SIP Investment: For First Time Investors

Updated on October 5, 2026 , 7096 views

SIP or a Systematic Investment plan is an investment mode that allows you to invest your money in a fixed duration of time. Generally, a SIP investment starts the process of wealth creation over a regular interval of time that can be monthly, quarterly and annually. The investment through a SIP or Systematic Investment Plan is invested in stock markets, thus generates good returns when invested for a long duration. A SIP investment is considered to be one of the best ways to invest money as the money invested is distributed over a certain duration. Unlike lump sum investment, SIP investment does not take place all at once, therefore, it is convenient for investors. With a simple SIP investment, one can start Investing small sums of money from a young age. We have a list of some of the Top SIP investments for you. Have a look!

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Best Mutual Funds for SIP 2026

To make a SIP investment it's important to understand the Best SIP Plans based on your risk appetite. There is a huge category of Equity Mutual Funds in which you can invest through a SIP. These include Large Cap, mid cap funds, Small cap funds, Multi Cap Funds. One can also invest in Balanced Funds via a SIP. But, for the first time investors, the best investment options for SIP might be-

Fund Selection Methodology used to find 5 funds

Category: Equity
Sub-category: Large%20Cap
Sorted On : drat (high to low)
Tags: fcpro
No Of Funds: 5

1. Large-Cap Mutual Funds

Investing in Large cap funds via a SIP or Systematic Investment Plan is beneficial. Usually, Large-cap Funds invest in firms that have a possibility of showing steady growth and earning high profits year after year. These funds are generally stable and offer stable returns when invested over a long period of time.

Fund	NAV	Net Assets (Cr)	Min SIP Investment	3 MO (%)	6 MO (%)	1 YR (%)	3 YR (%)	5 YR (%)	2025 (%)
Essel Large Cap Equity Fund Growth	₹30.7626 ↑ 0.20	₹96	500	-8	-14.5	-2.6	10	7
SBI Bluechip Fund Growth	₹89.1486 ↓ -0.58	₹55,140	500	-5.8	2.9	-3.8	7.5	7.4	9.7
JM Core 11 Fund Growth	₹19.5003 ↓ -0.12	₹293	500	-2.8	10.3	-3.9	9.6	10	-1.9
Indiabulls Blue Chip Fund Growth	₹40.68 ↓ -0.25	₹137	500	-5.8	1.1	-5.9	7.7	6.8	7.5
Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund Growth	₹491.79 ↓ -3.59	₹29,711	100	-5.4	1.5	-7	7.8	7.2	9.4
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 15 Jul 22

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

Commentary	Essel Large Cap Equity Fund	SBI Bluechip Fund	JM Core 11 Fund	Indiabulls Blue Chip Fund	Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund
Point 1	Bottom quartile AUM (₹96 Cr).	Highest AUM (₹55,140 Cr).	Lower mid AUM (₹293 Cr).	Bottom quartile AUM (₹137 Cr).	Upper mid AUM (₹29,711 Cr).
Point 2	Established history (15+ yrs).	Established history (20+ yrs).	Established history (18+ yrs).	Established history (14+ yrs).	Oldest track record among peers (24 yrs).
Point 3	Top rated.	Rating: 4★ (upper mid).	Rating: 4★ (lower mid).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.
Point 5	5Y return: 7.00% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 7.40% (upper mid).	5Y return: 10.03% (top quartile).	5Y return: 6.78% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 7.24% (lower mid).
Point 6	3Y return: 10.00% (top quartile).	3Y return: 7.50% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 9.63% (upper mid).	3Y return: 7.68% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 7.75% (lower mid).
Point 7	1Y return: -2.56% (top quartile).	1Y return: -3.84% (upper mid).	1Y return: -3.87% (lower mid).	1Y return: -5.92% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: -7.01% (bottom quartile).
Point 8	Alpha: -3.02 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: 1.27 (upper mid).	Alpha: 2.82 (top quartile).	Alpha: 0.65 (lower mid).	Alpha: -0.85 (bottom quartile).
Point 9	Sharpe: 0.10 (upper mid).	Sharpe: -0.05 (lower mid).	Sharpe: 0.17 (top quartile).	Sharpe: -0.09 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: -0.18 (bottom quartile).
Point 10	Information ratio: -0.82 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: -0.19 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: 0.08 (upper mid).	Information ratio: 0.10 (top quartile).	Information ratio: -0.06 (lower mid).

