Best Mutual Funds with Low NAV in India 2026
Every new mutual fund scheme starts with a NAV of ₹10 at launch. However, as the fund invests in securities, which change in value over time, the NAV moves up or down accordingly. Funds that have launched recently or have not yet built a long performance history tend to carry a lower NAV compared to older, more established schemes. Below is a list of mutual funds with low NAV, along with key details such as AUM, expense ratio, and NAV as of 3rd March 2026.
List of Mutual Funds with Low NAV in India
Here is a list of mutual funds with low NAV as of 5th March 2026.
| Name | AUM | Expense Ratio (%) | NAV (₹ per unit) | Exit Load (%) | Absolute Returns - 1Y (%) | Volatility (%) | Alpha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Manufacturing Fund | 10,338.03 | 0.83 | 10.86 | 1 | 19.31 | 13.92 | -30.36 |
| ICICI Pru Energy Opportunities Fund | 9,891.84 | 0.59 | 10.68 | 1 | 24.04 | 13.81 | -44.53 |
| SBI Energy Opportunities Fund | 8,609.85 | 0.8 | 10.7 | 1 | 21.26 | 15.26 | -55.21 |
| SBI Innovative Opportunities Fund | 5,300.79 | 0.93 | 8.67 | 1 | 0.08 | 14.03 | -47.6 |
| SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund | 5,014.61 | 0.84 | 11.29 | 1 | 35.78 | 15.72 | -8.69 |
| Franklin India Multi Cap Fund | 4,870.74 | 0.52 | 10.13 | 1 | 16.16 | 13.11 | -36.59 |
| Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund | 4,113.69 | 0.84 | 11.76 | 1 | 0.16 | 16.73 | -39.51 |
| Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund | 4,062.11 | 0.54 | 10.61 | 1 | 51.76 | 26.44 | -89.83 |
| ICICI Pru Equity Minimum Variance Fund | 3,685.20 | 0.8 | 10.69 | 1 | 15.19 | 10.01 | -28.4 |
| SBI Quant Fund | 3,518.05 | 0.8 | 10.29 | 0.5 | 17.38 | 12.88 | -32.89 |
Note: The data on the Shariah compliant mutual funds list is from 6th February 2026. This data is Disclaimer: The above list of mutual funds with low NAV is for educational purposes only and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing. The data is derived from the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener and is subject to real-time updates.
Note: The data in the above low NAV mutual funds list is from 3rd March 2026 and is derived from the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener.
- Plan: Growth
- NAV: Low
- Sorted by: AUM, highest to lowest
Pro Tip: You can use Tickertape’s Mutual Fund Screener to research and evaluate funds with over 50+ pre-loaded filters and parameters.
What is NAV in Mutual Funds?
NAV stands for Net Asset Value. It is the per-unit price of a mutual fund scheme on a given day. When a fund invests in stocks, bonds, or other securities, the total market value of those holdings changes every day. The NAV captures this by calculating the current value of all assets held by the fund, subtracting any liabilities, and dividing that number by the total units outstanding.
NAV Formula:
NAV = (Total Assets – Total Liabilities) / Total Number of Outstanding Units
For example, if a fund holds assets worth ₹100 cr., has liabilities of ₹5 cr., and has issued 5 cr. units, the NAV for the day would be ₹19 per unit.
SEBI mandates that all mutual funds calculate and publish their NAV at the end of every trading day, after market hours. This daily update ensures that the NAV reflects the most recent closing prices of all securities in the fund’s portfolio.
What Does a Low NAV Mean?
A low NAV simply means the fund was launched recently or has not been in operation long enough for its NAV to move significantly from the initial offering price of ₹10.
When a new mutual fund is launched through a New Fund Offer (NFO), units are issued at ₹10 per unit. As the fund deploys the collected capital into securities and those securities change in value, the NAV starts moving from ₹10. Funds launched within the last few months or a year or two will naturally carry lower NAVs than funds that have been running for five to ten years.
A low NAV does not indicate that a fund is underperforming, cheap, or a better entry point. It is simply a reflection of the fund’s age and the cumulative returns generated since launch.
Overview of Mutual Funds with Low NAV
HDFC Manufacturing Fund
HDFC Manufacturing Fund is a thematic equity fund that invests primarily in companies involved in manufacturing activities across various segments. The fund focuses on sectors such as capital goods, industrial equipment, chemicals, and consumer goods manufacturing. It aims to generate long-term capital growth by participating in India’s manufacturing sector expansion.
