{"id":6463,"date":"2026-03-16T12:33:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:33:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/?p=6463"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:46:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:46:44","slug":"mutual-fund-scheme-classification-types-mutual-fund-names-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/mutual-fund-scheme-classification-types-mutual-fund-names-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Mutual Fund Types and Names: A Complete Guide for Investors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual funds in India are available in many forms such as equity, debt, hybrid, index, sectoral, and more. For new investors, these labels can often feel confusing. Even mutual fund names may look long and complex, containing terms like large cap, index, direct, or growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The easiest way to understand these terms is through mutual fund scheme classification and by learning how mutual fund names are structured. Most fund names clearly indicate the fund\u2019s asset class, investment strategy, and plan type.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual fund schemes are typically grouped based on structure, asset class, management style, and investment objective. Some funds focus on long term capital appreciation, while others prioritise regular income or liquidity. Certain schemes track market indices, while others rely on active management by professional fund managers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide explains mutual fund scheme classification and types of mutual funds in India, while also helping investors understand how to read and interpret mutual fund names.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Read and Understand Mutual Fund Names<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual fund names often contain several terms that describe the fund\u2019s category, strategy, and payout option. Understanding these terms can help investors quickly identify the type of scheme they are considering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical mutual fund name may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Part of Name<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">What It Indicates<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Fund House<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Asset management company managing the scheme<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Fund Category<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Equity, Debt, Hybrid, Index<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Investment Style<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Large cap, Flexi cap, Sectoral<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Plan Type<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/mutual-funds\/direct-vs-regular-plans\"><span style=\"color: #1a73e8; font-weight: 600;\">Direct or Regular<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Payout Option<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Growth or IDCW<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ABC Nifty 50 Index Fund Direct Growth<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This name indicates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fund house: ABC Mutual Fund<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investment type: Index fund tracking Nifty 50<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plan type: Direct plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Return option: Growth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once investors learn to interpret these terms, comparing mutual funds becomes much simpler.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source: <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Economic Times)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Types of Mutual Fund Schemes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/mutual-funds-meaning\/\"><span style=\"color: #1a73e8; font-weight: 600;\">Mutual funds<\/span> <\/a>are designed to cater to a wide range of financial goals. Because of this, they are classified under several categories based on different factors. The major classifications of mutual fund scheme classification and types of mutual funds in India include:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-table\" style=\"display: block; width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-bottom: 5px;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 800px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff; width: 30%;\">Basis of Classification<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;\">Types<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Organisation Structure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Open ended, Close ended, Interval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Portfolio Management<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Active funds, Passive funds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Investment Objective<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Growth, Income, Liquidity, Tax saving<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Underlying Portfolio<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Equity, Debt, Hybrid, Money market, Multi asset<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Thematic \/ Solution Oriented<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/tax-saving-sip-elss-section-80c\/\"><span style=\"color: #1a73e8; font-weight: 600;\">Tax saving (ELSS)<\/span><\/a>, Arbitrage, Retirement, Children&#8217;s Fund<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Other Categories<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Overseas funds, Fund of funds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"md:hidden lg:hidden xl:hidden\" style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 13px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\u2190 Swipe horizontally to see the full classification \u2192<\/div>\n<style>\n    @media screen and (min-width: 768px) {<br \/>        .md\\:hidden {<br \/>            display: none !important;<br \/>        }<br \/>    }<br \/><\/style>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amfiindia.com\/investor\/knowledge-center-info?zoneName=TypesOfMutualFundSchemes\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AMFI<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Kotak Mahindra Bank)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Scheme Classification by Organisation Structure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common ways to understand mutual fund scheme classification and types of mutual funds in India is through organisational structure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Open Ended Schemes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open ended mutual funds allow investors to purchase and redeem units on any business day at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV).<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; padding: 18px; border-radius: 6px; background: #fafafa; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<p><strong>Net Asset Value (NAV):<\/strong> Net Asset Value (NAV) is the price of one unit of a mutual fund. It is calculated by dividing the total value of the fund\u2019s assets minus liabilities by the total number of units outstanding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Key features include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No fixed maturity period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous subscription and redemption<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAV declared daily<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High liquidity for investors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of their flexibility, open ended funds are among the most popular mutual fund schemes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Close Ended Schemes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close ended schemes operate with a fixed maturity period. Important characteristics include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Units are issued during the initial offer period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redemption usually happens at maturity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Units are listed on stock exchanges for trading before maturity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These funds typically have maturities of 5 to 7 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Interval Schemes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interval schemes combine features of both open ended and close ended funds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key characteristics:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Units can be purchased or redeemed during specific transaction periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transaction window must be at least 2 days<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimum 15 day gap between two transaction windows<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Units are mandatorily listed on stock exchanges<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amfiindia.com\/investor\/knowledge-center-info?zoneName=TypesOfMutualFundSchemes\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AMFI<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ICICI Bank)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Scheme Classification by Portfolio Management<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important part of mutual fund scheme classification and types of mutual funds in India is whether the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/analyse-mutual-fund-portfolio-paytm-money\/\"><span style=\"color: #1a73e8; font-weight: 600;\">portfolio<\/span><\/a> is actively or passively managed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Active Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In active mutual funds, professional fund managers take investment decisions based on research and market analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Their responsibilities include<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selecting stocks or bonds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deciding when to buy, hold, or sell securities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing portfolio risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active funds aim to deliver returns higher than their benchmark index, which is known as alpha. The fund\u2019s investment strategy and approach are clearly explained in the Scheme Information Document.