Essel Large Cap Equity Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹96 Cr).
Established history (15+ yrs).
Top rated.
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 7.00% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 10.00% (top quartile).
1Y return: -2.56% (top quartile).
Alpha: -3.02 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.10 (upper mid).
Information ratio: -0.82 (bottom quartile).

SBI Bluechip Fund

Highest AUM (₹55,140 Cr).
Established history (20+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (upper mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 7.40% (upper mid).
3Y return: 7.50% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: -3.84% (upper mid).
Alpha: 1.27 (upper mid).
Sharpe: -0.05 (lower mid).
Information ratio: -0.19 (bottom quartile).

JM Core 11 Fund

Lower mid AUM (₹293 Cr).
Established history (18+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
Risk profile: High.
5Y return: 10.03% (top quartile).
3Y return: 9.63% (upper mid).
1Y return: -3.87% (lower mid).
Alpha: 2.82 (top quartile).
Sharpe: 0.17 (top quartile).
Information ratio: 0.08 (upper mid).

Indiabulls Blue Chip Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹137 Cr).
Established history (14+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 6.78% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 7.68% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: -5.92% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: 0.65 (lower mid).
Sharpe: -0.09 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: 0.10 (top quartile).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund

Upper mid AUM (₹29,711 Cr).
Oldest track record among peers (24 yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 7.24% (lower mid).
3Y return: 7.75% (lower mid).
1Y return: -7.01% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -0.85 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: -0.18 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -0.06 (lower mid).

2. Mid-Cap Mutual Funds

Mid-cap funds invest in most emerging companies. To attain good returns one should invest for a longer duration in these funds. Longer than large-cap funds. Therefore, SIP benefits the most. Investing via a SIP tends to lower the risk and maintains the stability of returns.

Fund	NAV	Net Assets (Cr)	Min SIP Investment	3 MO (%)	6 MO (%)	1 YR (%)	3 YR (%)	5 YR (%)	2025 (%)
Taurus Discovery (Midcap) Fund Growth	₹128.21 ↓ -0.56	₹140	1,000	7.1	19.4	5.4	9.3	10.9	0.8
Sundaram Mid Cap Fund Growth	₹1,414.48 ↓ -5.42	₹14,863	100	-4.2	8.1	0.8	15.7	14.4	4.1
Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme Growth	₹137.939 ↓ -0.03	₹71,256	1,000	-5.5	9.3	-1	14.8	13.8	1.8
Aditya Birla Sun Life Midcap Fund Growth	₹815.99 ↓ -1.15	₹6,966	1,000	-2.4	13.5	4.2	13.1	11.5	4.4
BNP Paribas Mid Cap Fund Growth	₹106.049 ↓ -0.42	₹2,658	300	-4.1	8.6	4	13.8	12.3	2.5
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 7 Oct 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

Commentary	Taurus Discovery (Midcap) Fund	Sundaram Mid Cap Fund	Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme	Aditya Birla Sun Life Midcap Fund	BNP Paribas Mid Cap Fund
Point 1	Bottom quartile AUM (₹140 Cr).	Upper mid AUM (₹14,863 Cr).	Highest AUM (₹71,256 Cr).	Lower mid AUM (₹6,966 Cr).	Bottom quartile AUM (₹2,658 Cr).
Point 2	Oldest track record among peers (32 yrs).	Established history (24+ yrs).	Established history (19+ yrs).	Established history (24+ yrs).	Established history (20+ yrs).
Point 3	Top rated.	Rating: 4★ (upper mid).	Rating: 4★ (lower mid).	Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).	Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: High.
Point 5	5Y return: 10.90% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 14.41% (top quartile).	5Y return: 13.75% (upper mid).	5Y return: 11.53% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 12.29% (lower mid).
Point 6	3Y return: 9.27% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 15.70% (top quartile).	3Y return: 14.80% (upper mid).	3Y return: 13.07% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 13.83% (lower mid).
Point 7	1Y return: 5.38% (top quartile).	1Y return: 0.83% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: -1.01% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: 4.16% (upper mid).	1Y return: 3.95% (lower mid).
Point 8	Alpha: -4.44 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: -1.08 (lower mid).	Alpha: -2.26 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: -0.53 (upper mid).	Alpha: 2.09 (top quartile).
Point 9	Sharpe: 0.24 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: 0.43 (lower mid).	Sharpe: 0.36 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: 0.46 (upper mid).	Sharpe: 0.62 (top quartile).
Point 10	Information ratio: -1.24 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: 0.50 (top quartile).	Information ratio: 0.06 (upper mid).	Information ratio: -0.35 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: -0.14 (lower mid).

