SOLUTIONS
EXPLORE FUNDS
CALCULATORS
fincash number+91-22-48913909Dashboard

Ultra Short Term Funds Vs Liquid Funds

Updated on April 19, 2026 , 30025 views

Whenever we think of short-term investment in Mutual Funds, we often come across the terms such as ultra short term funds and Liquid Funds. Though both of them are categories of debt funds, however, they do possess the different characteristics. Ultra Short Term fund is a Debt fund category whose Portfolio consists of fixed Income securities with a maturity period ranging between 91 days to one year. On the other hand, the liquid fund is a debt fund category whose portfolio consists of Fixed Income securities with a maturity period of less than or equal to 91 days.

ultra-short-vs-liquid-funds

So, let us understand the differences between both ultra short term funds and liquid funds with respect to various parameters.

What is an Ultra Short Term Fund?

Ultra short term fund is a category of debt fund that invests its corpus in fixed income securities. The fund’s portfolio maturity tenure extends between 91 days and normally less than 1 year. These schemes were earlier referred as Liquid Plus Funds. Ultra Short Term Funds is suitable for investors who are willing to take a marginally higher level of risk to earn higher returns. These schemes are a notch above liquid funds with respect to risk and returns.

What is a Liquid Fund?

Liquid fund refers to the Mutual Fund scheme that invests its accumulated fund money in fixed income securities having a maturity period of less than 91 days. Liquid funds are part of debt funds and are considered to be one of the safe investment avenues. People having idle funds lying in their Bank account can choose to invest in the money in liquid funds and earn more returns. These schemes have higher liquidity as compared to ultra short term fund.

Difference Between Ultra Short Term Fund Vs Liquid Fund

The different parameters that differentiate ultra short term funds and liquid funds are as follows.

Maturity Tenure of Underlying Assets

The Maturity tenure of Underlying assets in case of liquid funds is less as compared to ultra short term funds. These securities in most cases have a maturity profile of less than or equal to 91 days. However, in case of ultra short term funds, the maturity tenure of its underlying securities are more than 91 days and less than 1 year.

Liquidity

The liquidity of liquid funds is high as compared to ultra short term funds. In case liquid funds, some of the Mutual Fund companies do provide an instant Redemption Facility. By opting for this facility, one can ensure that they get their proceeds credited to the bank account within 30 minutes. However, this facility is not available in case of ultra short term funds. In ultra short term funds people get their money back on the next working day if they place their order before the cut-off time.

Ready to Invest?
Talk to our investment specialist
Disclaimer:
By submitting this form I authorize Fincash.com to call/SMS/email me about its products and I accept the terms of Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Returns

The returns in case of ultra short term funds are slightly higher as compared to liquid funds. This higher return is due to the marginally higher risk which is present in ultra short term funds as compared to liquid funds.

Risk

The risk in case of liquid funds is very low as compared to ultra short term funds. This is because the underlying securities in liquid funds are mostly held till maturity instead of trading due to very low maturity tenure. However, in case of ultra short term funds, the risk is marginally higher as compared to liquid funds.

Exit Load

Most of the liquid funds do not have any exit loads attached to it due to which people get the entire redemption proceeds at the time of withdrawals. However, ultra short term funds may or may not have exit loads. Exit load in case of ultra short term fund is generally applicable if the redemption is done within a short period of time.

Taxation

Since both ultra short-term funds and liquid funds are a part of the debt funds; the taxation rules are same for both of them. If both the funds are sold within three years from the date of purchase, then Short Term Capital Gain (STCG) is applicable which is charged as per the individual’s tax slab. On the contrary, if the units are redeemed after three years then Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) is applicable which is charged at 20% along with indexation benefits.

Cut-off Time

The cut-off time for placing an order with respect to purchase or redemption in case of the liquid fund is 2 PM, while in case of ultra short term funds the cut-off time is 3 PM.

The table given below sums up the differences between liquid funds and ultra short term funds.

