{"id":97913,"date":"2026-05-26T16:11:30","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T10:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/?p=97913"},"modified":"2026-05-26T16:11:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T10:41:34","slug":"how-to-invest-mutual-funds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Invest in Mutual Funds in India: A Complete Beginner&#8217;s Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"meta-block\"><\/div>\n<p>Learning <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> is the single most important financial skill for any Indian investor in 2026. With the mutual fund industry AUM at Rs 81.92 lakh crore and over 27.39 crore folios as of April 2026, lakhs of new investors from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow and Coimbatore are starting their mutual fund journey every month. This step by step guide explains exactly how to invest in mutual funds in India, from KYC and platform selection to goal mapping, SIP setup, and ongoing portfolio review.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in\"><strong>Get Free Mutual Fund Advisory on Univest, Tap Here<\/strong><\/a><\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Why_Knowing_How_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds_Matters_in_2026\" title=\"Why Knowing How to Invest in Mutual Funds Matters in 2026\">Why Knowing How to Invest in Mutual Funds Matters in 2026<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Step_1_Complete_Your_KYC_Before_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Step 1: Complete Your KYC Before You Invest in Mutual Funds\">Step 1: Complete Your KYC Before You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Step_2_Define_Your_Goals_Before_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Step 2: Define Your Goals Before You Invest in Mutual Funds\">Step 2: Define Your Goals Before You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Step_3_Choose_the_Right_Platform_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Step 3: Choose the Right Platform to Invest in Mutual Funds\">Step 3: Choose the Right Platform to Invest in Mutual Funds<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Step_4_Pick_the_Right_Category_of_Mutual_Funds_for_Your_Profile\" title=\"Step 4: Pick the Right Category of Mutual Funds for Your Profile\">Step 4: Pick the Right Category of Mutual Funds for Your Profile<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Step_5_Set_Up_Your_First_SIP_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Step 5: Set Up Your First SIP to Invest in Mutual Funds\">Step 5: Set Up Your First SIP to Invest in Mutual Funds<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Step_6_Track_Your_Mutual_Funds_Portfolio_Regularly\" title=\"Step 6: Track Your Mutual Funds Portfolio Regularly\">Step 6: Track Your Mutual Funds Portfolio Regularly<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Invest in Mutual Funds\">Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Taxation_You_Should_Know_When_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Taxation You Should Know When You Invest in Mutual Funds\">Taxation You Should Know When You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#How_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds_for_Children_and_Family_Members\" title=\"How to Invest in Mutual Funds for Children and Family Members\">How to Invest in Mutual Funds for Children and Family Members<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_on_How_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions on How to Invest in Mutual Funds\">Frequently Asked Questions on How to Invest in Mutual Funds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#How_to_invest_in_mutual_funds_in_India_for_the_first_time\" title=\"How to invest in mutual funds in India for the first time?\">How to invest in mutual funds in India for the first time?<\/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\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#What_documents_are_required_to_invest_in_mutual_funds\" title=\"What documents are required to invest in mutual funds?\">What documents are required to invest in mutual funds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Can_I_invest_in_mutual_funds_without_a_Demat_account\" title=\"Can I invest in mutual funds without a Demat account?\">Can I invest in mutual funds without a Demat account?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#What_is_the_minimum_SIP_amount_to_start_investing_in_mutual_funds\" title=\"What is the minimum SIP amount to start investing in mutual funds?\">What is the minimum SIP amount to start investing in mutual funds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#How_long_does_it_take_for_a_mutual_fund_SIP_to_start\" title=\"How long does it take for a mutual fund SIP to start?\">How long does it take for a mutual fund SIP to start?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#Should_I_invest_in_direct_or_regular_mutual_fund_plans\" title=\"Should I invest in direct or regular mutual fund plans?\">Should I invest in direct or regular mutual fund plans?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#How_to_invest_in_mutual_funds_online_safely\" title=\"How to invest in mutual funds online safely?\">How to invest in mutual funds online safely?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/how-to-invest-mutual-funds\/#What_is_the_right_age_to_start_investing_in_mutual_funds_in_India\" title=\"What is the right age to start investing in mutual funds in India?\">What is the right age to start investing in mutual funds in India?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Knowing_How_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds_Matters_in_2026\"><\/span><strong>Why Knowing How to Invest in Mutual Funds Matters in 2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> the right way is the difference between building a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus and falling short by half. India&#8217;s mutual fund industry has grown from Rs 14.22 lakh crore in 2016 to Rs 81.92 lakh crore in April 2026, a roughly six fold expansion driven by retail SIP inflows that hit a record Rs 32,087 crore in March 2026. The Indian salaried class, especially professionals in their 20s and 30s, is increasingly choosing mutual funds over traditional FDs and insurance linked products because of superior long term returns and tax efficiency.