Taurus Discovery (Midcap) Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹140 Cr).
Oldest track record among peers (32 yrs).
Top rated.
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 10.90% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 9.27% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: 5.38% (top quartile).
Alpha: -4.44 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.24 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -1.24 (bottom quartile).

Sundaram Mid Cap Fund

Upper mid AUM (₹14,863 Cr).
Established history (24+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (upper mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 14.41% (top quartile).
3Y return: 15.70% (top quartile).
1Y return: 0.83% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -1.08 (lower mid).
Sharpe: 0.43 (lower mid).
Information ratio: 0.50 (top quartile).

Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme

Highest AUM (₹71,256 Cr).
Established history (19+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 13.75% (upper mid).
3Y return: 14.80% (upper mid).
1Y return: -1.01% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -2.26 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.36 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: 0.06 (upper mid).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Midcap Fund

Lower mid AUM (₹6,966 Cr).
Established history (24+ yrs).
Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 11.53% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 13.07% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: 4.16% (upper mid).
Alpha: -0.53 (upper mid).
Sharpe: 0.46 (upper mid).
Information ratio: -0.35 (bottom quartile).

BNP Paribas Mid Cap Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹2,658 Cr).
Established history (20+ yrs).
Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: High.
5Y return: 12.29% (lower mid).
3Y return: 13.83% (lower mid).
1Y return: 3.95% (lower mid).
Alpha: 2.09 (top quartile).
Sharpe: 0.62 (top quartile).
Information ratio: -0.14 (lower mid).

3. ELSS or Tax Saving Mutual Funds

ELSS or Equity Linked Savings Scheme is equity diversified Mutual Fund that invests the major part of the fund corpus, generally more than 80%, in equity instruments and provides market linked returns. Under Section 80C of the income tax Act, ELSS funds act as a tax saving Mutual Funds and allow tax deductions upto INR 1,50,000 for the taxable income. So, all those you have just started earning a taxable income can now invest in ELSS funds to save tax and earn good returns as well.

Fund	NAV	Net Assets (Cr)	Min SIP Investment	3 MO (%)	6 MO (%)	1 YR (%)	3 YR (%)	5 YR (%)	2025 (%)
Tata India Tax Savings Fund Growth	₹44.8504 ↓ -0.20	₹4,747	500	-3.5	6.7	0.7	10.4	9.9	4.9
Bandhan Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund Growth	₹148.538 ↓ -0.92	₹7,005	500	-4.5	4	-2.9	7.5	8.8	8
Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96 Growth	₹58.18 ↓ -0.36	₹14,543	500	-6.5	2.8	-4.6	8.8	6.2	9.3
DSP Tax Saver Fund Growth	₹131.146 ↓ -0.80	₹16,666	500	-6.6	1.6	-5.9	10.9	9.7	7.5
HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund Growth	₹595.168 ↑ 0.28	₹1,318	500	1.2	15.4	35.5	20.6	17.4
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 7 Oct 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

Commentary	Tata India Tax Savings Fund	Bandhan Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund	Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96	DSP Tax Saver Fund	HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund
Point 1	Bottom quartile AUM (₹4,747 Cr).	Lower mid AUM (₹7,005 Cr).	Upper mid AUM (₹14,543 Cr).	Highest AUM (₹16,666 Cr).	Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,318 Cr).
Point 2	Established history (11+ yrs).	Established history (17+ yrs).	Established history (18+ yrs).	Established history (19+ yrs).	Oldest track record among peers (25 yrs).
Point 3	Top rated.	Rating: 5★ (upper mid).	Rating: 4★ (lower mid).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).	Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.
Point 5	5Y return: 9.86% (upper mid).	5Y return: 8.78% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 6.21% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 9.69% (lower mid).	5Y return: 17.39% (top quartile).
Point 6	3Y return: 10.40% (lower mid).	3Y return: 7.54% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 8.84% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 10.89% (upper mid).	3Y return: 20.64% (top quartile).
Point 7	1Y return: 0.70% (upper mid).	1Y return: -2.86% (lower mid).	1Y return: -4.64% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: -5.91% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: 35.51% (top quartile).
Point 8	Alpha: 6.01 (top quartile).	Alpha: -0.02 (lower mid).	Alpha: -1.26 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: -1.36 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: 1.75 (upper mid).
Point 9	Sharpe: 0.40 (upper mid).	Sharpe: 0.03 (lower mid).	Sharpe: -0.01 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: -0.01 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: 2.27 (top quartile).
Point 10	Information ratio: 0.18 (upper mid).	Information ratio: -0.92 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: -0.23 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: 0.37 (top quartile).	Information ratio: -0.15 (lower mid).