Parameters Liquid Funds Ultra Short Term Funds
Maturity Profile of Underlying Assets The maturity profile of the assets is less than or equal to 91 days The maturity profile of the assets is more than 91 days and less than one year
Liquidity High liquidity Low as compared to Liquid Funds
Returns Lower as compared to ultra short term funds Slightly higher than liquid funds
Risk Very low Marginally higher in comparison to liquid funds
Exit Load Mostly does not have exit load May or may not have exit loads
Taxation Short-term: Taxed as per individual’s slab rates Long-term: Taxed at 20% and had taxation benefits Same as Liquid Funds
Cut-off Time 2 PM 3 PM

Best Funds to Invest in FY 25 - 26

After understanding the differences between liquid funds and ultra short term funds, let us have a look at some of the Best Liquid Funds and Best Ultra Short term funds which may suit your requirements.

Best Liquid Funds

FundNAVNet Assets (Cr)1 MO (%)3 MO (%)6 MO (%)1 YR (%)2025 (%)Debt Yield (YTM)Mod. DurationEff. Maturity
BOI AXA Liquid Fund Growth ₹3,158.3
↑ 0.34
₹1,6110.71.73.26.36.67.3%1M 20D1M 20D
Edelweiss Liquid Fund Growth ₹3,506.76
↑ 0.37
₹8,8770.81.73.26.36.57.42%2M 8D2M 8D
Axis Liquid Fund Growth ₹3,053.62
↑ 0.35
₹30,1880.81.83.26.36.67.77%2M 1D2M 5D
DSP Liquidity Fund Growth ₹3,914.97
↑ 0.45
₹16,8660.81.83.26.36.57.48%1M 28D2M 1D
UTI Liquid Cash Plan Growth ₹4,498.37
↑ 0.53
₹19,7630.81.73.26.36.56.03%1M 2D1M 2D
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 21 Apr 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

CommentaryBOI AXA Liquid FundEdelweiss Liquid FundAxis Liquid FundDSP Liquidity FundUTI Liquid Cash Plan
Point 1Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,611 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹8,877 Cr).Highest AUM (₹30,188 Cr).Lower mid AUM (₹16,866 Cr).Upper mid AUM (₹19,763 Cr).
Point 2Established history (17+ yrs).Established history (18+ yrs).Established history (16+ yrs).Established history (20+ yrs).Oldest track record among peers (22 yrs).
Point 3Rating: 3★ (upper mid).Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile).Top rated.Rating: 3★ (lower mid).Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4Risk profile: Low.Risk profile: Low.Risk profile: Low.Risk profile: Low.Risk profile: Low.
Point 51Y return: 6.31% (top quartile).1Y return: 6.30% (upper mid).1Y return: 6.30% (lower mid).1Y return: 6.29% (bottom quartile).1Y return: 6.27% (bottom quartile).
Point 61M return: 0.73% (bottom quartile).1M return: 0.75% (bottom quartile).1M return: 0.77% (top quartile).1M return: 0.76% (lower mid).1M return: 0.76% (upper mid).
Point 7Sharpe: 3.46 (top quartile).Sharpe: 3.06 (lower mid).Sharpe: 3.16 (upper mid).Sharpe: 3.03 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: 3.05 (bottom quartile).
Point 8Information ratio: 1.76 (top quartile).Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
Point 9Yield to maturity (debt): 7.30% (bottom quartile).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.42% (lower mid).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.77% (top quartile).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.48% (upper mid).Yield to maturity (debt): 6.03% (bottom quartile).
Point 10Modified duration: 0.14 yrs (upper mid).Modified duration: 0.19 yrs (bottom quartile).Modified duration: 0.17 yrs (bottom quartile).Modified duration: 0.16 yrs (lower mid).Modified duration: 0.09 yrs (top quartile).

