |
Maximum wealth creation |
| Balanced | Large & Mid Cap Funds |
13–17% CAGR |
5–8 years | NZ$100–NZ$200 / ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
Stability + growth mix |
Indicative long-term historical return ranges. Actual returns may vary based on market conditions.
How to Identify a
Good Mutual Fund
Good mutual/managed funds in India are not simply the funds with the highest recent returns. The right fund for you depends on your financial goals, risk comfort, and investment timeline.
At Icarus Wealth, we help you look beyond "top return" lists and focus on what truly matters:
Because the best mutual fund is not the most popular one — it's the one that fits your life goals and investment strategy.
Which Mutual Fund
Is Best for You?
Conservative Investors
If your priority is capital stability, choose large cap funds.
These invest in India's top 100 companies and are considered among the most trusted mutual funds in India.
- ICICI Prudential Large Cap
- SBI Bluechip
- HDFC Top 100
Moderate Risk Investors
For most NZ-based investors, flexi cap funds are often the best starting point.
These are among the most popular mutual funds in India because fund managers can dynamically shift between large, mid, and small caps. Flexi cap funds currently lead category AUM growth in FY26.
- Parag Parikh Flexi Cap
- HDFC Flexi Cap
- ICICI Prudential Flexi Cap
Aggressive Growth Investors
If you want highest growing mutual funds in India, mid-cap and selected small-cap funds are the preferred categories.
These can be among the most profitable mutual funds in India over long horizons, but they require patience through market volatility. Recent small-cap funds have rallied sharply, highlighting both opportunity and risk.
- HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities
- Motilal Oswal Midcap
- Nippon India Small Cap
Frequently Asked Questions
- less than 12 months: short-term capital gains tax
- more than 12 months: long-term capital gains tax may apply above exemption limits
Disclaimer:
Example funds are for illustration only. No recommendation is being made. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments carry risk. Investments in overseas markets, including India, involve additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regulatory differences, and tax implications.