Tata India Tax Savings Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹4,747 Cr).
Established history (11+ yrs).
Top rated.
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 9.86% (upper mid).
3Y return: 10.40% (lower mid).
1Y return: 0.70% (upper mid).
Alpha: 6.01 (top quartile).
Sharpe: 0.40 (upper mid).
Information ratio: 0.18 (upper mid).

Bandhan Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

Lower mid AUM (₹7,005 Cr).
Established history (17+ yrs).
Rating: 5★ (upper mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 8.78% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 7.54% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: -2.86% (lower mid).
Alpha: -0.02 (lower mid).
Sharpe: 0.03 (lower mid).
Information ratio: -0.92 (bottom quartile).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

Upper mid AUM (₹14,543 Cr).
Established history (18+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 6.21% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 8.84% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: -4.64% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -1.26 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: -0.01 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -0.23 (bottom quartile).

DSP Tax Saver Fund

Highest AUM (₹16,666 Cr).
Established history (19+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 9.69% (lower mid).
3Y return: 10.89% (upper mid).
1Y return: -5.91% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -1.36 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: -0.01 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: 0.37 (top quartile).

HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,318 Cr).
Oldest track record among peers (25 yrs).
Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 17.39% (top quartile).
3Y return: 20.64% (top quartile).
1Y return: 35.51% (top quartile).
Alpha: 1.75 (upper mid).
Sharpe: 2.27 (top quartile).
Information ratio: -0.15 (lower mid).

4. Small-Cap Mutual Funds

Small-cap funds come after large and mid cap funds. These funds invest in startups or small-sized companies, therefore these funds take time to grow and generate returns. The performance of the fund depends on the growth of the companies. Thus, investors are advised to take a SIP route and stay invested for a long-term, ideally for more than 7 years.

Fund	NAV	Net Assets (Cr)	Min SIP Investment	3 MO (%)	6 MO (%)	1 YR (%)	3 YR (%)	5 YR (%)	2025 (%)
Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund Growth	₹98.7346 ↑ 0.21	₹6,226	1,000	3.9	24.6	16.7	13.9	11.6	-3.7
SBI Small Cap Fund Growth	₹180.039 ↓ -0.16	₹42,631	500	0.6	18.5	5.1	10.1	11.7	-4.9
DSP Small Cap Fund Growth	₹226.525 ↓ -0.21	₹21,659	500	3.3	23.2	16.7	15.8	15.8	-2.8
Nippon India Small Cap Fund Growth	₹181.943 ↓ -0.37	₹82,580	100	1.2	19.1	8	13.8	16.9	-4.7
Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund Growth	₹173.668 ↓ -0.22	₹14,746	500	-1.5	14.1	3.5	10.7	13.5	-8.4
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 7 Oct 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