BOI AXA Liquid Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,611 Cr).
  • Established history (17+ yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (upper mid).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.31% (top quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.73% (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 3.46 (top quartile).
  • Information ratio: 1.76 (top quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.30% (bottom quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.14 yrs (upper mid).

Edelweiss Liquid Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹8,877 Cr).
  • Established history (18+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.30% (upper mid).
  • 1M return: 0.75% (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 3.06 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.42% (lower mid).
  • Modified duration: 0.19 yrs (bottom quartile).

Axis Liquid Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹30,188 Cr).
  • Established history (16+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.30% (lower mid).
  • 1M return: 0.77% (top quartile).
  • Sharpe: 3.16 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.77% (top quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.17 yrs (bottom quartile).

DSP Liquidity Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹16,866 Cr).
  • Established history (20+ yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.29% (bottom quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.76% (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 3.03 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.48% (upper mid).
  • Modified duration: 0.16 yrs (lower mid).

UTI Liquid Cash Plan

  • Upper mid AUM (₹19,763 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (22 yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.27% (bottom quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.76% (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 3.05 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 6.03% (bottom quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.09 yrs (top quartile).

Best Ultra Short Term Funds

FundNAVNet Assets (Cr)3 MO (%)6 MO (%)1 YR (%)3 YR (%)2025 (%)Debt Yield (YTM)Mod. DurationEff. Maturity
Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund Growth ₹576.451
↓ 0.00
₹19,3481.736.67.37.47.45%5M 26D7M 2D
ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund Growth ₹29.1044
↑ 0.00
₹13,6191.736.57.17.17.73%5M 16D6M 29D
SBI Magnum Ultra Short Duration Fund Growth ₹6,275.6
↑ 0.42
₹11,8471.73.16.4777.51%5M 16D10M 2D
Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund Growth ₹4,228.15
↑ 0.06
₹9,5121.836.36.86.87.27%5M 13D7M 28D
Kotak Savings Fund Growth ₹44.9539
↑ 0.00
₹14,9891.72.96.26.86.87.53%5M 23D6M 18D
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 21 Apr 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

CommentaryAditya Birla Sun Life Savings FundICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term FundSBI Magnum Ultra Short Duration FundNippon India Ultra Short Duration FundKotak Savings Fund
Point 1Highest AUM (₹19,348 Cr).Lower mid AUM (₹13,619 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹11,847 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹9,512 Cr).Upper mid AUM (₹14,989 Cr).
Point 2Established history (23+ yrs).Established history (14+ yrs).Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).Established history (24+ yrs).Established history (21+ yrs).
Point 3Top rated.Rating: 3★ (upper mid).Rating: 3★ (lower mid).Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile).Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4Risk profile: Moderately Low.Risk profile: Moderate.Risk profile: Low.Risk profile: Low.Risk profile: Moderately Low.
Point 51Y return: 6.58% (top quartile).1Y return: 6.45% (upper mid).1Y return: 6.37% (lower mid).1Y return: 6.27% (bottom quartile).1Y return: 6.15% (bottom quartile).
Point 61M return: 0.67% (bottom quartile).1M return: 0.73% (lower mid).1M return: 0.74% (upper mid).1M return: 0.76% (top quartile).1M return: 0.60% (bottom quartile).
Point 7Sharpe: 1.95 (top quartile).Sharpe: 1.95 (upper mid).Sharpe: 1.89 (lower mid).Sharpe: 1.41 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: 1.57 (bottom quartile).
Point 8Information ratio: 0.00 (top quartile).Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
Point 9Yield to maturity (debt): 7.45% (bottom quartile).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.73% (top quartile).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.51% (lower mid).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.27% (bottom quartile).Yield to maturity (debt): 7.53% (upper mid).
Point 10Modified duration: 0.49 yrs (bottom quartile).Modified duration: 0.46 yrs (upper mid).Modified duration: 0.46 yrs (lower mid).Modified duration: 0.45 yrs (top quartile).Modified duration: 0.48 yrs (bottom quartile).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹19,348 Cr).
  • Established history (23+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: Moderately Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.58% (top quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.67% (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 1.95 (top quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (top quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.45% (bottom quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.49 yrs (bottom quartile).

ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹13,619 Cr).
  • Established history (14+ yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (upper mid).
  • Risk profile: Moderate.
  • 1Y return: 6.45% (upper mid).
  • 1M return: 0.73% (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 1.95 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.73% (top quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.46 yrs (upper mid).

SBI Magnum Ultra Short Duration Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹11,847 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.37% (lower mid).
  • 1M return: 0.74% (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 1.89 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.51% (lower mid).
  • Modified duration: 0.46 yrs (lower mid).

Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹9,512 Cr).
  • Established history (24+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.27% (bottom quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.76% (top quartile).
  • Sharpe: 1.41 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.27% (bottom quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.45 yrs (top quartile).

Kotak Savings Fund

  • Upper mid AUM (₹14,989 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Moderately Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.15% (bottom quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.60% (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 1.57 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.53% (upper mid).
  • Modified duration: 0.48 yrs (bottom quartile).

*Above is the detailed list of Liquid / Ultrashort funds having Net Assets more than 1000 Crore and have been managing funds for atleast 3 Years. Sorted based on 1 Year returns.

*Below is the detailed list of Liquid / Ultrashort funds having Net Assets more than 1000 Crore and have been managing funds for atleast 3 Years. Sorted based on last yield to maturity.

1. Axis Liquid Fund

To provide a high level of liquidity with reasonable returns commensurating with low risk through a portfolio of money market and debt securities. However there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved.

Research Highlights for Axis Liquid Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹30,188 Cr).
  • Established history (16+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.30% (upper mid).
  • 1M return: 0.77% (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 3.16 (top quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (top quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.77% (top quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.17 yrs (upper mid).
  • Average maturity: 0.18 yrs (lower mid).
  • Exit load: NIL.
  • Top bond sector: Cash Equivalent.
  • Conservative stance with elevated cash (~100%).
  • High-quality debt (AAA/AA ~100%).
  • Largest holding Net Receivables / (Payables) (~20.0%).

Below is the key information for Axis Liquid Fund

Axis Liquid Fund
Growth
Launch Date 9 Oct 09
NAV (21 Apr 26) ₹3,053.62 ↑ 0.35   (0.01 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹30,188 on 31 Mar 26
Category Debt - Liquid Fund
AMC Axis Asset Management Company Limited
Rating
Risk Low
Expense Ratio 0.23
Sharpe Ratio 3.16
Information Ratio 0
Alpha Ratio 0
Min Investment 500
Min SIP Investment 1,000
Exit Load NIL
Yield to Maturity 7.77%
Effective Maturity 2 Months 5 Days
Modified Duration 2 Months 1 Day

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Mar 21₹10,000
31 Mar 22₹10,340
31 Mar 23₹10,930
31 Mar 24₹11,723
31 Mar 25₹12,584
31 Mar 26₹13,360

Axis Liquid Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹180,000
expected amount after 3 Years is ₹200,132.
Net Profit of ₹20,132
Invest Now

Returns for Axis Liquid Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 21 Apr 26

DurationReturns
1 Month 0.8%
3 Month 1.8%
6 Month 3.2%
1 Year 6.3%
3 Year 7%
5 Year 6%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 7%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2025 6.6%
2024 7.4%
2023 7.1%
2022 4.9%
2021 3.3%
2020 4.3%
2019 6.6%
2018 7.5%
2017 6.7%
2016 7.6%
Fund Manager information for Axis Liquid Fund
NameSinceTenure
Devang Shah5 Nov 1213.41 Yr.
Aditya Pagaria13 Aug 169.64 Yr.
Sachin Jain3 Jul 232.75 Yr.