ICICI Pru Energy Opportunities Fund
ICICI Pru Energy Opportunities Fund is a sectoral equity fund that invests in companies linked to the energy and power sector. The portfolio includes businesses involved in power generation, transmission, distribution, oil and gas, and renewable energy. The fund seeks to capture growth from India’s expanding energy infrastructure and transition towards cleaner energy sources.
SBI Energy Opportunities Fund
SBI Energy Opportunities Fund is a sectoral equity fund focused on the energy and power sector. It invests in companies across conventional energy, renewable energy, utilities, and power equipment manufacturing. The fund aims to participate in the long-term growth driven by India’s increasing energy demand and capacity addition plans.
SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund
SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund is a sectoral equity fund that invests in companies across the automotive ecosystem. The portfolio covers original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), auto ancillary businesses, electric vehicle-related companies, and supporting industries. The fund focuses on capturing growth from India’s evolving automotive sector.
SBI Innovative Opportunities Fund
SBI Innovative Opportunities Fund is a thematic equity fund that invests in companies driving innovation across industries. The portfolio spans sectors such as technology, healthcare, new-age businesses, and companies adopting transformative processes or products. The fund aims to participate in growth opportunities linked to disruption and innovation in the Indian economy.
Franklin India Multi Cap Fund
Franklin India Multi Cap Fund is a multi-cap equity fund that invests across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The portfolio is diversified across multiple sectors and aims to capture growth opportunities across different segments of the market. As per SEBI guidelines, multi-cap funds are required to maintain a minimum allocation of 25% each to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
Motilal Oswal Multi Cap Fund
Motilal Oswal Multi-Cap Fund is a multi-cap equity fund that invests across market capitalisations. The fund follows a focused investment approach and invests in companies across large, mid, and small-cap segments in line with the SEBI-mandated allocation norms. It aims to generate long-term capital appreciation through a diversified equity portfolio.
Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund
Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund is a passively managed index fund that tracks the Nifty India Defence Index. The fund invests in companies that form part of India’s defence sector, including defence manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and companies linked to defence-related activities. It provides exposure to the defence sector in line with the index composition.
ICICI Pru Equity Minimum Variance Fund
ICICI Pru Equity Minimum Variance Fund is a thematic equity fund that follows a minimum variance investment strategy. The fund constructs its portfolio with the objective of reducing overall portfolio volatility by selecting stocks that have lower price fluctuations relative to the broader market. It targets investors who seek equity participation with relatively lower volatility.
SBI Quant Fund
SBI Quant Fund is an open-ended equity mutual fund launched by SBI Mutual Fund in December 2024. The scheme aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity-related instruments selected using a quantitative (quant) model that relies on data-driven factors rather than traditional discretionary stock picking.
Does a Low NAV Mean a Better Investment?
A low NAV does not make a fund cheaper, better valued, or a stronger investment opportunity. The comparison is not similar to buying a stock at a lower price. When investors invest ₹10,000 in a mutual fund, the number of units they receive depends on the NAV, but the rupee value of their investment and the returns they earn depend entirely on how the fund’s portfolio performs from the point of investment onwards.
For example, if Fund A has a NAV of ₹12 and Fund B has a NAV of ₹120, and you invest ₹10,000 in each, both funds will give you the same return in rupee terms if they grow by the same percentage.
- In Fund A, you get approximately 833 units. If the fund grows 10%, your investment becomes ₹11,000.
- In Fund B, you get approximately 83 units. If the fund grows 10%, your investment also becomes ₹11,000.
The NAV level differs, but the outcome remains the same. What determines your return is not the starting NAV but the percentage growth in the fund’s portfolio from the time of your investment.
A fund with a low NAV may simply be newer. An older fund with a higher NAV may have compounded its portfolio over several years, which is why its NAV is higher today. Neither condition makes one fund better or worse than the other for future performance.
Taxation on Mutual Funds with Low NAV
The tax treatment of a mutual fund is based on its underlying asset allocation, not its NAV level. Depending on the type of fund, the applicable tax rates are:
For Equity Mutual Funds (funds with 65% or more in equity):
| Capital Gains Type | Holding Period | Tax Rate |
| Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) | Less than 12 months | 20% |
| Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) | More than 12 months | 12.5% (above ₹1.25 lakh in a financial year) |
For Debt Mutual Funds (funds with less than 65% in equity):
Gains are added to the investor’s total income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab, regardless of the holding period.