Commentary	Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund	SBI Small Cap Fund	DSP Small Cap Fund	Nippon India Small Cap Fund	Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund
Point 1	Bottom quartile AUM (₹6,226 Cr).	Upper mid AUM (₹42,631 Cr).	Lower mid AUM (₹21,659 Cr).	Highest AUM (₹82,580 Cr).	Bottom quartile AUM (₹14,746 Cr).
Point 2	Established history (19+ yrs).	Established history (17+ yrs).	Established history (19+ yrs).	Established history (16+ yrs).	Oldest track record among peers (20 yrs).
Point 3	Top rated.	Rating: 5★ (upper mid).	Rating: 4★ (lower mid).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.
Point 5	5Y return: 11.57% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 11.74% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 15.79% (upper mid).	5Y return: 16.87% (top quartile).	5Y return: 13.46% (lower mid).
Point 6	3Y return: 13.91% (upper mid).	3Y return: 10.14% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 15.78% (top quartile).	3Y return: 13.83% (lower mid).	3Y return: 10.73% (bottom quartile).
Point 7	1Y return: 16.69% (upper mid).	1Y return: 5.08% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: 16.73% (top quartile).	1Y return: 8.01% (lower mid).	1Y return: 3.51% (bottom quartile).
Point 8	Alpha: 0.00 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: 1.92 (upper mid).	Alpha: 9.89 (top quartile).	Alpha: 1.64 (lower mid).	Alpha: -2.91 (bottom quartile).
Point 9	Sharpe: 0.84 (top quartile).	Sharpe: 0.35 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: 0.71 (upper mid).	Sharpe: 0.44 (lower mid).	Sharpe: 0.22 (bottom quartile).
Point 10	Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).	Information ratio: -0.31 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: 0.47 (top quartile).	Information ratio: -0.15 (lower mid).	Information ratio: -0.59 (bottom quartile).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹6,226 Cr).
Established history (19+ yrs).
Top rated.
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 11.57% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 13.91% (upper mid).
1Y return: 16.69% (upper mid).
Alpha: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.84 (top quartile).
Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).

SBI Small Cap Fund

Upper mid AUM (₹42,631 Cr).
Established history (17+ yrs).
Rating: 5★ (upper mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 11.74% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 10.14% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: 5.08% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: 1.92 (upper mid).
Sharpe: 0.35 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -0.31 (bottom quartile).

DSP Small Cap Fund

Lower mid AUM (₹21,659 Cr).
Established history (19+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 15.79% (upper mid).
3Y return: 15.78% (top quartile).
1Y return: 16.73% (top quartile).
Alpha: 9.89 (top quartile).
Sharpe: 0.71 (upper mid).
Information ratio: 0.47 (top quartile).

Nippon India Small Cap Fund

Highest AUM (₹82,580 Cr).
Established history (16+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 16.87% (top quartile).
3Y return: 13.83% (lower mid).
1Y return: 8.01% (lower mid).
Alpha: 1.64 (lower mid).
Sharpe: 0.44 (lower mid).
Information ratio: -0.15 (lower mid).

Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹14,746 Cr).
Oldest track record among peers (20 yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 13.46% (lower mid).
3Y return: 10.73% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: 3.51% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -2.91 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.22 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -0.59 (bottom quartile).

5. Multi-Cap Mutual Funds

These funds invest across large, mid and small caps, thus the name-multi-cap. Multi-cap funds are a good option for diversifying a Portfolio. As, these funds invest across market capitalization, it balances risks and returns very well. Taking a SIP route can benefit by generating stable returns in the long-run.

Fund	NAV	Net Assets (Cr)	Min SIP Investment	3 MO (%)	6 MO (%)	1 YR (%)	3 YR (%)	5 YR (%)	2025 (%)
Motilal Oswal Multicap 35 Fund Growth	₹62.4954 ↓ -0.16	₹14,160	500	7	17.9	0.7	16.9	11.5	-5.6
Kotak Standard Multicap Fund Growth	₹80.926 ↓ -0.65	₹56,392	500	-6.3	1.7	-5.3	9.4	8.7	9.5
Mirae Asset India Equity Fund Growth	₹106.223 ↓ -0.63	₹38,166	1,000	-6.1	2.5	-6.5	6.6	5.7	10.2
BNP Paribas Multi Cap Fund Growth	₹73.5154 ↓ -0.01	₹588	300	-4.6	-2.6	19.3	17.3	13.6
Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Fund Growth	₹1,881.47 ↓ -12.51	₹29,044	100	-1.9	9.7	4.2	13.2	9.7	11.2
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 7 Oct 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

