ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund: Best Schemes, SIP Plans, Returns & Complete Guide 2026

Wed Apr 01 2026

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is India’s largest asset management company by AUM, managing approximately Rs.11.30 lakh crore across more than 1,295 schemes as of December 2025. Backed by the joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Plc, this AMC has been a cornerstone of India’s retail investor journey since 1993 — serving over 97 lakh investors across 350+ locations nationwide.

For investors searching for the best ICICI Prudential mutual fund schemes in 2026, the choices range from the flagship Bluechip (Large Cap) Fund with a 5-year CAGR of 14.58% to sector-specific plays in infrastructure, pharma, and technology. Whether you are a first-time SIP investor or a seasoned portfolio builder looking for tax saving under Section 80C, ICICI Prudential’s fund range covers every risk appetite and investment horizon.

This article covers ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund’s top schemes, NAV, historical returns, SIP plans, who should invest in each fund category, and how to start investing. Get free investment research and recommendations at Univest.

Table of Contents

About ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

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ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited was incorporated in 1993 as a joint venture between ICICI Bank — one of India’s largest private sector banks — and Prudential Plc, a leading pan-Asia and Africa financial services group. Over three decades, ICICI Prudential has grown from 2 locations and 6 employees to more than 3,072 employees and a reach spanning 350+ cities.

The AMC manages significant Assets Under Management across equity, debt, hybrid, and solution-oriented categories. Its fund management philosophy blends macroeconomic research with bottom-up stock selection, with Senior Fund Manager Sankaran Naren — one of India’s most respected equity investors — heading key equity mandates including the flagship Large Cap and Value Discovery funds.

ICICI Prudential is ranked among the top AMCs by AUM in every AMFI monthly disclosure and has consistently delivered category-beating returns across market cycles. The minimum SIP investment across most equity schemes is as low as Rs.100, making it accessible to first-time investors starting their wealth creation journey.

Top ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Schemes in 2026

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Fund Name	Category	AUM (Cr)	5Y CAGR	Min SIP	Risk
ICICI Pru Bluechip (Large Cap)	Large Cap	Rs.77,452	14.58%	Rs.100	Very High
ICICI Pru Flexicap Fund	Flexi Cap	Rs.12,000+	New Fund	Rs.100	Very High
ICICI Pru ELSS Tax Saver	ELSS	Rs.15,000+	15.8%	Rs.500	Very High
ICICI Pru Balanced Advantage	Hybrid	Rs.55,000+	13%+	Rs.100	Moderate
ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund	Sectoral	Rs.8,000+	28%+	Rs.100	Very High
ICICI Pru Value Discovery	Value	Rs.43,000+	22%+	Rs.100	Very High

Source: ICICI Prudential AMC, Groww, Value Research — April 2026. 5Y CAGR based on Direct Growth plan. Past returns do not guarantee future performance.

Detailed Fund Analysis — ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund — The Core Large-Cap Hold

The ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund (formerly ICICI Prudential Large Cap Fund) is one of India’s most popular large-cap mutual funds. With an AUM of Rs.77,452 crore, it is among the largest funds in its category. Managed by Sankaran Naren, Vaibhav Dusad, and Sharmila D’Silva, the fund has delivered a 5-year CAGR of 14.58% as of March 2026. The Direct Plan NAV stands at Rs.112.42 as of March 30, 2026.

The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in large-cap stocks at all times — companies ranked in the top 100 by market capitalisation. This makes it suitable for investors who want stable equity exposure without the volatility of mid or small-cap funds. The expense ratio of 0.85% (Direct Plan) is competitive for its AUM size. Minimum SIP starts at Rs.100, making it India’s most accessible large-cap fund.

Track the Bluechip Fund’s live NAV, portfolio, and sector allocation on the Univest iOS App or Univest Android App.

ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund — Contrarian Wealth Creator

The Value Discovery Fund has been one of the standout performers in the ICICI Prudential stable over the long term. Following a buy-low philosophy, it seeks undervalued companies across market caps. With an AUM of approximately Rs.43,000 crore and a 5-year CAGR above 22%, it is a testament to Sankaran Naren’s contrarian stock-picking approach. This fund has outperformed in both bull and bear markets due to its focus on margin of safety rather than momentum.

For investors with a 5-year-plus horizon and a willingness to tolerate some volatility, the Value Discovery Fund provides exposure to businesses that are temporarily out of favour but fundamentally sound. It is not suitable for investors who need regular liquidity or are market-momentum driven.

ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund — For Conservative Equity Investors

The Balanced Advantage Fund dynamically adjusts its equity-debt allocation based on proprietary market valuation models. When markets are expensive, it reduces equity; when markets correct, it adds equity. This makes it one of the least volatile equity hybrid products in the ICICI Prudential range. With AUM above Rs.55,000 crore, it is one of India’s largest hybrid funds. Suitable for investors who are new to equity, or those who want a smoother ride through market cycles.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund — top 4 schemes with AUM, returns, NAV and risk rating

How to Start SIP in ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

Starting a Systematic Investment Plan in any ICICI Prudential scheme is straightforward. The minimum SIP across most equity schemes starts at Rs.100, and there is no maximum limit. Here is a step-by-step approach:

Choose your fund category based on your goal — Large Cap for stability, Flexicap for broad exposure, ELSS for tax saving, or Balanced Advantage for conservative equity entry.
Decide your SIP amount and frequency. Monthly SIPs on the 5th or 10th of the month work well for salaried investors aligning with salary credit dates.
Complete your KYC (Know Your Customer) process online using Aadhaar and PAN — this is a one-time requirement across all mutual fund investments in India.
Invest directly through the ICICI Prudential AMC website (Direct Plan) to avoid distributor commission and benefit from a lower expense ratio.

Who Should Invest in ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund?