Most of the funds listed above are equity-oriented and would be taxed as equity mutual funds. Investors are advised to check the specific fund’s asset allocation and consult a tax advisor for clarity on their individual tax liability.
How to Invest in Mutual Funds with Low NAV?
You can invest in mutual funds by following these steps:
- Visit an equity investment platform such as smallcase to access a wide range of mutual fund schemes.
- Research and identify funds that align with your investment objective. Tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener can help you compare funds based on AUM, expense ratio, NAV, and other parameters.
- Once you have shortlisted funds, log in to the platform, search for the fund by name, and choose your investment mod, either a one-time lump sum or a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and complete the process.
Who Can Consider Investing in Mutual Funds with Low NAV?
- Investors Who Understand What Low NAV Represents: A low NAV typically means the fund was launched recently. Investors who understand that the NAV level alone does not determine future returns, and who evaluate funds based on portfolio quality, fund house track record, and investment strategy, are better placed to assess these funds.
- Investors Interested in Recently Launched Themes or Strategies: Several funds in this list cover newer thematic or sectoral mandates such as manufacturing, defence, energy, and innovation. Investors who are specifically interested in these themes and want exposure through recently launched funds may find these options relevant to evaluate.
- Investors Comfortable with Limited Track Records: Because many low NAV funds are newer, they may not have long performance histories. Investors who can assess a fund based on its investment mandate, portfolio composition, and the AMC’s broader track record, rather than on fund-level historical returns, may find these funds worth reviewing.
- Investors Who Want to Build a Diversified Portfolio: Some investors evaluate low NAV funds as part of a broader strategy to add thematic or sectoral exposure alongside their core equity holdings. This approach allows participation in specific segments while maintaining overall portfolio diversification.
Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds with Low NAV
- Access to Newer Themes and Strategies: Many low NAV funds are recently launched schemes built around emerging themes such as manufacturing, defence, energy transition, and innovation. These funds offer exposure to investment mandates that may not have been available through older, established schemes.
- Diversification Within a Category: Even within a thematic or sectoral mandate, mutual funds typically hold a basket of companies rather than a single stock. This provides some degree of diversification within the chosen theme compared to direct stock investing.
- Regulated Structure: All mutual funds in India, regardless of NAV, operate under SEBI regulations. This includes mandatory disclosures, daily NAV publication, defined investment guidelines, and periodic portfolio reporting, which provide a structured and transparent investment environment.
- Flexible Investment Options: Low NAV funds, just like other mutual fund schemes, allow investors to participate through a lump sum or through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), offering flexibility in how capital is deployed over time.
Risks of Investing in Mutual Funds with Low NAV
- Limited Performance History: Most funds with low NAVs are newly launched schemes. A shorter operational history means there is limited data on how the fund has navigated different market cycles, drawdowns, or periods of sector underperformance. Evaluating such funds requires greater reliance on the AMC’s broader track record and the fund manager’s experience.
- Sector and Theme Concentration Risk: Several funds in this list are thematic or sectoral schemes focused on manufacturing, energy, automotive, defence, or innovation. These funds invest predominantly within a specific segment of the market. If that segment underperforms due to policy changes, economic slowdowns, or sector-specific headwinds, the fund may experience sharper drawdowns compared to diversified equity funds.
- Portfolio Maturity Risk: Newly launched funds are still building and stabilising their portfolios. The initial deployment phase may involve higher portfolio churn or transitional allocation decisions as the fund manager constructs the portfolio in line with the stated mandate.
- Market and Volatility Risk: Equity mutual funds, including those with low NAVs, are subject to market risk. The value of the fund’s portfolio fluctuates with market movements, and investors may experience periods of negative returns. Thematic and sectoral funds may exhibit higher volatility than diversified equity funds due to concentrated exposure.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Mutual Funds with Low NAV
- Fund Age and Track Record: Most low NAV funds are newly launched schemes. Before investing, check when the fund was launched and how long it has been operational. A shorter track record means limited data on how the fund has managed different market conditions. The AMC’s overall reputation and the fund manager’s experience become more important in evaluating such funds.
- Investment Mandate and Portfolio Composition: Review what the fund invests in. Thematic and sectoral funds carry sector concentration risk, while multi-cap funds offer broader diversification. Understanding the portfolio composition helps assess whether the fund fits your investment objective and risk tolerance.