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; padding: 18px; border-radius: 6px; background: #fafafa; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<p><strong>Scheme Information Document (SID):<\/strong> An official document that explains how a mutual fund scheme works. It provides details about the fund\u2019s investment objective, strategy, risks, and costs to help investors make informed decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>Passive Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passive funds follow a different strategy. Instead of selecting securities actively, they replicate a specific market index.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Examples include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Index funds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fund manager&#8217;s role is limited to replicating the benchmark index while maintaining minimal tracking error.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Active vs Passive Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-table\" style=\"display: block; width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-bottom: 5px;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 700px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff; width: 25%;\">Feature<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;\">Active Funds<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;\">Passive Funds<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Portfolio Management<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Actively managed by fund managers<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Replicates a specific market index<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Objective<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Outperform the benchmark index (Alpha)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Match the benchmark performance (Beta)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Cost<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Higher expense ratio (typically 1.0% &#8211; 2.25%)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Lower expense ratio (typically 0.1% &#8211; 0.5%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Suitable for<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Investors seeking market-beating returns<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Investors preferring low-cost market returns<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"md:hidden lg:hidden xl:hidden\" style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 13px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\u2190 Swipe horizontally to see the full comparison \u2192<\/div>\n<style>\n    @media screen and (min-width: 768px) {<br \/>        .md\\:hidden {<br \/>            display: none !important;<br \/>        }<br \/>    }<br \/><\/style>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Bajaj Finserv)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Classification by Investment Objectives<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual funds also differ based on the financial goal they aim to achieve. Common investment objectives include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capital appreciation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capital preservation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular income<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liquidity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax saving<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual funds also offer Growth and Dividend plans that allow investors to customise their investment strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Growth Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growth funds aim to provide long term capital appreciation. These funds primarily invest in equities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key characteristics include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for medium to long term investment horizons<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher volatility in the short term<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential for higher long term returns<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historically, equities have outperformed many traditional asset classes over long periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Liquid, Overnight and Money Market Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These funds are designed for investors who prioritise liquidity and capital safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key characteristics:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invest in money market instruments with maturities up to 1 year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide relatively stable returns<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for short term parking of funds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Money market instruments include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treasury bills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial papers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certificates of deposit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call money and notice money<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government securities with maturity under one year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source: <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ICICI Bank, <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amfiindia.com\/investor\/knowledge-center-info?zoneName=TypesOfMutualFundSchemes\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AMFI<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Classification by Investment Portfolio<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another layer of mutual fund scheme classification and types of mutual funds in India is based on the assets held in the portfolio.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asset based classification includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Asset Class<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Example Funds<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Equity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Large cap, Mid cap, Small cap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Debt<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Income funds, Dynamic bond funds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Hybrid<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Balanced funds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Money Market<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Liquid funds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/multi-asset-fofs-explained-how-one-fund-invests-across-equity-debt-and-gold\/\">Multi Asset<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Funds investing in multiple asset classes (Equity, Debt, Gold, etc.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second level of classification depends on the strategy used by the fund manager.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Examples include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infrastructure funds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Value funds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dynamic bond funds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Balanced Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balanced funds invest in both equities and fixed income instruments. Typical allocation ranges between 40 to 60 percent across equity and debt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key advantages include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential for capital growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Income generation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower volatility compared to pure equity funds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Gilt Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gilt funds invest exclusively in government securities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key features:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No default risk since government securities are used<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAV may fluctuate due to interest rate movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for investors seeking relatively secure debt exposure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Index Funds<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Index funds replicate the portfolio of a market index such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BSE Sensex<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nifty 50<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These funds invest in securities in the same proportion as the index. Returns move closely with the index, although slight deviations may occur due to tracking error.