{"id":222005,"date":"2026-08-28T11:21:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T05:51:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/?p=222005"},"modified":"2026-08-28T11:21:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T05:51:41","slug":"axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Review 2026: NAV, Returns, Portfolio &#038; Should You Invest?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/axis-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a> has a NAV of \u20b9137.99 as of 27 Aug 2026 and a scheme AUM of \u20b930,088 Cr. Its 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns are 13.89%, 17.31% and 18.01%, and the fund sits in the High Risk category. Our view is that this is a small-cap fund for investors who can tolerate sharp swings in exchange for a long holding period and who are comfortable with a portfolio that stays heavily tilted toward smaller companies.<\/p>\n<p>The fund\u2019s recent return pattern is steadier than its category label may suggest, but the portfolio remains concentrated in small caps and in a few sectors. That makes it more suitable for investors who want small-cap exposure with a meaningful quality buffer from larger, more established holdings, rather than for those looking for a low-volatility equity option.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Quick_facts\" title=\"Quick facts\">Quick facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Performance\" title=\"Performance\">Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_Axis_Small_Cap\" title=\"Should you BUY or HOLD Axis Small Cap?\">Should you BUY or HOLD Axis Small Cap?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Peer_comparison\" title=\"Peer comparison\">Peer comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\" title=\"Portfolio: where your money goes\">Portfolio: where your money goes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Who_should_invest\" title=\"Who should invest\">Who should invest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Tax_and_exit_load\" title=\"Tax and exit load\">Tax and exit load<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" title=\"Frequently asked questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_is_the_current_NAV_of_Axis_Small_Cap_Fund_Direct_Growth_Plan\" title=\"What is the current NAV of Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan?\">What is the current NAV of Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_are_the_1-year_3-year_and_5-year_returns\" title=\"What are the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?\">What are the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#How_does_it_compare_with_the_benchmark\" title=\"How does it compare with the benchmark?\">How does it compare with the benchmark?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#How_does_it_compare_with_peer_funds_on_available_return_data\" title=\"How does it compare with peer funds on available return data?\">How does it compare with peer funds on available return data?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#What_is_the_minimum_SIP_amount\" title=\"What is the minimum SIP amount?\">What is the minimum SIP amount?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Who_manages_the_fund_and_what_is_the_exit_load\" title=\"Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?\">Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Bottom_line\" title=\"Bottom line\">Bottom line<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\" title=\"Explore mutual funds with Univest\">Explore mutual funds with Univest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/axis-small-cap-fund-direct-growth-review-2026\/#RIA_disclosure\" title=\"RIA disclosure\">RIA disclosure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_facts\"><\/span>Quick facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Metric<\/th>\n<th>Value<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>NAV<\/td>\n<td>\u20b9137.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AUM<\/td>\n<td>\u20b930,088 Cr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Expense Ratio<\/td>\n<td>0.56%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Launch Date<\/td>\n<td>29 Nov 2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Min SIP<\/td>\n<td>\u20b9100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk Category<\/td>\n<td>High Risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Benchmark<\/td>\n<td>Nifty Small Cap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Category<\/td>\n<td>Equity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Exit Load<\/td>\n<td>Nil for 10% of investments and 1% for the remaining investments on or before 12 months, nil after 12 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fund Managers<\/td>\n<td>Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki, Krishnaa N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The fund is managed by Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki and Krishnaa N.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 27 Aug 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performance\"><\/span>Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Period<\/th>\n<th>Fund return<\/th>\n<th>Benchmark return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1M<\/td>\n<td>4.51%<\/td>\n<td>3.90%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3M<\/td>\n<td>10.95%<\/td>\n<td>8.48%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1Y<\/td>\n<td>13.89%<\/td>\n<td>8.56%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3Y<\/td>\n<td>17.31%<\/td>\n<td>14.23%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5Y<\/td>\n<td>18.01%<\/td>\n<td>15.79%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The fund has stayed ahead of the benchmark across every period shown. That matters because the edge is not limited to one short burst: the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns all lead the index by a clear margin.