Top performing CRISIL Rank 1 equity mutual funds in 2025. Explore ELSS, Flexi Cap, Mid Cap, and more with insights & rankings.

When it comes to choosing the best mutual funds, rankings by credible agencies like CRISIL (Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) offer valuable insights for investors. As of March 31, 2025, CRISIL has released its latest rankings for mutual funds, and in this article, we explore the CRISIL Rank 1 Equity Mutual Funds, providing a detailed breakdown across various fund categories.

What is CRISIL?

CRISIL is India’s leading rating agency and a subsidiary of S&P Global. It offers research, ratings, risk, and policy advisory services. In the mutual fund space, CRISIL evaluates schemes based on performance, risk-adjusted returns, and portfolio concentration. The mutual funds are assigned rankings from 1 to 5, with CRISIL Fund Rank 1 signifying “Very Good Performance”. Only the top 10% funds in a peer group earn this rating.

Understanding Types of Mutual Funds

Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to understand that mutual funds are generally categorized into three main types:

1. Equity Mutual Funds – Invest primarily in stocks and are ideal for long-term wealth creation.
2. Debt Mutual Funds – Invest in fixed income instruments like bonds and are suitable for conservative investors.
3. Hybrid Mutual Funds – Invest in both equity and debt, offering a balanced risk-return profile.

The funds covered in this article “Rank 1 Equity Mutual Funds” fall under the Equity Mutual Fund category.

📊 ELSS (Equity Linked Saving Schemes) Funds

These funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C and have a 3-year lock-in period.

a. SBI Long Term Equity Fund

• Description: A diversified ELSS fund aiming for long-term capital appreciation.

• Returns (CAGR):

  • 1-Year: 8.21%

  • 3-Year: 28.90%

  • 5-Year: 31.35%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors seeking tax-saving options with equity exposure.

b. HDFC ELSS Tax Saver

• Description: Focuses on investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related instruments.

• Returns (CAGR):

  • 1-Year: 12.49%

  • 3-Year: 26.21%

  • 5-Year: 30.76%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors looking for tax benefits along with potential for long-term growth.

c. Parag Parikh ELSS Tax Saver Fund

• Description: Aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio.

• Returns (CAGR):

  • 1-Year: 15.77%

  • 3-Year: 22.15%

  • 5-Year: 29.65%

• Investor Suitability: Best suited for investors seeking tax-saving instruments with a focus on long-term wealth creation.

These funds offer a balanced approach between large-cap and mid-cap stocks. They not only provide tax benefits but have also consistently outperformed the benchmark over longer periods.

🌟 Flexi Cap Funds

These funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing diversification.

a. HDFC Flexi Cap Fund

• Description: Aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio.

• Returns (CAGR):

  • 1-Year: 15.06%

  • 3-Year: 27.04%

  • 5-Year: 33.87%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors looking for diversified equity exposure across market capitalizations.

b. Motilal Oswal Flexi Cap Fund

• Description: Focuses on investing in quality businesses with long-term growth potential.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 16.04%

  • 3-Year: 26.36%

  • 5-Year: 25.06%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors seeking a focused approach to equity investing with flexibility across market caps.

c. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

• Description: Invests in Indian and foreign equities, aiming for long-term capital growth.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 14.14%

  • 3-Year: 23.37%

  • 5-Year: 29.03%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors looking for a diversified portfolio with international exposure.

Flexi Cap funds give fund managers the liberty to pick stocks from any market capitalization, making them resilient during market cycles. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, in particular, has gained popularity for its global equity exposure.

🌍 Focused Funds

Focused funds invest in a limited number of high-conviction stocks (usually 20-30).

a. HDFC Focused 30 Fund

• Description: Concentrated portfolio aiming for long-term capital appreciation.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 15.91%

  • 3-Year: 27.60%

  • 5-Year: 34.41%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors with a high-risk appetite seeking focused equity investments.

b. Invesco India Focused Fund

• Description: Aims to generate capital appreciation by investing in a concentrated portfolio.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 29.76%

  • 3-Year: 27.73%

  • 4-Year: 29.76% (5-Year CAGR data not available as fund launched in Sep 2020)

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors looking for a concentrated equity portfolio with potential for high returns.

c. ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund

• Description: Focuses on investing in a select number of high-conviction stocks.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 14.26%

  • 3-Year: 26.73%

  • 5-Year: 29.59%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors seeking focused exposure to equities with a long-term investment horizon.

These funds adopt a high-conviction strategy by investing in a limited number of quality stocks. They’re ideal for seasoned investors who can handle volatility.