Data below for Axis Liquid Fund as on 31 Mar 26

Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash99.67%
Other0.33%
Debt Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Cash Equivalent66%
Corporate22.23%
Government11.44%
Credit Quality
RatingValue
AAA100%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Net Receivables / (Payables)
CBLO | -
20%-₹6,036 Cr
India (Republic of)
- | -
6%₹1,732 Cr175,000,000
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Commercial Paper | -
6%₹1,725 Cr35,000
National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Commercial Paper | -
5%₹1,488 Cr30,000
National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Commercial Paper | -
4%₹1,238 Cr25,000
India (Republic of)
- | -
4%₹1,224 Cr123,560,400
Export Import Bank Of India
Commercial Paper | -
3%₹992 Cr20,000
Tbill
Sovereign Bonds | -
3%₹992 Cr100,000,000
Tata Steel Ltd.
Commercial Paper | -
3%₹987 Cr20,000
HDFC Bank Ltd.
Debentures | -
3%₹986 Cr20,000

2. Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund

(Erstwhile Aditya Birla Sun Life Cash Plus Fund)

An Open-ended liquid scheme with the objective to provide reasonable returns at a high level of safety and liquidity through judicious investments in high quality debt and money market instruments.

Research Highlights for Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹43,022 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (22 yrs).
  • Rating: 4★ (upper mid).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.26% (lower mid).
  • 1M return: 0.76% (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 2.95 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (upper mid).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.73% (upper mid).
  • Modified duration: 0.18 yrs (lower mid).
  • Average maturity: 0.18 yrs (upper mid).
  • Exit load: NIL.
  • Top sector: Financial Services.
  • Top bond sector: Cash Equivalent.
  • Conservative stance with elevated cash (~100%).
  • High-quality debt (AAA/AA ~100%).
  • Largest holding Net Receivables / (Payables) (~21.4%).

Below is the key information for Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund

Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund
Growth
Launch Date 30 Mar 04
NAV (21 Apr 26) ₹441.804 ↑ 0.05   (0.01 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹43,022 on 31 Mar 26
Category Debt - Liquid Fund
AMC Birla Sun Life Asset Management Co Ltd
Rating
Risk Low
Expense Ratio 0.34
Sharpe Ratio 2.95
Information Ratio 0
Alpha Ratio 0
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 500
Exit Load NIL
Yield to Maturity 7.73%
Effective Maturity 2 Months 5 Days
Modified Duration 2 Months 5 Days

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Mar 21₹10,000
31 Mar 22₹10,338
31 Mar 23₹10,926
31 Mar 24₹11,711
31 Mar 25₹12,568
31 Mar 26₹13,340

Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹180,000
expected amount after 3 Years is ₹200,132.
Net Profit of ₹20,132
Invest Now

Returns for Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 21 Apr 26

DurationReturns
1 Month 0.8%
3 Month 1.7%
6 Month 3.2%
1 Year 6.3%
3 Year 6.9%
5 Year 6%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 7%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2025 6.5%
2024 7.3%
2023 7.1%
2022 4.8%
2021 3.3%
2020 4.3%
2019 6.7%
2018 7.4%
2017 6.7%
2016 7.7%
Fund Manager information for Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund
NameSinceTenure
Sunaina Cunha15 Jul 1114.72 Yr.
Kaustubh Gupta15 Jul 1114.72 Yr.
Sanjay Pawar1 Jul 223.75 Yr.

Data below for Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund as on 31 Mar 26

Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash99.67%
Other0.33%
Debt Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Cash Equivalent70.49%
Corporate22.11%
Government7.07%
Credit Quality
RatingValue
AAA100%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Net Receivables / (Payables)
Net Current Assets | -
21%-₹9,197 Cr
Tbill
Sovereign Bonds | -
6%₹2,422 Cr244,000,000
Tbill
Sovereign Bonds | -
5%₹2,251 Cr226,522,000
↓ -50,000,000
India (Republic of)
- | -
5%₹1,981 Cr200,000,000
Clearing Corporation Of India Limited
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -
4%₹1,844 Cr
Indusind Bank Ltd.
Debentures | -
3%₹1,458 Cr29,500
Punjab National Bank
Domestic Bonds | -
3%₹1,231 Cr25,000
↑ 25,000
Canara Bank
Certificate of Deposit | -
2%₹992 Cr20,000
↑ 20,000
Punjab & Sind Bank
Debentures | -
2%₹989 Cr20,000
PNB Housing Finance Ltd.
Commercial Paper | -
2%₹960 Cr19,500
↑ 19,500

3. ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund

(Erstwhile ICICI Prudential Regular Income Fund)

The fund’s objective is to generate regular income through investments primarily in debt and money market instruments. As a secondary objective, the Scheme also seeks to generate long term capital appreciation from the portion of equity investments under the Scheme.

Research Highlights for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹13,619 Cr).
  • Established history (14+ yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Moderate.
  • 1Y return: 6.45% (top quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.73% (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 1.95 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (lower mid).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.73% (lower mid).
  • Modified duration: 0.46 yrs (bottom quartile).
  • Average maturity: 0.58 yrs (bottom quartile).
  • Exit load: 0-1 Months (0.5%),1 Months and above(NIL).
  • Top sector: Energy.
  • Higher exposure to Corporate (bond sector) vs peer median.
  • Conservative stance with elevated cash (~56%).
  • High-quality debt (AAA/AA ~100%).
  • Largest holding RADHAKRISHNA SECURITISATION TRUST (~3.0%).

Below is the key information for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund

ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
Growth
Launch Date 3 May 11
NAV (21 Apr 26) ₹29.1044 ↑ 0.00   (0.01 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹13,619 on 31 Mar 26
Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond
AMC ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited
Rating
Risk Moderate
Expense Ratio 0.8
Sharpe Ratio 1.95
Information Ratio 0
Alpha Ratio 0
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 1,000
Exit Load 0-1 Months (0.5%),1 Months and above(NIL)
Yield to Maturity 7.73%
Effective Maturity 6 Months 29 Days
Modified Duration 5 Months 16 Days

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Mar 21₹10,000
31 Mar 22₹10,396
31 Mar 23₹10,949
31 Mar 24₹11,737
31 Mar 25₹12,601
31 Mar 26₹13,426

ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹180,000
expected amount after 3 Years is ₹200,132.
Net Profit of ₹20,132
Invest Now

Returns for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 21 Apr 26

DurationReturns
1 Month 0.7%
3 Month 1.7%
6 Month 3%
1 Year 6.5%
3 Year 7.1%
5 Year 6.1%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 7.4%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2025 7.1%
2024 7.5%
2023 6.9%
2022 4.5%
2021 4%
2020 6.5%
2019 8.4%
2018 7.5%
2017 6.9%
2016 9.8%
Fund Manager information for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
NameSinceTenure
Manish Banthia15 Nov 169.38 Yr.
Ritesh Lunawat15 Jun 178.8 Yr.

Data below for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund as on 31 Mar 26

Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash56.35%
Debt43.32%
Other0.32%
Debt Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Corporate68.41%
Cash Equivalent18.77%
Government12.49%
Credit Quality
RatingValue
AA20.78%
AAA79.22%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
RADHAKRISHNA SECURITISATION TRUST
Unlisted bonds | -
3%₹453 Cr450
Vedanta Limited
Debentures | -
2%₹351 Cr35,000
Goi Floating Rate Bond 2028
Sovereign Bonds | -
2%₹311 Cr30,773,600
Muthoot Finance Ltd
Debentures | -
2%₹297 Cr29,500
↓ -500
Piramal Finance Limited
Debentures | -
2%₹246 Cr24,500
AU Small Finance Bank Ltd.
Debentures | -
2%₹236 Cr5,000
National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -
1%₹201 Cr20,000
Motilal Oswal Home Finance Limited
Debentures | -
1%₹200 Cr20,000
Nuvama Wealth Finance Limited
Debentures | -
1%₹200 Cr20,000
Small Industries Development Bank Of India
Debentures | -
1%₹200 Cr20,000

4. ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund

(Erstwhile ICICI Prudential Liquid Plan)

To provide reasonable returns, commensurate with low risk while providing a high level of liquidity, through investments made primarily in money market and debt securities.