Commentary	Motilal Oswal Multicap 35 Fund	Kotak Standard Multicap Fund	Mirae Asset India Equity Fund	BNP Paribas Multi Cap Fund	Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Fund
Point 1	Bottom quartile AUM (₹14,160 Cr).	Highest AUM (₹56,392 Cr).	Upper mid AUM (₹38,166 Cr).	Bottom quartile AUM (₹588 Cr).	Lower mid AUM (₹29,044 Cr).
Point 2	Established history (12+ yrs).	Established history (17+ yrs).	Established history (18+ yrs).	Established history (21+ yrs).	Oldest track record among peers (28 yrs).
Point 3	Top rated.	Rating: 5★ (upper mid).	Rating: 5★ (lower mid).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately High.
Point 5	5Y return: 11.54% (upper mid).	5Y return: 8.67% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 5.66% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 13.57% (top quartile).	5Y return: 9.71% (lower mid).
Point 6	3Y return: 16.95% (upper mid).	3Y return: 9.36% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 6.58% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 17.28% (top quartile).	3Y return: 13.20% (lower mid).
Point 7	1Y return: 0.69% (lower mid).	1Y return: -5.34% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: -6.45% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: 19.34% (top quartile).	1Y return: 4.18% (upper mid).
Point 8	Alpha: 1.30 (upper mid).	Alpha: -0.77 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: -0.27 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: 0.00 (lower mid).	Alpha: 7.21 (top quartile).
Point 9	Sharpe: 0.13 (lower mid).	Sharpe: 0.02 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: -0.15 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: 2.86 (top quartile).	Sharpe: 0.50 (upper mid).
Point 10	Information ratio: 0.71 (upper mid).	Information ratio: -0.03 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: -0.59 (bottom quartile).	Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).	Information ratio: 1.48 (top quartile).

Motilal Oswal Multicap 35 Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹14,160 Cr).
Established history (12+ yrs).
Top rated.
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 11.54% (upper mid).
3Y return: 16.95% (upper mid).
1Y return: 0.69% (lower mid).
Alpha: 1.30 (upper mid).
Sharpe: 0.13 (lower mid).
Information ratio: 0.71 (upper mid).

Kotak Standard Multicap Fund

Highest AUM (₹56,392 Cr).
Established history (17+ yrs).
Rating: 5★ (upper mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 8.67% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 9.36% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: -5.34% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -0.77 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.02 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -0.03 (bottom quartile).

Mirae Asset India Equity Fund

Upper mid AUM (₹38,166 Cr).
Established history (18+ yrs).
Rating: 5★ (lower mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 5.66% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 6.58% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: -6.45% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -0.27 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: -0.15 (bottom quartile).
Information ratio: -0.59 (bottom quartile).

BNP Paribas Multi Cap Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹588 Cr).
Established history (21+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 13.57% (top quartile).
3Y return: 17.28% (top quartile).
1Y return: 19.34% (top quartile).
Alpha: 0.00 (lower mid).
Sharpe: 2.86 (top quartile).
Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Fund

Lower mid AUM (₹29,044 Cr).
Oldest track record among peers (28 yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 9.71% (lower mid).
3Y return: 13.20% (lower mid).
1Y return: 4.18% (upper mid).
Alpha: 7.21 (top quartile).
Sharpe: 0.50 (upper mid).
Information ratio: 1.48 (top quartile).

6. Balanced Funds or Hybrid Funds

Another Mutual fund that is suitable for first-time SIP investment is Balanced Fund. Balanced Mutual Funds invest more than 65% of their assets in equity instruments and the remaining assets in debt instruments. These funds are less risky than Equity Funds while providing equity comparable returns. This makes balanced funds one of the ideal investment options for beginners.

Fund	NAV	Net Assets (Cr)	Min SIP Investment	3 MO (%)	6 MO (%)	1 YR (%)	3 YR (%)	5 YR (%)	2025 (%)
Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund Growth	₹20.8388 ↑ 0.00	₹14,849	500	1.3	2.9	6.1	6.7	6.2	6.3
Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Hybrid 95 Fund Growth	₹1,489.1 ↓ -6.82	₹7,210	100	-3.4	3.8	-2.8	8.2	6.4	7.2
Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund Growth	₹40.3503 ↑ 0.01	₹75,712	500	1.4	3	6.2	6.8	6.3	6.4
ICICI Prudential Equity Arbitrage Fund Growth	₹36.9388 ↑ 0.01	₹34,850	1,000	1.4	3	6.2	6.7	6.2	6.5
Nippon India Arbitrage Fund Growth	₹28.5357 ↓ 0.00	₹17,533	100	1.4	2.9	6.1	6.6	6.1	6.2
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 7 Oct 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

