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Best Index Funds in India 2026
Best Index Funds - Consider the best performing index mutual funds to invest in 2026 with Scripbox.com. Find the list of best index funds in India on the basis of Returns, Latest Nav, Ratings, Performance, etc.
Learn how Scripbox Recommends fundsBest Index Funds to Invest in 2026
| Fund Name | 3Y Returns | Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|
 | 5.6% | 0.25% |
 | 5.6% | 0.20% |
 | 12.5% | 0.61% |
 | 15.7% | 0.38% |
| 15.7% | 0.42% |
 | 5.6% | 0.25% |
 | 14.0% | 0.45% |
 | 14.1% | 0.23% |
| 18.1% | 0.57% |
 | 13.1% | 0.35% |
Note: *NA implies that Fund is relatively new. Not enough data available.
Top 10 Index Funds to invest in 2026
Below are the Best Index Funds in india:
1 . UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct (G)
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of -6.9% , a 3 Years return of 5.6% and a 5 Years return of 6.7% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.3% and an AUM of ₹ 29485 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2013-01-01. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
2 . HDFC NIFTY 50 Index Fund Direct (G)
HDFC NIFTY 50 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of -7.0% , a 3 Years return of 5.6% and a 5 Years return of 6.7% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.2% and an AUM of ₹ 23784 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2013-01-01. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
3 . Sundaram Nifty 100 Equal Weight Fund Direct (G)
Sundaram Nifty 100 Equal Weight Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 0.9% , a 3 Years return of 12.5% and a 5 Years return of 10.3% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.6% and an AUM of ₹ 147 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2013-01-02. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
4 . LIC MF Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct (G)
LIC MF Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 3.4% , a 3 Years return of 15.7% and a 5 Years return of 10.9% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.4% and an AUM of ₹ 112 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2013-01-01. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
5 . UTI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct (G)
UTI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 3.1% , a 3 Years return of 15.7% and a 5 Years return of 10.8% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.4% and an AUM of ₹ 7547 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2018-06-28. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
6 . DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct (G)
DSP Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of -6.9% , a 3 Years return of 5.6% and a 5 Years return of 6.7% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.3% and an AUM of ₹ 1109 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2019-02-21. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
7 . Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund Direct (G)
Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 3.5% , a 3 Years return of 14.0% and a 5 Years return of 15.0% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.5% and an AUM of ₹ 503 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2021-04-01. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
8 . Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund Direct (G)
Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 3.7% , a 3 Years return of 14.1% and a 5 Years return of 15.1% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.2% and an AUM of ₹ 4151 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2019-09-06. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
9 . Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty Smallcap 50 Index Fund Direct (G)
Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty Smallcap 50 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 11.7% , a 3 Years return of 18.1% and a 5 Years return of 12.5% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.6% and an AUM of ₹ 367 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2021-04-01. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
10 . Nippon India Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund Direct (G)
Nippon India Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund Direct (G) is a Equity fund that has delivered a 1 Year return of 3.8% , a 3 Years return of 13.1% and a 5 Years return of 13.8% . The fund has an expense ratio of 0.3% and an AUM of ₹ 3518 crores as of 2026-09-16. It was Launched on 2020-10-16. The minimum lump sum investment is ₹5000.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in The Best Index Mutual Funds in 2026
The following are the factors that you should consider before investing in the best index mutual funds in India in 2026
- Investment Horizon: Index funds are suitable for investors who have a long-term investment horizon. The fund return might fluctuate in the short term but usually evens out in the long run. It is important to stick to the fund over the decided horizon in order for the fund investments to perform well.
- Taxation: Redemption of units of index funds leads to capital gain, which can be either short-term or long-term, depending on the holding period. The short-term capital gains are taxable at 15%, and long-term capital gains are taxable at 10% without the benefit of indexation. However, for long-term gains, taxability arises only if the gain is above Rs. 1,00,000.
- Financial Goals: If the investors make sure to stick to the investment horizon, index funds are able to offer better returns which in turn will help the investors to achieve their financial goals. This can include retirement, wealth creation etc.
- Expense Ratio: Index funds usually have a lower expense ratio when compared to other funds. If there are two funds tracking, say Nifty, both will generate a similar return. The fund which will have a lower expense ratio will provide a higher return on investment.
How to Invest in an Indexed Fund Through Scripbox
Investing in index mutual funds in India can be done directly or through an agent. Investors can invest online through the direct method by logging on to the fund houses’ website and investing in the fund. On the other hand, they can invest through offline mode by visiting the nearest branch of the fund house. Investing through an intermediary can be done both online and offline.
There are multiple online platforms to invest in these funds, and one of them is Scripbox. Scripbox allows investors to invest the best index funds (Nifty 50 funds or BSE funds) carefully picked after thorough research using their robotic technology.
You can invest in Scripbox’s recommended best index mutual funds in India by following the below-mentioned steps:
- Login to Scripbox
- Click on ‘Invest’
- Begin your investment journey by choosing ‘A plan to invest in’ or ‘I want to choose my own funds’
- Select the mode of investment, i.e., monthly SIP, one-time or STP
- Enter the amount of investment
- Based on the amount of investment, the recommended funds will be provided. You can change the funds and the distribution of the amount.
- Select the payment mode and complete the transaction to set up your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the top 5 index mutual funds in 2026?
The top 5 index mutual funds in 2026 are:
1. Motilal Oswal Nifty Bank Index Fund Direct Plan Growth
2. Navi Nifty India Manufacturing Index Fund Direct Plan Growth
3. UTI Nifty Midcap 150 Quality 50 Index Fund Direct Plan Growth
4. ICICI Prudential Nifty IT Index Fund Direct Plan Growth
5. ICICI Prudential Nifty Pharma Index Fund Direct Plan Growth
Explore:
Recommended
Scripbox algorithm recommends 2-4 funds for investment for an investment asset class such as large cap, diversified, liquid etc. When you invest for an objective, the algorithm suggests the appropriate asset class and funds.
Top Ranked
These funds are the top performers within a category of mutual funds considering a combination of criteria. The best amongst these funds are also labelled as Scripbox Recommended.
Neutral
Scripbox recommends other funds, which are more suitable for your investment objectives, within this asset and sub asset class.
Not Recommended
Scripbox algorithm classifies funds as "not recommended" when they perform poorly on a combination of criteria. These funds are usually the poorest performers within a category.
Things we consider to provide ratings for a mutual fund.
Outperformance Consistency
We look at the consistency of the outperformance that the fund has displayed. A fund with high consistency is preferred
Rolling Returns (1 Year Holding Period)
We consider average 1 year return that the fund has delivered over an extended period of time
Rolling Returns (3 Year Holding Period)
We consider average 3 year return that the fund has delivered over an extended period of time
Volatility of Outperformance
We consider how volatile the out-performance over the benchmark has been. A lower volatility is preferred
Downside Protection Measure
We look at how resilient the fund is to market down trends. A fund that has shown a higher resilience is preferred
Upside Participation Measure
We consider how well the fund has been able to participate in upmoves in the market. A fund that participates well is preferred
Fund Size
We look at the size of the fund with respect to other funds in the category. Larger funds are preferred.
How to invest in best mutual funds?
Investing through Scripbox is made easy and paperless. All you need to do is follow the below steps and start investing.
0 1
Choose a plan to invest to start investing
0 2
Create an account with Scripbox through a paperless process, to invest in best mutual funds.
0 3
Invest via netbanking, UPI or through an SIP (eNACH mandate).
0 4
Track, invest more and withdraw your investments through the Scripbox dashboard
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