📊 Index Funds / ETFs

These passively managed funds track market indices like the Nifty 50 or Sensex.

a. ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 ETF

• Description: Aims to provide returns that closely correspond to the total returns of the Nifty 50 Index.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 9.03%

  • 3-Year: 16.33%

  • 5-Year: 23.47

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors seeking low-cost exposure to the Nifty 50 Index.

b. SBI Nifty 50 ETF

• Description: Seeks to provide returns that closely correspond to the performance of the Nifty 50 Index.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 9.06%

  • 3-Year: 16.36%

  • 5-Year: 23.49%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors looking for passive investment options tracking the Nifty 50 Index.

c. ICICI Prudential BSE Sensex ETF

• Description: Aims to provide returns that closely correspond to the total returns of the BSE Sensex.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 9.16%

  • 3-Year: 15.74%

  • 5-Year: 22.68%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors seeking exposure to the BSE Sensex through a passive investment strategy.

d. UTI BSE Sensex ETF

• Description: Seeks to replicate the performance of the BSE Sensex Index.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 9.14%

  • 3-Year: 15.71%

  • 5-Year: Data not available as fund launched in Jan 2022.

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors looking for a low-cost investment option tracking the BSE Sensex.

e. SBI BSE Sensex ETF

• Description: Aims to provide returns that closely correspond to the performance of the BSE Sensex Index.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 9.07%

  • 3-Year: 15.38%

  • 5-Year: Data not available as fund launched in May 2023.

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors seeking passive exposure to the BSE Sensex.

These funds are known for their low expense ratios and predictability. Perfect for beginners and long-term wealth creation.

📈 Large Cap Funds

Large Cap Funds invest in companies with large market capitalizations (top 100 companies), offering stability and steady growth.

Best for: Conservative investors seeking stability with steady returns.

Top CRISIL Rank 1 Large Cap Funds:

a. Nippon India Large Cap Fund

• Description: This fund invests primarily in large-cap companies with strong financials and consistent performance. It aims to deliver long-term capital appreciation by targeting industry leaders.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 10%

  • 3-Year: 24.49%

  • 5-Year: 30.26%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors seeking stability and consistent returns from established companies.

b. DSP Top 100 Equity Fund / DSP Large Cap Fund

• Description: An equity scheme focused on top 100 companies by market capitalization. The fund follows a diversified approach and is suitable for conservative investors seeking stable growth.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 15.21%

  • 3-Year: 22.93%

  • 5-Year: 24.72%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for conservative investors looking for steady growth with lower volatility.

c. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund

• Description: A popular choice in the large-cap space, this fund focuses on established blue-chip companies with a long track record of profitability and corporate governance.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 9.81%

  • 3-Year: 21.77%

  • 5-Year: 26.98%

• Investor Suitability: Best suited for investors aiming for stable returns with moderate risk exposure.

Large Cap funds invest in top 100 companies by market capitalization, making them a low-risk option in the equity category.

📊 Large and Mid Cap Funds

These funds invest a minimum of 35% each in both large and mid-cap stocks, offering a balanced exposure to stability and growth.

Best for: Balanced investors aiming for stability plus aggressive growth.

Top CRISIL Rank 1 Large and Mid Cap Funds:

a. Bandhan Core Equity Fund

• Description: Combines the strength of large-cap stocks with the growth potential of mid-caps. It focuses on high-conviction bets in core sectors.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 10.61%

  • 3-Year: 28.55%

  • 5-Year: 32.46%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors seeking a diversified portfolio with moderate risk and good growth prospects.

b. ICICI Prudential Large & Mid Cap Fund

• Description: This fund follows a blend strategy to capture opportunities in both segments, maintaining sectoral balance and delivering long-term growth.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 12.66%

  • 3-Year: 26.16%

  • 5-Year: 32.79%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors looking for a balanced approach between stability and growth.

c. Nippon India Vision Fund

• Description: A diversified fund aiming to capitalize on both market segments. It combines quality large-caps with high-growth mid-cap stocks to maximize returns.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 10%

  • 3-Year: 24.49%

  • 5-Year: 30.26%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors aiming for diversified exposure with moderate risk tolerance.

These schemes combine the reliability of large caps with the growth potential of mid-caps.

📊 Mid Cap Funds

Mid Cap Funds target medium-sized companies with growth potential, offering higher returns than large-caps but with added volatility.

Best for: Growth-oriented investors who can accept higher volatility.

