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Posted on  August 8, 2025 under  by Divyansh Shah

10 Best Small Cap Mutual Funds in India 2025

Small cap mutual funds in India have emerged as one of the top-performing investment categories in 2025, delivering impressive returns despite market volatility. These funds focus on high-growth companies with a market capitalisation between ₹2,000 crore and ₹10,000 crore, often outperforming large and mid-cap peers in bullish phases. In this updated 2025 guide, we analyse the best small cap mutual funds in India based on their latest 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year returns, risk-adjusted performance, and portfolio quality, helping you choose the right fund for long-term wealth creation.

What are Small Cap Mutual Funds

A small cap mutual fund is an equity-oriented mutual fund that invests mainly in companies ranked 251st and onwards in terms of full market capitalisation, as per the official SEBI and AMFI classification. These companies are generally smaller in size compared to large-cap and mid-cap firms but offer higher growth potential due to their ability to expand rapidly in emerging sectors and untapped markets.

Small cap funds come with higher volatility and higher return potential, making them suitable for investors with a long-term investment horizon and a higher risk appetite. SEBI mandates that small cap funds must invest at least 65% of their portfolio in small cap stocks, ensuring focused exposure to this segment.
(Source: SEBI/AMFI classification)

10 Best Small-Cap Mutual Funds to Invest in 2025

Small cap mutual funds have delivered some of the highest long-term returns in the Indian equity market. Below is a list of the top 10 best small cap mutual funds in India 2025 ranked by their annualised 5-year returns.

10 Best Small Cap Mutual Funds (2025)5Yr Return
1. Quant Small Cap Direct Growth433.3
2. Nippon India Small Cap Direct Growth382.3
3. Bandhan Small Cap Direct Growth371.1
4. HSBC Small Cap Direct Growth343.9
5. Tata Small Cap Fund Direct Growth341.4
6. Bank of India Small Cap Direct Growth337.3
7. Invesco India Smallcap Direct Growth334.2
8. HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth333.2
9. Edelweiss Small Cap Direct Growth331.5
10. Franklin India Smallcap Direct Growth326.7

Overview of Best Small Cap Mutual Funds to Invest in 2025

Below are concise overviews for each of the top Small Cap Mutual Funds in (Direct Growth Plans), updated with the latest data for trust and clarity:

1. Quant Small Cap Direct Growth

Quant Mutual Fund is one of the best small cap mutual fund under the Equity Mutual Fund Scheme. Investors were allowed to access this programme on April 15, 1996. The current fund manager of the Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan-Growth fund is Pushpa Rai.

  • NAV: Rs 271.48
  • Expense Ratio: 0.72% 
  • AUM: Rs 29,629.09 Cr
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.5000

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
-7.5107.4433.3
Note: Based on Absolute Return

2. Nippon India Small Cap Direct Growth

Nippon India Mutual Fund introduced the Equity Mutual Fund Scheme Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth, which is one of the best small-cap mutual fund in India 2025. Investors were eligible to access this plan on June 30, 1995. The current fund manager of the Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth fund is Samir Rachh, Dhrumil Shah.

  • NAV: Rs 186.62
  • Expense Ratio: 0.64%
  • AUM: Rs 66,601.80 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Not Supported

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
-5.799.1382.3
Note: Based on Absolute Return

3. Bandhan Small Cap Direct Growth

Bandhan Mutual Fund launched the Bandhan Small Cap Fund — Direct Plan (Growth) as a focused equity scheme. The fund debuted in July 2020 and is currently managed by Soumen Kundu, who brings over 15 years of experience in managing small-cap portfolios.

  • NAV: Rs 49.95
  • Expense Ratio:  0.40%
  • AUM: Rs 12,981.57 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.1000

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
5.7131.2371.1
Note: Based on Absolute Return

4. HSBC Small Cap Direct Growth

HSBC Mutual Fund launched the HSBC Small Cap Fund — Direct Plan (Growth) on 12 May 2014, targeting emerging companies in the small-cap universe under the BSE SmallCap 250 TRI benchmark ⸺ aligning with SEBI classification for small caps.

  • NAV: Rs 88.53
  • Expense Ratio: 0.65%
  • AUM: Rs 16,909.21 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.5000

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
-5.885.2343.9
Note: Based on Absolute Return

5. Tata Small Cap Fund Direct Growth

Tata Mutual Fund introduced the Tata Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth equity mutual fund scheme. Investors were eligible to access this plan on June 30, 1995. The Tata Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth fund's current fund manager is Chandraprakash Padiyar.