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund schemes suit a wide range of investor profiles. Conservative investors who want equity exposure with downside protection should consider the Balanced Advantage Fund. Moderate investors building a core equity portfolio will find the Bluechip and Value Discovery Funds appropriate. Aggressive investors with a 7-year-plus horizon and high risk tolerance can allocate to the Infrastructure, Technology, or Pharma sector funds. First-time investors with a small monthly surplus should start with the Bluechip Fund SIP at Rs.100 per month and gradually increase the SIP amount as income grows.

For personalised mutual fund scheme recommendations based on your risk profile, financial goals, and investment horizon, visit Univest Mutual Fund Advisory—India’s SEBI-registered mutual fund and stock research platform.

Tax Implications — ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Equity Schemes

Mutual fund taxation in India is scheme-category specific. For all equity funds (large cap, midcap, small cap, flexi cap, ELSS, thematic) managed by this AMC:

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) — if you redeem within 12 months of investment, gains are taxed at 20% regardless of your income tax slab.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) — if you redeem after 12 months, gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per financial year are taxed at 12.5% without indexation benefit. Gains up to Rs.1.25 lakh annually are tax-free.
ELSS (Tax Saver) Schemes — investments up to Rs.1.5 lakh per year qualify for deduction under Section 80C. The 3-year lock-in ensures all gains are automatically long-term.
Dividend income — any dividends declared by equity mutual fund schemes are added to your taxable income and taxed at your applicable income tax slab rate.

Use the Univest Screener to compare post-tax returns across mutual fund categories and plan your portfolio tax-efficiently.

Key Risks Before Investing in ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

Market risk — all equity funds are subject to NAV fluctuation based on stock market performance. Investors with a short horizon (less than 3 years) should not invest in pure equity schemes.
Concentration risk in sector funds — infrastructure, pharma, and technology funds are undiversified and can underperform significantly if the sector falls out of favour.
Large AUM disadvantage — the Bluechip Fund’s Rs.77,000+ crore AUM makes it difficult to take meaningful positions in smaller companies, limiting alpha generation over time.
Interest rate risk for hybrid funds — the debt component of Balanced Advantage and other hybrid funds is sensitive to RBI rate cycle changes.
Exit load — most equity funds charge 1% if redeemed within 12 months. Plan your investment horizon accordingly to avoid unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, with its Rs.11.30 lakh crore AUM and 30-year track record, remains one of the most reliable choices for Indian retail investors building long-term wealth through SIP. From the Bluechip Fund’s steady large-cap returns to the contrarian Value Discovery Fund and the tax-efficient ELSS scheme, the AMC offers a scheme for every investor goal. Start with a clear objective — whether it is wealth creation, tax saving, or conservative equity entry — match it to the right ICICI Prudential scheme, and stay invested through market cycles for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ICICI Prudential mutual fund safe?

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and is one of India’s most established AMCs with over 30 years of operations. While no mutual fund is capital-guaranteed, ICICI Prudential follows SEBI-mandated risk controls. Equity funds carry market risk, but the AMC’s fund management track record across multiple market cycles provides a reasonable level of confidence for long-term investors.

Which is the best ICICI Prudential mutual fund for SIP in 2026?

For most investors starting a SIP in 2026, the ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund (Large Cap) is a solid starting point — Rs.100 minimum SIP, 14.58% 5-year CAGR, and a very diversified large-cap portfolio. For tax savings, the ICICI Prudential ELSS Tax Saver Fund offers a Section 80C deduction with a 3-year lock-in. For aggressive investors, the Infrastructure or Value Discovery Fund is worth considering with a 7-year horizon.

What is the minimum SIP amount for the ICICI Prudential mutual fund?

The minimum SIP amount for ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund schemes is Rs.100 per month for most equity and hybrid funds. This makes it one of the most accessible AMCs in India for investors with small monthly surpluses. Some debt and liquid funds may have higher minimums — typically Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.

What is ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund’s NAV today?

The ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth NAV was Rs.112.42 as of March 30, 2026. NAV changes daily based on the market value of the fund’s portfolio. For the live NAV, check the ICICI Prudential AMC website, AMFI website, or the Univest app, which provides real-time mutual fund NAV data.

How is ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund taxed?

For equity mutual fund schemes (including ELSS, large cap, flexicap), gains held for more than 1 year are taxed at 12.5% as Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) after an exemption of Rs.1.25 lakh per financial year. Gains redeemed within 1 year are taxed at 20% as Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG). For ELSS, the 3-year lock-in qualifies for LTCG treatment automatically.

What is the ICICI Prudential total AUM?

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund manages approximately Rs. 11.30 lakh crore (Rs. 11,30,333 crore) in Assets Under Management as of December 2025, making it the largest AMC in India by AUM. This includes equity, debt, hybrid, liquid, ETF, and solution-oriented schemes.

Should I invest in ICICI Prudential or HDFC Mutual Fund?

Both ICICI Prudential and HDFC Mutual Fund are among India’s top-performing AMCs with strong long-term track records. ICICI Prudential is known for its value-oriented approach (through fund managers like Sankaran Naren) and strong hybrid fund performance. HDFC Mutual Fund is known for its large-cap and mid-cap funds. The better choice depends on the specific scheme, your risk profile, and investment horizon, rather than the AMC brand alone.

How do I check my ICICI Prudential mutual fund statement?

You can check your ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund statement through the AMC website using your PAN and registered mobile number, through CAMS (Computer Age Management Services) or KFintech online portals, or through the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) available from NSDL. If you invested through Univest, your complete MF portfolio is trackable within the Univest app.

Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. All NAV, AUM, and return data in this article is sourced from AMFI, AMC websites, Groww, Value Research, and Tickertape as of April 2026. Past returns do not guarantee future performance. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making any investment decision.