<\/p>\n<p>The short-term pattern looks constructive as well. The 1-month and 3-month figures are both stronger than the benchmark, which suggests the fund entered the latest period with decent momentum rather than needing a sharp rebound to catch up. The daily pattern also points to a choppy but broadly improving path, with small pullbacks along the way rather than a straight line higher.<\/p>\n<p>Over longer stretches, the fund has compounded at a healthy pace for a small-cap strategy. The 3-year and 5-year returns are close enough to each other to suggest that performance has been persistent rather than purely cyclical, and that is reinforced by the benchmark gap that remains visible over the full period. Our view is that the recent trend is directionally consistent with the longer record, even if the path remains uneven.<\/p>\n<p>For investors, the key point is that the fund has not merely outperformed in one window and lagged in another. It has continued to hold a lead over the benchmark while still showing the sort of volatility that comes with small-cap exposure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 27 Aug 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-mf-premium-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;background:#f7faff\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_BUY_or_HOLD_Axis_Small_Cap\"><\/span>Should you BUY or HOLD Axis Small Cap?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A fund&#8217;s past returns alone don&#8217;t tell you whether you should buy it today or continue holding it.<\/p>\n<p>The right decision depends on factors such as your current allocation, purchase price, risk profile, investment horizon and the role this fund plays in your overall portfolio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Already holding Axis Small Cap? Thinking of investing now?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Get your portfolio analysed for FREE by SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (RIA) through Univest MF Premium<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peer_comparison\"><\/span>Peer comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Fund<\/th>\n<th>1Y return<\/th>\n<th>3Y return<\/th>\n<th>5Y return<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/axis-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>13.89%<\/td>\n<td>17.31%<\/td>\n<td>18.01%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/trustmf-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>34.453%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/bank-of-india-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">Bank of India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>29.8577%<\/td>\n<td>23.6915%<\/td>\n<td>21.6131%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/motilal-oswal-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>27.3968%<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<td>Data not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/union-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">Union Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>26.5565%<\/td>\n<td>19.2487%<\/td>\n<td>19.1461%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/mutual-funds\/iti-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\">ITI Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan<\/a><\/td>\n<td>24.4962%<\/td>\n<td>27.0623%<\/td>\n<td>20.7449%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This assessment is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639.<\/p>\n<p>The fund\u2019s 1-year return is below all of these peer observations that have a usable 1-year figure, but its longer track record is more balanced. On 3-year and 5-year numbers where available, it sits below Bank of India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan and ITI Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan, while staying close enough to Union Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan to remain competitive on medium-term compounding. The short-term gap is wider than the long-term gap, so the peer picture is mixed rather than one-sided.<\/p>\n<p>That mix matters because it suggests the fund\u2019s latest year has been less forceful than several peers, even though its multi-year record is still respectable. For an investor comparing small-cap options, the recent comparison is less flattering than the longer-term comparison, which is why the fund looks better on a patient holding period than on a one-year screen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 27 Aug 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<div class=\"univest-peer-login-cta\" style=\"margin:20px 0;padding:16px 18px;border:1px solid #d8e3f0;border-radius:8px;background:#f7faff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Want to know more?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"font-weight:700;text-decoration:none\">Log in to Univest<\/a> for more mutual fund insights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Portfolio_where_your_money_goes\"><\/span>Portfolio: where your money goes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Market-cap mix: small cap 72.08%, mid cap 12.56%, large cap 6.89% and other cap 8.47%.