Research Highlights for ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund

  • Upper mid AUM (₹42,888 Cr).
  • Established history (20+ yrs).
  • Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: Low.
  • 1Y return: 6.20% (bottom quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.74% (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 2.87 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.18 (bottom quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.72% (bottom quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.15 yrs (top quartile).
  • Average maturity: 0.17 yrs (top quartile).
  • Exit load: NIL.
  • Top bond sector: Cash Equivalent.
  • Conservative stance with elevated cash (~100%).
  • High-quality debt (AAA/AA ~100%).
  • Largest holding Treps (~7.9%).

Below is the key information for ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund

ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund
Growth
Launch Date 17 Nov 05
NAV (21 Apr 26) ₹405.671 ↑ 0.05   (0.01 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹42,888 on 31 Mar 26
Category Debt - Liquid Fund
AMC ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited
Rating
Risk Low
Expense Ratio 0.29
Sharpe Ratio 2.87
Information Ratio -0.18
Alpha Ratio -0.01
Min Investment 500
Min SIP Investment 99
Exit Load NIL
Yield to Maturity 7.72%
Effective Maturity 2 Months 1 Day
Modified Duration 1 Month 25 Days

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Mar 21₹10,000
31 Mar 22₹10,333
31 Mar 23₹10,911
31 Mar 24₹11,694
31 Mar 25₹12,549
31 Mar 26₹13,314

ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹180,000
expected amount after 3 Years is ₹197,169.
Net Profit of ₹17,169
Invest Now

Returns for ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 21 Apr 26

DurationReturns
1 Month 0.7%
3 Month 1.7%
6 Month 3.1%
1 Year 6.2%
3 Year 6.9%
5 Year 6%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 7.1%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2025 6.5%
2024 7.4%
2023 7%
2022 4.8%
2021 3.2%
2020 4.3%
2019 6.6%
2018 7.4%
2017 6.6%
2016 7.7%
Fund Manager information for ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund
NameSinceTenure
Nikhil Kabra1 Dec 232.33 Yr.
Darshil Dedhia12 Jun 232.81 Yr.

Data below for ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund as on 31 Mar 26

Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash99.73%
Other0.27%
Debt Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Cash Equivalent69.82%
Corporate25.87%
Government4.04%
Credit Quality
RatingValue
AAA100%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Treps
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -
8%₹4,181 Cr
Reverse Repo (3/16/2026)
CBLO/Reverse Repo | -
8%₹4,000 Cr
National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Commercial Paper | -
5%₹2,571 Cr52,000
Axis Bank Limited
Certificate of Deposit | -
3%₹1,484 Cr30,000
↑ 30,000
Small Industries Development Bank Of India
Commercial Paper | -
3%₹1,483 Cr30,000
Indusind Bank Limited
Certificate of Deposit | -
3%₹1,480 Cr30,000
Small Industries Dev Bank Of India
Commercial Paper | -
2%₹1,233 Cr25,000
National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Commercial Paper | -
2%₹1,185 Cr24,000
Small Industries Dev Bank Of India
Commercial Paper | -
2%₹998 Cr20,000
IDBI Bank Ltd
Domestic Bonds | -
2%₹989 Cr20,000

5. DSP Money Manager Fund

"The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to seek to generate reasonable returns commensurate with low risk and a high degree of liquidity, from a portfolio constituted of money market securities and high quality debt securities. However, there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Scheme will be realized."