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amfiindia.com\/investor\/knowledge-center-info?zoneName=CategorizationOfMutualFundSchemes#:~:text=Categorization%20of%20Mutual%20Fund%20Schemes,appetite%20and%20longer%20investment%20horizon.\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AMFI)<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Understanding Mutual Fund Plan Options<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain terms describe how mutual funds operate or distribute profits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Flexi Cap Fund<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Flexi cap mutual fund is an equity scheme that invests across large cap, mid cap and small cap companies without fixed allocation limits. This flexibility allows the fund manager to shift investments depending on market opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Direct Plan<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investments are made directly through the fund house without intermediaries. This reduces expense ratios because distributor commissions are eliminated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Growth Option<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Profits are reinvested within the fund instead of being distributed as dividends. This allows investors to benefit from compounding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Bluechip Fund<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bluechip or large cap funds invest in the top 100 financially stable companies in the market. These funds are generally considered relatively stable compared to mid cap or small cap funds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Edelweiss)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Taxation: The Numbers That Matter<\/b><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-table\" style=\"display: block; width: 100%; overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-bottom: 5px;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 700px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff; width: 25%;\">Asset Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff; width: 25%;\">Holding Period<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #000000; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;\">Tax Treatment<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Equity Funds<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 12 Months (LTCG)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">12.5% on gains above \u20b91.25 Lakh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Equity Funds<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&lt; 12 Months (STCG)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Flat 20%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Debt Funds<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Any Period<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">Taxed as per your Income Tax Slab<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000; font-weight: bold;\">Gold\/Hybrid Funds<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">&gt; 24 Months (LTCG)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #000000;\">12.5% (No Indexation benefit)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"md:hidden lg:hidden xl:hidden\" style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 13px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\u2190 Swipe horizontally to see holding periods and tax rates \u2192<\/div>\n<style>\n    @media screen and (min-width: 768px) {<br \/>        .md\\:hidden {<br \/>            display: none !important;<br \/>        }<br \/>    }<br \/><\/style>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><b><i>Note: <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hybrid taxation depends on equity allocation (&gt;65%)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><\/i><b><i>Source: <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ujjivan Small Finance Bank)<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual fund categories may seem complex, but they follow a logical structure based on objectives, composition, and management style. By understanding these classifications and learning to read fund names, you can quickly identify a scheme&#8217;s strategy and return profile. Once familiar with these concepts, you can confidently select the right funds to align with your long-term financial goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><b><i>Disclaimer:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is purely for information purpose only and in no way is to be considered as an advice or recommendation. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Investors are requested to do their own due diligence before investing.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SEBI Reg No.: Broking \u2013 INZ000240532, Research Analyst \u2013 INH000020086, Depository Participant \u2013 IN-DP-416-2019, Depository Participant Number: CDSL \u2013 12088800, NSE (90165), BSE (6707), MCX (57525), NCDEX (1315), MSEI (85300).<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered Office: 136, 1st Floor, Devika Tower, Nehru Place, Delhi \u2013 110019.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For complete Terms &amp; Conditions and Disclaimers, visit<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/\"> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<div style=\"max-width: 100%; margin: 20px 0; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\">\n<style>\n        \/* Hides default browser arrow\/triangle for a clean professional look *\/<br \/>        summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }<br \/>        summary { list-style: none; outline: none; }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">Which type of mutual fund is best for long term growth?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Equity mutual funds such as large cap and multi cap funds are generally considered suitable for long term capital appreciation.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">What is the difference between active and passive mutual funds?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Active mutual funds aim to outperform a benchmark index through active stock selection. Passive funds such as index funds and ETFs replicate the benchmark index.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">What are sectoral mutual funds?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Sectoral mutual funds invest in specific industries such as technology, healthcare or banking. These funds can experience higher volatility because they focus on a single sector.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">What is the difference between direct and regular mutual fund plans?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Direct plans are purchased directly from the mutual fund house and have lower expense ratios. Regular plans are bought through brokers or distributors, which include commission and therefore slightly higher costs.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">What is the difference between Growth and IDCW in mutual funds?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Growth option reinvests profits back into the fund, helping investors benefit from compounding over time. IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) distributes part of the profits to investors periodically.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; padding: 15px 0; cursor: pointer;\">\n<summary style=\"display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; width: 100%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600; color: #1a202c; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;\">Can investors invest in multiple types of mutual funds at the same time?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #007bff; margin-left: 10px;\">+<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 10px; color: #4a5568; line-height: 1.6; text-align: left;\">Yes, investing across equity, debt, and liquid funds helps diversify risk, balance returns, and build a more stable portfolio aligned with different financial goals and time horizons.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mutual funds in India are available in many forms such as equity, debt, hybrid, index, sectoral, and more. For new investors, these labels can often feel confusing. Even mutual fund names may look long and complex, containing terms like large cap, index, direct, or growth. The easiest way to understand these terms is through mutual<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/mutual-fund-scheme-classification-types-mutual-fund-names-india\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;Mutual Fund Types and Names: A Complete Guide for Investors&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":6464,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[827,6],"tags":[1171,1174,248,1178,941,1173,1172,1177,1176,1175,1179,1170,1169],"class_list":["post-6463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mutual-funds","category-personal-finance","tag-active-vs-passive-mutual-funds","tag-balanced-mutual-funds","tag-debt-mutual-funds","tag-direct-vs-regular-mutual-fund-plans","tag-equity-mutual-funds","tag-flexi-cap-mutual-funds","tag-index-funds-and-etfs","tag-large-cap-mutual-funds","tag-money-market-mutual-funds","tag-mutual-fund-investment-objectives","tag-mutual-fund-names","tag-mutual-fund-scheme-classification","tag-types-of-mutual-funds-in-india"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6463","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6463"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6463\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6463"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6463"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paytmmoney.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6463"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}