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Sector<\/th>\n<th>Portfolio weight<\/th>\n<th>Key holdings<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>BANK<\/td>\n<td>26.01%<\/td>\n<td>CITY UNION BANK LIMITED (20.64%), KARUR VYSYA BANK LIMITED (0.64%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>REALTY<\/td>\n<td>14.80%<\/td>\n<td>BRIGADE ENTERPRISES LIMITED (13.24%), THE PHOENIX MILLS LIMITED (0.53%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FINANCE<\/td>\n<td>8.94%<\/td>\n<td>MULTI COMMODITY EXCHANGE OF INDIA LIMITED (5.51%), CHOLAMANDALAM FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED (0.83%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>RETAILING<\/td>\n<td>6.27%<\/td>\n<td>TRENT LIMITED (4.95%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>HEALTHCARE<\/td>\n<td>5.18%<\/td>\n<td>KRISHNA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES LIMITED (1.30%), METROPOLIS HEALTHCARE LIMITED (0.75%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The portfolio is dominated by small caps, and that is the most important structural fact for investors to note. The large-cap slice is modest at 6.89%, while mid caps add another 12.56%, so the fund does keep a limited stabilising layer outside the smallest companies. Still, the 72.08% small-cap weight means the scheme should behave like a genuine small-cap fund rather than a blended multi-cap style product.<\/p>\n<p>Within sectors, BANK is materially larger than the next exposure, REALTY. That gap means banking-related performance could have a greater influence on the fund than any other single area, especially because CITY UNION BANK LIMITED is the largest individual holding by a wide margin. REALTY is also meaningful, but it sits well behind BANK and is more likely to play a secondary role.<\/p>\n<p>FINANCE, RETAILING and HEALTHCARE are smaller contributions and help add some diversification, but they do not change the core shape of the portfolio. Our view is that the sector mix, combined with the heavy small-cap weighting, may produce periods when the fund moves differently from broader equity funds and may also explain why results can remain uneven even when the medium-term trend is constructive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 27 Aug 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_should_invest\"><\/span>Who should invest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This fund suits investors who are comfortable with High Risk equity exposure and who can stay invested through volatile phases. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year return pattern shows decent compounding, but the journey has not been smooth, so the holding period matters.<\/p>\n<p>It is better aligned with a long horizon than with a short tactical allocation. Investors who want a small-cap sleeve with a limited mid-cap and large-cap cushion may find the structure easier to hold through market swings than a more concentrated pure small-cap portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>The main trade-off is clear: you get meaningful exposure to smaller companies and a return record that has stayed ahead of the benchmark, but you also accept higher swings and sector concentration, especially in banking and realty.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tax_and_exit_load\"><\/span>Tax and exit load<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Holding period<\/th>\n<th>Tax rate<\/th>\n<th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held less than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>20%<\/td>\n<td>Short-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Units held more than 1 year<\/td>\n<td>12.5%<\/td>\n<td>Long-term capital gains tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Exit load:<\/strong> Nil for 10% of investments and 1% for the remaining investments on or before 12 months. Nil after 12 months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mf-source-date\"><small>Source data date: as of 27 Aug 2026<\/small><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_current_NAV_of_Axis_Small_Cap_Fund_Direct_Growth_Plan\"><\/span>What is the current NAV of Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The current NAV is \u20b9137.99 as of 27 Aug 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_1-year_3-year_and_5-year_returns\"><\/span>What are the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The 1-year return is 13.89%, the 3-year return is 17.31% and the 5-year return is 18.01%.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_it_compare_with_the_benchmark\"><\/span>How does it compare with the benchmark?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has stayed ahead of the Nifty Small Cap benchmark across 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years. That points to consistent relative strength rather than a single strong phase.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_it_compare_with_peer_funds_on_available_return_data\"><\/span>How does it compare with peer funds on available return data?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Its 1-year return is below the better recent peer readings shown here, while its 3-year and 5-year numbers remain competitive but not the strongest among the peers with available longer-term figures. The short-term and longer-term pictures are therefore different.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_minimum_SIP_amount\"><\/span>What is the minimum SIP amount?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The minimum SIP amount is \u20b9100.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_manages_the_fund_and_what_is_the_exit_load\"><\/span>Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fund is managed by Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki and Krishnaa N. The exit load is nil for 10% of investments and 1% for the remaining investments on or before 12 months, and nil after 12 months.