Research Highlights for DSP Money Manager Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹3,560 Cr).
  • Established history (19+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Moderately Low.
  • 1Y return: 5.98% (bottom quartile).
  • 1M return: 0.83% (top quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.31 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).
  • Yield to maturity (debt): 7.71% (bottom quartile).
  • Modified duration: 0.46 yrs (bottom quartile).
  • Average maturity: 0.69 yrs (bottom quartile).
  • Exit load: NIL.
  • Higher exposure to Corporate (bond sector) vs peer median.
  • Conservative stance with elevated cash (~59%).
  • High-quality debt (AAA/AA ~100%).
  • Largest holding National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (~6.5%).

Below is the key information for DSP Money Manager Fund

DSP Money Manager Fund
Growth
Launch Date 31 Jul 06
NAV (21 Apr 26) ₹3,567.29 ↑ 0.06   (0.00 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹3,560 on 31 Mar 26
Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond
AMC DSP BlackRock Invmt Managers Pvt. Ltd.
Rating
Risk Moderately Low
Expense Ratio 1.02
Sharpe Ratio 0.31
Information Ratio 0
Alpha Ratio 0
Min Investment 1,000
Min SIP Investment 500
Exit Load NIL
Yield to Maturity 7.71%
Effective Maturity 8 Months 8 Days
Modified Duration 5 Months 16 Days

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Mar 21₹10,000
31 Mar 22₹10,306
31 Mar 23₹10,803
31 Mar 24₹11,544
31 Mar 25₹12,369
31 Mar 26₹13,094

DSP Money Manager Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹180,000
expected amount after 3 Years is ₹197,169.
Net Profit of ₹17,169
Invest Now

Returns for DSP Money Manager Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 21 Apr 26

DurationReturns
1 Month 0.8%
3 Month 1.8%
6 Month 2.9%
1 Year 6%
3 Year 6.7%
5 Year 5.6%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 6.7%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2025 6.7%
2024 6.9%
2023 6.7%
2022 4.1%
2021 2.9%
2020 4.7%
2019 7.3%
2018 5%
2017 6%
2016 7.5%
Fund Manager information for DSP Money Manager Fund
NameSinceTenure
Karan Mundhra31 May 214.84 Yr.
Shalini Vasanta1 Jan 251.24 Yr.

Data below for DSP Money Manager Fund as on 31 Mar 26

Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash58.55%
Debt41.01%
Other0.44%
Debt Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Corporate71.22%
Cash Equivalent16.06%
Government12.28%
Credit Quality
RatingValue
AA23.6%
AAA76.4%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
Debentures | -
6%₹231 Cr22,000
Godrej Properties Limited
Debentures | -
4%₹133 Cr12,500
5.63% Govt Stock 2026
Sovereign Bonds | -
2%₹87 Cr8,500,000
↑ 5,000,000
Aditya Birla Renewables Limited
Debentures | -
2%₹78 Cr7,500
Rec Limited
Debentures | -
2%₹78 Cr7,500
Aadhar Housing Finance Limited
Debentures | -
2%₹77 Cr7,200
Nuvama Wealth Finance Limited
Debentures | -
1%₹53 Cr5,000
Cholamandalam Investment And Finance Company Limited
Debentures | -
1%₹53 Cr5,000
Rec Limited
Debentures | -
1%₹52 Cr5,000
Power Finance Corporation Limited
Debentures | -
1%₹52 Cr5,000

Conclusion

To conclude, it can be said that both ultra short term funds and liquid funds have their own set of characteristics. However, people while choosing any scheme should check and ensure whether the scheme is in-line with their determined objective. They should also check the modalities of the scheme completely. Moreover, they may even consult a financial advisor if required to ensure that their investment helps them to attain their desired objectives.

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.
How helpful was this page ?
Rated 4.4, based on 31 reviews.
POST A COMMENT

Harsh, posted on 3 Dec 18 1:27 AM

Great alternative for FD - Fixed Deposit Investment. Nice article explains each fund very well.

1 - 1 of 1