  • NAV: Rs 44.46
  • Expense Ratio: 0.33%
  • AUM: Rs  11163.84 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Not Supported

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
-0.1100.6341.4
Note: Based on Absolute Return

6. Bank of India Small Cap Direct Growth

The Bank of India Mutual Fund introduced the Bank of India Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth equity mutual fund scheme. Investors were allowed to access this plan on March 31, 2008. Currently serving as the fund manager for the Bank of India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth fund is Ajay Khandelwal.

  • NAV: Rs 51.14
  • Expense Ratio: 0.57% 
  • AUM: Rs 1907.82 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.5000 

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
-1.691.9337.3
Note: Based on Absolute Return

7. Invesco India Smallcap Direct Growth

An equity mutual fund scheme called Invesco India Smallcap Fund Direct Growth was introduced by Invesco Mutual Fund. Investors were allowed to access this plan on July 24, 2006. The current fund manager of the Invesco India Smallcap Fund Direct Growth fund is Taher Badshah.

  • NAV: Rs 45.57
  • Expense Ratio: 0.40%
  • AUM: Rs 7,597.83 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.1000

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
4.7108.3334.2
Note: Based on Absolute Return

8. HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth

HDFC Mutual Fund launched the HDFC Small Cap Fund — Direct Plan (Growth) on 1 January 2013. It follows SEBI guidelines by investing at least 65% in small-cap stocks, focusing on companies ranked 251st further in market capitalisation.

  • NAV: Rs 158.57
  • Expense Ratio: 0.71%
  • AUM: Rs 35,780.59 Cr crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.100

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
1.199.4333.2
Note: Based on Absolute Return

9. Edelweiss Small Cap Direct Growth

The Edelweiss Mutual Fund introduced the Edelweiss Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Equity Mutual Fund Scheme. Investors were allowed to access this plan on April 30, 2008. Currently serving as the Edelweiss Small Cap Fund Direct Growth fund's fund manager is Harshad Patwardhan.

  • NAV: Rs 47.67
  • Expense Ratio: 0.43%
  • AUM: Rs 4929.76 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.100

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
0.687.6331.5
Note: Based on Absolute Return

10. Franklin India Smallcap Direct Growth

Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund launched the Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund as an open-ended small-cap scheme on 1 January 2013, later converting to open-end in 2011. It adheres to SEBI norms by investing at least 65% in small-cap stocks.

  • NAV: Rs 189.59
  • Expense Ratio: 0.90%
  • AUM: Rs 13,995.27 crore 
  • Minimum lump sum investment: Rs.5000

Returns: 

1Y Return (%)3Y Return (%)5Y Return (%)
-7.598.6326.7
Note: Based on Absolute Return

Best Small Cap mutual funds For Long-term investment

Focusing on stability in the long run, the 5 Top Small Cap mutual funds for the long term offer a blend of dynamism and growth with 10 yr Highest Growth.

Best Mutual Funds for the long term10Yr Return
1. Nippon India Small Cap Direct Growth513.72%
2. Quant Small Cap Fund482.31%
3. SBI Small Cap Fund Direct Growth412.14%
4. HSBC Small Cap Fund Dir Gr411.32%
5. HDFC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth408.10%
Absolute Return taken on 08/08/25

Why Invest in Small-Cap Mutual Funds in 2025

  1. High Growth Potential – Small-cap mutual funds invest in emerging companies ranked 251st and onwards in market capitalisation, which often have the potential to grow faster than large-cap and mid-cap companies.
  2. Better Returns in Long Term – Historically, small-cap funds have delivered higher returns over a 5–10 year horizon compared to large-cap funds, making them suitable for long-term wealth creation.
  3. Early-Stage Investment Advantage – Investors can benefit from entering companies at an early growth stage, before they become well-known in the market.
  4. Sector Diversification – Many small-cap companies operate in niche or sunrise sectors (like renewable energy, specialty chemicals, and technology) which large caps may not cover, helping diversify your portfolio.
  5. Beating Inflation – Due to their high return potential, small-cap mutual funds can help beat inflation over the long term, especially when invested through SIPs.
  6. Opportunities in Market Cycles – Small caps often outperform in bullish market phases, giving investors a chance to benefit from favourable market conditions.
Best Small Cap Mutual Funds

Tax Considerations for Small-Cap Mutual Funds

When it comes to taxes and small-cap mutual funds, there are a few important things to consider. Here's what you need to know:

  • Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) Tax: If you sell equity mutual funds (including small-cap funds) within 12 months, the gains are classified as STCG and taxed at 20% (effective for sales made on or after July 23, 2024).
  • Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax: For equity mutual funds held for more than 12 months, the gains are taxed at 12.5%, applicable to gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh; this rule also applies from July 23, 2024.
  • Dividend Taxation: Dividend payouts from mutual funds are added to your taxable income and taxed at your applicable income tax slab rate, as per standard rules.
  • Special Cases & Reporting
    • If you sold units before July 23, 2024, the older tax rates apply (STCG at 15%, LTCG at 10% with ₹1 lakh exemption).
    • For debt-oriented or hybrid funds purchased on or after April 1, 2023, long-term gains (even if held beyond 24 months) are treated as STCG and taxed at your slab rate (no indexation benefit).
  • Important Filing Note: Tax filings may require you to report gains separately for pre- and post-July 23, 2024 periods. The government extended the ITR deadline to September 15, 2025, due to these complexities

How to Start Investing in Small Cap Mutual Funds?