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Complete_Your_KYC_Before_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Complete Your KYC Before You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Know Your Customer (KYC) is the mandatory first step in learning <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> in India. Without an active KYC, no AMC or platform can accept your investment. The good news is that e-KYC is now fully paperless and takes under 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Documents you will need: PAN card, Aadhaar card (linked to your mobile number for OTP verification), a cancelled cheque or bank statement showing the IFSC code, and a passport size photograph. Visit any SEBI registered KYC Registration Agency (KRA) like CAMS, KFintech, NDML, CVL KRA or any platform like Univest to complete the process digitally. Once KYC is approved, it is valid across all 44 AMCs in India for any future mutual fund investment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Define_Your_Goals_Before_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Define Your Goals Before You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The biggest mistake retail investors make when learning <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> is skipping goal definition. Without a goal, you cannot choose the right fund category, the right SIP amount, or the right time horizon. Common goals for Indian investors include retirement corpus, child higher education (typical target Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore in 15 to 18 years), home down payment, daughter&#8217;s wedding, building a Rs 1 crore liquid wealth pool, and tax saving under Section 80C.<\/p>\n<p>Each goal has three variables: target amount, time horizon, and risk tolerance. A retirement goal 30 years out can absorb high equity exposure. A wedding 4 years away needs a debt heavy allocation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Choose_the_Right_Platform_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Choose the Right Platform to Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are five broad platform types in India for those learning <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>AMC websites directly:<\/strong> HDFC AMC, ICICI Prudential, Nippon India, SBI MF, Axis MF, Kotak Mahindra AMC. You get direct plan benefit but each AMC has a separate login.<\/li>\n<li><strong>RTA platforms:<\/strong> MFCentral by CAMS and KFintech allow one consolidated login across all AMCs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>SEBI registered investment platforms:<\/strong> Univest, Groww, Zerodha Coin, Kuvera, ETMoney, Paytm Money offer one app for all funds, with built in advisory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stockbrokers:<\/strong> If you already have a Demat account, you can buy mutual funds through your broker.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Distributors and IFAs:<\/strong> Traditional distributors sell regular plans, charging commission embedded in expense ratio.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For investors in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and tier 2 cities, the Univest mutual fund advisory plan combines direct plan economics with personalised SEBI registered research recommendations, making it a strong choice for serious wealth builders.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Pick_the_Right_Category_of_Mutual_Funds_for_Your_Profile\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Pick the Right Category of Mutual Funds for Your Profile<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This is the part of <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> where most beginners get confused. There are over 1,500 active schemes across 44 AMCs, but they all map to a handful of categories.<\/p>\n<p>For a 25 to 35 year old salaried professional with a 20+ year horizon: 60 percent flexi cap, 20 percent mid cap or small cap, 15 percent large cap or index, 5 percent ELSS for tax saving. For a 35 to 45 year old with mid term goals: 50 percent flexi cap, 20 percent large cap, 15 percent mid cap, 15 percent hybrid or debt. For a 45+ investor approaching retirement: 40 percent large cap, 20 percent flexi cap, 30 percent debt or hybrid, 10 percent gold. These are starting templates, not prescriptions. A SEBI registered mutual fund advisor will personalise these ratios to your exact profile.<\/p>\n<p>Compare top schemes by 3Y, 5Y, AUM and expense ratio on the <a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/screeners\"><strong>Univest Mutual Fund Screener<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Set_Up_Your_First_SIP_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Set Up Your First SIP to Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is the most popular way to <strong>invest in mutual funds<\/strong> for salaried investors. Here is how to set up your first SIP:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Choose your selected fund scheme and click on Start SIP.<\/li>\n<li>Set the SIP amount (start with Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000 monthly if your salary supports it).<\/li>\n<li>Choose the SIP date (between 1st and 28th of every month, ideally 2 to 3 days after your salary credit).<\/li>\n<li>Set SIP duration (perpetual is preferred for long term goals as it does not need annual renewal).<\/li>\n<li>Set up NACH mandate with your bank (one time auto debit authorisation).<\/li>\n<li>Add Step Up SIP feature, where the SIP amount increases by 10 percent every year, dramatically improving outcomes over 20 years.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Track_Your_Mutual_Funds_Portfolio_Regularly\"><\/span><strong>Step 6: Track Your Mutual Funds Portfolio Regularly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you know <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> and set up your first SIP, the next discipline is regular review without overreacting. Review your portfolio every 6 months on these metrics: rolling 1Y, 3Y and 5Y CAGR versus benchmark, peer category ranking, fund manager continuity, AUM stability (no sudden inflows or outflows above 20 percent), and overall portfolio allocation versus your target.<\/p>\n<p>Action triggers: exit a fund only if it has underperformed the benchmark by more than 3 percent for 18 consecutive months, or if the fund manager has changed and the new manager has a weaker track record, or if the AUM has shrunk sharply due to redemptions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chasing past 1 year returns:<\/strong> The top fund of last year is rarely the top fund of next year. Look at 5 year and 10 year consistency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stopping SIPs during corrections:<\/strong> Corrections like the April 2026 tariff led drop are exactly when SIPs deliver the best rupee cost averaging benefit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Over diversification:<\/strong> 15 to 20 schemes do not give better returns than 5 to 7 well chosen funds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investing in NFOs without due diligence:<\/strong> New Fund Offers have no track record; established schemes with 5+ year history are usually safer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ignoring asset allocation:<\/strong> 100 percent equity at age 55 is risky; 100 percent debt at age 25 is suboptimal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Not consulting a SEBI registered advisor:<\/strong> Personalised advice prevents the mistakes that erode 30 to 40 percent of expected returns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taxation_You_Should_Know_When_You_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Taxation You Should Know When You Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Equity mutual funds attract 12.5 percent LTCG tax on gains above Rs 1.25 lakh per financial year (holding over 12 months), and 20 percent STCG for holdings under 12 months. Debt mutual funds bought after April 1, 2023 are taxed at your slab rate regardless of holding period. ELSS funds have the same 12.5 percent LTCG after the 3 year lock in.