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_line\"><\/span>Bottom line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan has a stronger long-term shape than its recent year alone might suggest, because the 3-year and 5-year returns remain solid and the benchmark gap stays positive across periods. Peer comparisons show that the latest 1-year reading is not the standout feature, but the medium-term record still holds up. The fund carries High Risk characteristics, and its small-cap tilt is pronounced, with BANK the largest sector. It fits patient investors who want a genuine small-cap allocation and can accept uneven swings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"univest-posted-at\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#666;margin:20px 0 8px\">Published on 28 August 2026 at 10:39 AM IST<\/p>\n<section class=\"univest-login-cta\" style=\"margin:28px 0;padding:24px;border-radius:10px;background:#eef5ff;border:1px solid #cddff7;text-align:center\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_mutual_funds_with_Univest\"><\/span>Explore mutual funds with Univest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Review mutual fund data, compare performance and explore fund insights on Univest.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:6px;background:#1f4e79;color:#fff !important;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700\">Explore Univest<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"univest-disclaimer\">\n<h2 style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"RIA_disclosure\"><\/span>RIA disclosure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. This review is prepared by Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. (earlier known as Uniapps Global Research Pvt. Ltd.) under SEBI Registered Investment Adviser registration INA000017639 for general informational purposes and is not personalized investment advice.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"InvestmentFund\",\"name\":\"Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan\",\"identifier\":\"axis-small-cap-fund-g-direct-plan\",\"category\":\"Equity\",\"dateCreated\":\"29 Nov 2013\",\"isAccessibleForFree\":true,\"additionalProperty\":[{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"NAV\",\"value\":137.99,\"valueReference\":\"as of 27 Aug 2026\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"AUM\",\"value\":\"30088 Cr\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Expense Ratio\",\"value\":\"0.56\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Benchmark\",\"value\":\"Nifty Small Cap\"},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"1Y Return\",\"value\":13.8891},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"3Y Return\",\"value\":17.3137},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"5Y Return\",\"value\":18.0093},{\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Fund Managers\",\"value\":\"Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki, Krishnaa N\"}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the current NAV of Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The current NAV is \u20b9137.99 as of 27 Aug 2026.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The 1-year return is 13.89%, the 3-year return is 17.31% and the 5-year return is 18.01%.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does it compare with the benchmark?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It has stayed ahead of the Nifty Small Cap benchmark across 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years. That points to consistent relative strength rather than a single strong phase.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does it compare with peer funds on available return data?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Its 1-year return is below the better recent peer readings shown here, while its 3-year and 5-year numbers remain competitive but not the strongest among the peers with available longer-term figures. The short-term and longer-term pictures are therefore different.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the minimum SIP amount?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The minimum SIP amount is \u20b9100.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who manages the fund and what is the exit load?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The fund is managed by Tejas Sheth, Mayank Hyanki and Krishnaa N. The exit load is nil for 10% of investments and 1% for the remaining investments on or before 12 months, and nil after 12 months.\"}}]}<\/script><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"{{ANALYST_NAME}}\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd.\"},\"description\":\"Uniapps Investment Adviser Pvt. Ltd. \u2014 SEBI Registered Investment Adviser INA000017639\"}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan is a High Risk small-cap fund with a \u20b9137.99 NAV as of 27 Aug 2026, \u20b930,088 Cr AUM and 18.01% 5Y return.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":222003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3841],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-222005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mutual-funds"],"metadata":{"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["222003"],"rank_math_title":["Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Review 2026"],"rank_math_description":["Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan has a \u20b9137.99 NAV, 13.89% 1Y return and 18.01% 5Y return as of 27 Aug 2026."],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Plan 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