- Expense Ratio: The expense ratio is the annual cost charged by the fund for managing the portfolio. Even a small difference in expense ratios can have a meaningful impact on long-term net returns. It is useful to compare the expense ratio of a fund with peers in the same category.
- Role in Overall Portfolio: Low NAV funds are often newer schemes in thematic, sectoral, or focused categories. Before adding such a fund, assess how it fits within your existing portfolio. Maintaining exposure across categories can help balance overall risk.
- Economic and Sector Cycle Alignment: For sectoral and thematic funds in this list, such as energy, manufacturing, automotive, and defence, performance is closely linked to sector-specific developments, policy support, and economic conditions. Evaluating the outlook for the relevant sector and understanding its place in the economic cycle is relevant when reviewing these funds.
Conclusion
Mutual funds with low NAV are typically newer schemes that have not yet accumulated significant returns since launch. The NAV level itself does not make a fund more or less attractive as an investment. What matters is the fund’s portfolio quality, investment strategy, expense ratio, the AMC’s track record, and how the fund fits within an investor’s broader portfolio.
Before investing, evaluate each fund on its own merits using tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener, which provides 50+ filters to compare funds across returns, risk metrics, expense ratio, portfolio allocation, and consistency.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Lowest NAV Mutual Funds
A low NAV means the per-unit price of the fund is close to its initial offering price of ₹10. This typically happens because the fund was launched recently and has not yet had enough time to build up returns.
NAV level alone does not determine whether a fund is a better or worse investment. A low NAV means you receive more units for the same investment amount, but the rupee value of your returns depends on how the fund’s portfolio grows from the time of your investment. Two funds growing at the same rate will deliver the same rupee return regardless of their starting NAV levels.
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.
Most mutual funds start with a NAV of ₹10 at the time of their New Fund Offer (NFO). A fund’s NAV grows as the underlying securities in its portfolio appreciate in value. Funds that have been operational for a shorter period will have a lower NAV simply because there has been less time for the portfolio to compound. A low NAV is generally a reflection of the fund’s launch date rather than its quality or potential.
NAV is calculated using the formula: NAV = (Total Assets – Total Liabilities) / Total Number of Outstanding Units. Total assets include the current market value of all securities, cash, and receivables held by the fund. Liabilities include pending expenses and fees. SEBI mandates that all mutual funds calculate and publish their NAV daily after market hours.
The risk profile of a mutual fund is determined by its asset allocation, category, investment mandate, and the sectors or securities it invests in , not its NAV level. A sectoral or thematic fund carries sector concentration risk regardless of whether its NAV is ₹10 or ₹200. Investors should assess risk based on the fund’s category, portfolio, and volatility metrics rather than its NAV.
Investors can use tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener to evaluate funds based on parameters such as AUM, expense ratio, NAV, volatility, portfolio concentration, and category. In addition, investors can review scheme information documents (SIDs) and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only and is not recommendatory.
Low NAV mutual funds allow investors to buy more units for the same investment amount. However, the NAV itself does not indicate whether a fund is cheap or expensive. The performance of a mutual fund depends on the underlying portfolio, strategy, and market conditions rather than the NAV level.
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only and is not recommendatory.
Low NAV mutual funds may sometimes be newly launched schemes or funds that have experienced limited price appreciation. Because NAV does not reflect the quality of underlying holdings, investors may overlook factors such as portfolio composition, expense ratio, fund strategy, and market risk.
Low NAV mutual funds may attract individuals who prefer purchasing a larger number of units for a fixed investment amount. However, fund selection is typically evaluated based on factors such as the investment objective, asset allocation, portfolio quality, and historical performance rather than NAV alone.
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.
Investors who want to identify such schemes can use the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener to filter mutual funds based on criteria such as NAV below ₹10, category, returns, or other parameters. This allows users to explore and compare funds that meet specific screening conditions.
To invest in low NAV mutual funds:
– Visit an equity investment platform such as smallcase to access multiple mutual fund schemes.
– Research and compare funds using tools like the Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener, which allows filtering based on AUM, expense ratio, NAV, and other parameters.
– Shortlist a suitable fund and search for it on the platform.
Invest through either a lump sum or a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) and complete the process.
52-week low NAV mutual funds refer to a mutual fund scheme whose Net Asset Value (NAV) has reached its lowest level in the past 52 weeks (one year). NAV represents the per-unit value of a mutual fund and reflects the market value of the fund’s underlying portfolio after expenses.