Ready to invest in a small-cap mutual fund? Here’s how you can get started easily with Lakshmishree.

  • Step 1: Download the Shree Varahi app, sign up, and complete your KYC to open your investment account at no cost.
  • Step 2: Once your account is set up, navigate to the mutual fund section in the Shree Varahi app and search for small-cap mutual funds.
  • Step 3: Choose a small-cap mutual fund by reviewing its past performance, risk level, fund size, fees, and investment focus.
  • Step 4: Decide whether you want to invest a regular amount periodically (SIP) or a lump sum. On the fund's page, select "One-time" for a lump sum or "SIP" for investing in instalments.
  • Step 5: Enter the amount of money you wish to invest as SIP or lump sum.
  • Step 6: Arrange your payment. For SIP, you can set up an auto-payment with your bank or UPI. You can pay a lump sum through UPI, net banking, NEFT, or RTGS.
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Limitations of Investing in Small-Cap Mutual Funds

  1. Higher Volatility – Small-cap stocks can fluctuate sharply in price, especially during market corrections, which increases the risk factor.
  2. Lower Liquidity – Many small-cap companies have lower trading volumes, which can make buying and selling less smooth compared to large caps.
  3. Longer Recovery Period – In a market downturn, small-cap funds often take longer to recover compared to large-cap funds.
  4. Economic Sensitivity – Small caps are more sensitive to changes in interest rates, inflation, and overall economic slowdown.
  5. Fund Manager Dependence – The success of a small-cap mutual fund relies heavily on the fund manager’s research, stock-picking skills, and ability to identify potential winners.
  6. Not Suitable for Short-Term Goals – Due to high volatility, small-cap funds are not ideal for investors with short investment horizons or low risk tolerance.

Conclusion

In 2025, small-cap mutual funds remain one of the most rewarding yet high-risk investment categories in the Indian market. Regulated under SEBI’s small-cap definition (companies ranked 251st and beyond by market capitalisation), these funds have historically delivered strong returns during economic expansion cycles. However, they are also more sensitive to market fluctuations, making them suitable only for investors with a long-term horizon and the ability to withstand short-term volatility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the Best Small Cap Mutual Funds in India?

The best Small-cap Mutual funds in India are Quant Small Cap, Bank of India Small Cap, Nippon India Small Cap, Edelweiss Small Cap, and Canara Robeco Small Cap, which are known for their consistent and high-return mutual funds in India.

2. What are small-cap mutual funds?

Small-cap mutual funds are investment vehicles that focus on companies with small market capitalisations, typically between ₹2,000 crores and ₹10,000 crores. These funds target smaller, often more dynamic, companies with significant growth potential.

3. Why should I invest in small-cap mutual funds?

Investing in small-cap mutual funds can offer high growth potential, especially during periods of economic recovery. Small-cap companies often innovate quickly and can capitalise on new opportunities, making them attractive for long-term growth.

4. What are the Best Performing Small Cap Mutual Funds 2025

The top-performing small-cap mutual funds for investment in 2025 are :

1. Bandhan Small Cap Direct Growth
2. Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Direct Growth
3. ITI Small Cap Direct Growth
4. Quant Small Cap Direct Growth
5. Nippon India Small Cap Direct Growth

5. What are the risks associated with small-cap mutual funds?

The primary risks include higher volatility, market sensitivity, longer investment horizons, and lower liquidity. Small-cap stocks can experience significant price swings and may be more vulnerable during market downturns.

6. How do I choose the best small cap mutual fund?

When choosing a small cap mutual fund, consider factors such as past performance, expense ratio, fund manager's expertise, and the fund's portfolio composition. Ensure the fund aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

7. What is the minimum investment required for small-cap mutual funds?

The minimum investment required can vary by fund. Typically, it ranges from as low as ₹100 to ₹1,000 for lump sum investments. Always check the specific requirements of the fund you are interested in.

Divyansh Shah

Written by Divyansh Shah

Divyansh Shah is a seasoned Risk Analyst with a deep-rooted understanding of financial markets and risk management strategies. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for data-driven insights, Divyansh has honed his skills in identifying and mitigating potential risks within complex financial environments.

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