<\/p>\n<p>Download the Univest App on <a href=\"http:\/\/apps.apple.com\/in\/app\/univest-stocks-investment\/id6443753518\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>iOS<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.univest.capp&amp;hl=en_IN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Android<\/strong><\/a> to track SIPs, get personalised mutual fund advisory, and access tax aware portfolio recommendations.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds_for_Children_and_Family_Members\"><\/span><strong>How to Invest in Mutual Funds for Children and Family Members<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can <strong>invest in mutual funds<\/strong> in the name of a minor child as long as a parent or court appointed guardian operates the folio. This is a popular strategy among parents in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad to build a dedicated Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore education or marriage corpus. The child becomes the operating holder once they turn 18. For spouse or parents, separate folios in their own names are recommended for tax planning purposes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Learning <strong>how to invest in mutual funds<\/strong> is the foundation of every Indian investor&#8217;s wealth journey in 2026. The mechanics are simple: KYC, goal definition, platform choice, fund selection, SIP setup, and regular review. But the difference between an average return of 9 percent and a market beating 14 percent compounded over 20 years comes down to one factor: personalised, SEBI registered advisory aligned to your specific goals, age, and risk profile. Whether you are a 25 year old in Bengaluru starting your first Rs 5,000 SIP, a 40 year old in Mumbai building a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus, or a 50 year old in Pune planning income through SWP, get advisory support from day one. Log in to Univest for free SEBI registered mutual fund advisory today.<\/p>\n<p><em>Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_on_How_to_Invest_in_Mutual_Funds\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions on How to Invest in Mutual Funds<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_invest_in_mutual_funds_in_India_for_the_first_time\"><\/span><strong>How to invest in mutual funds in India for the first time?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> To invest in mutual funds for the first time, complete e-KYC with PAN and Aadhaar, define your financial goal and risk profile, choose a fund category like large cap or flexi cap, select a top rated scheme, and set up a monthly SIP starting at Rs 500 or higher. A SEBI registered advisor can help you choose the right allocation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_documents_are_required_to_invest_in_mutual_funds\"><\/span><strong>What documents are required to invest in mutual funds?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> You need PAN card, Aadhaar card, a cancelled cheque or bank statement for KYC, and a passport size photograph. Most platforms in India now offer paperless e-KYC where these can be uploaded digitally and verified in under 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_invest_in_mutual_funds_without_a_Demat_account\"><\/span><strong>Can I invest in mutual funds without a Demat account?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Yes, you can invest in mutual funds in India without a Demat account. Mutual fund units are held in a Statement of Account (SOA) format with the registrar like CAMS or KFintech. A Demat account is only required if you specifically want to hold units in dematerialised form.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_minimum_SIP_amount_to_start_investing_in_mutual_funds\"><\/span><strong>What is the minimum SIP amount to start investing in mutual funds?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> The minimum SIP amount to invest in mutual funds is Rs 100 per month on most platforms, with some schemes accepting Rs 500 minimum. Lump sum investments typically start at Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 depending on the scheme.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_it_take_for_a_mutual_fund_SIP_to_start\"><\/span><strong>How long does it take for a mutual fund SIP to start?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> After completing KYC and registering the SIP mandate, your first SIP installment typically gets debited within 7 to 21 days, depending on the bank mandate approval. Subsequent monthly SIPs are automated through NACH debit on your chosen date.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_invest_in_direct_or_regular_mutual_fund_plans\"><\/span><strong>Should I invest in direct or regular mutual fund plans?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Direct plans have lower expense ratios (no distributor commission) and deliver 0.5 to 1 percent higher annual returns, which compounds significantly over 10 to 20 years. Regular plans suit investors who want personalised advisory support. The Univest mutual fund advisory plan combines direct plan economics with advisory guidance.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_invest_in_mutual_funds_online_safely\"><\/span><strong>How to invest in mutual funds online safely?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Use only SEBI registered platforms or AMC websites. Verify the platform is BSE Star MF or NSE NMF II registered, complete KYC through official channels, never share OTPs, and always invest in the name of the actual investor to avoid benami issues.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_right_age_to_start_investing_in_mutual_funds_in_India\"><\/span><strong>What is the right age to start investing in mutual funds in India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> There is no minimum age to start investing in mutual funds. Many parents in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune start SIPs in their child&#8217;s name once a minor folio is opened. For adults, the earlier you start the more compounding works in your favour, ideally from the first salary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to invest in mutual funds in India 2026 step by step. 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