Commentary	Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund	Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Hybrid 95 Fund	Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund	ICICI Prudential Equity Arbitrage Fund	Nippon India Arbitrage Fund
Point 1	Bottom quartile AUM (₹14,849 Cr).	Bottom quartile AUM (₹7,210 Cr).	Highest AUM (₹75,712 Cr).	Upper mid AUM (₹34,850 Cr).	Lower mid AUM (₹17,533 Cr).
Point 2	Established history (12+ yrs).	Oldest track record among peers (31 yrs).	Established history (21+ yrs).	Established history (19+ yrs).	Established history (15+ yrs).
Point 3	Top rated.	Rating: 5★ (upper mid).	Rating: 4★ (lower mid).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).	Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4	Risk profile: Moderately Low.	Risk profile: Moderately High.	Risk profile: Moderately Low.	Risk profile: Moderate.	Risk profile: Moderately Low.
Point 5	5Y return: 6.20% (lower mid).	5Y return: 6.38% (top quartile).	5Y return: 6.34% (upper mid).	5Y return: 6.18% (bottom quartile).	5Y return: 6.07% (bottom quartile).
Point 6	3Y return: 6.68% (bottom quartile).	3Y return: 8.23% (top quartile).	3Y return: 6.83% (upper mid).	3Y return: 6.73% (lower mid).	3Y return: 6.58% (bottom quartile).
Point 7	1Y return: 6.07% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: -2.84% (bottom quartile).	1Y return: 6.21% (top quartile).	1Y return: 6.20% (upper mid).	1Y return: 6.09% (lower mid).
Point 8	1M return: 0.47% (upper mid).	1M return: -3.73% (bottom quartile).	1M return: 0.46% (lower mid).	1M return: 0.49% (top quartile).	1M return: 0.45% (bottom quartile).
Point 9	Alpha: -0.80 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: -0.07 (bottom quartile).	Alpha: 0.00 (top quartile).	Alpha: 0.00 (upper mid).	Alpha: 0.00 (lower mid).
Point 10	Sharpe: 0.39 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: -0.05 (bottom quartile).	Sharpe: 0.69 (top quartile).	Sharpe: 0.43 (lower mid).	Sharpe: 0.44 (upper mid).

Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹14,849 Cr).
Established history (12+ yrs).
Top rated.
Risk profile: Moderately Low.
5Y return: 6.20% (lower mid).
3Y return: 6.68% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: 6.07% (bottom quartile).
1M return: 0.47% (upper mid).
Alpha: -0.80 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: 0.39 (bottom quartile).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Hybrid 95 Fund

Bottom quartile AUM (₹7,210 Cr).
Oldest track record among peers (31 yrs).
Rating: 5★ (upper mid).
Risk profile: Moderately High.
5Y return: 6.38% (top quartile).
3Y return: 8.23% (top quartile).
1Y return: -2.84% (bottom quartile).
1M return: -3.73% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: -0.07 (bottom quartile).
Sharpe: -0.05 (bottom quartile).

Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund

Highest AUM (₹75,712 Cr).
Established history (21+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
Risk profile: Moderately Low.
5Y return: 6.34% (upper mid).
3Y return: 6.83% (upper mid).
1Y return: 6.21% (top quartile).
1M return: 0.46% (lower mid).
Alpha: 0.00 (top quartile).
Sharpe: 0.69 (top quartile).

ICICI Prudential Equity Arbitrage Fund

Upper mid AUM (₹34,850 Cr).
Established history (19+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderate.
5Y return: 6.18% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 6.73% (lower mid).
1Y return: 6.20% (upper mid).
1M return: 0.49% (top quartile).
Alpha: 0.00 (upper mid).
Sharpe: 0.43 (lower mid).

Nippon India Arbitrage Fund

Lower mid AUM (₹17,533 Cr).
Established history (15+ yrs).
Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
Risk profile: Moderately Low.
5Y return: 6.07% (bottom quartile).
3Y return: 6.58% (bottom quartile).
1Y return: 6.09% (lower mid).
1M return: 0.45% (bottom quartile).
Alpha: 0.00 (lower mid).
Sharpe: 0.44 (upper mid).

Benefits of SIP Investment

Generally, a SIP investment is considered to be an ideal way, when investing in Mutual Funds for the first time. Investing, for beginners, is usually very complicated and chaotic. They are often found facing challenges to channelize their savings into investments. Consider the above-mentioned best mutual funds for SIP to make your first SIP investment. Don’t miss an opportunity to save big by fearing to take the first step. Your first salary credited, make a wise SIP investment now!

Disclaimer:
All efforts have been made to ensure the information provided here is accurate. However, no guarantees are made regarding correctness of data. Please verify with scheme information document before making any investment.