Top CRISIL Rank 1 Mid Cap Funds:

a. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund

• Description: A focused fund following a buy-and-hold strategy in quality mid-cap companies with strong earnings potential and competitive advantages.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 16.82%

  • 3-Year: 33.69%

  • 5-Year: 40.05%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors with a higher risk appetite seeking substantial long-term gains

b. Invesco India Mid Cap Fund

• Description: This fund looks for under-researched, high-growth companies in the mid-cap space. Suitable for investors with a medium to long-term horizon.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 21.40%

  • 3-Year: 30.10%

  • 5-Year: 33.58%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors looking for diversification and higher returns with moderate risk.

c. Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund

• Description: A well-diversified portfolio of fundamentally strong mid-cap stocks that emphasizes growth opportunities and risk mitigation.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 16.58%

  • 3-Year: 30.11%

  • 5-Year: 36.78%

• Investor Suitability: Best suited for investors aiming for higher returns with a medium to long-term investment horizon.

Mid Cap funds are known for higher returns during market rallies but carry higher risk. Ideal for 5+ year investment horizons.

📊 Multi Cap Funds

Multi Cap Funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing diversification and flexibility in asset allocation.

Best for: Diversification across all cap segments with mandatory allocation.

Top CRISIL Rank 1 Multi Cap Fund:

a. Axis Multi Cap Fund

• Description: Axis Multi cap aims to create wealth by dynamically investing across market caps based on valuations and opportunities. It suits investors seeking a core equity portfolio.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 12.36%

  • 3-Year: 26.27%

  • 5-Year: Data not available as fund launched in Nov 2021.

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors seeking a balanced portfolio with exposure to various market capitalizations.

Multi Cap funds maintain a balanced exposure to large, mid, and small cap stocks (at least 25% each), making them suitable for well-diversified equity exposure.

📊 Small Cap Funds

Small Cap Funds invest in emerging companies with high growth potential but also come with higher risk and volatility.

Best for: Aggressive investors with high risk appetite and long-term goals.

Top CRISIL Rank 1 Small Cap Funds:

a. Bandhan Small Cap Fund

• Description: A high-conviction fund that identifies scalable businesses in the small-cap universe. Ideal for investors seeking aggressive growth.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 18.59%

  • 3-Year: 33.11%

  • 5-Year: 40.24%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for aggressive investors with a high-risk tolerance and long-term investment horizon.

b. ITI Small Cap Fund

• Description: Focuses on bottom-up stock picking and investing in companies with strong management and turnaround potential in the small-cap space.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 8.35%

  • 3-Year: 31.34%

  • 5-Year: 34.50%

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors seeking high returns and willing to accept higher volatility.

Small cap funds offer massive upside potential but can be volatile. Best suited for investors with at least a 7–10 year horizon.

🔄 Value/Contra Funds

These funds invest in undervalued stocks or adopt a contrarian investment strategy—going against the prevailing market trends.

Best for: Investors who prefer value investing or contrarian strategies.

Top CRISIL Rank 1 Value Funds:

a. ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund

• Description: A veteran in the value investing space, this fund identifies and holds onto fundamentally strong but undervalued stocks until their value is recognized by the market.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 13.38%

  • 3-Year: 24.28%

  • 5-Year: 31.08%

• Investor Suitability: Ideal for investors looking for value investing opportunities with a long-term perspective.

b. DSP Value Fund

• Description: DSP Value Fund follows a disciplined value investing approach, looking for companies trading below intrinsic value with potential for long-term re-rating.

• Returns:

  • 1-Year: 11.23%

  • 3-Year: 20.76%

  • 4-Year: 16.19% (Data not available for 5-Year as fund launched in Nov 2020)

• Investor Suitability: Suitable for investors seeking to capitalize on market inefficiencies through value investing.

These funds invest in undervalued stocks and sectors not in current favor, which may deliver superior returns when sentiment shifts.

Final Thoughts

CRISIL Rank 1 equity mutual funds offer a reliable starting point for building a well-balanced and high-performing equity portfolio. However, it’s crucial to align fund choices with your investment goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. Always consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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🤔 FAQs

1. What does CRISIL Rank 1 mean? CRISIL Rank 1 indicates ‘very good performance’ based on risk-adjusted returns and consistency.
2. How often are CRISIL rankings updated? Typically, CRISIL updates its mutual fund rankings on a quarterly basis.
3. Should I only invest in Rank 1 mutual funds? Not necessarily. Rank 2 and 3 funds may also perform well based on your risk profile. Above article covers only Rank 1 Equity Mutual Funds.
4. Are these funds suitable for SIPs? Yes, all Rank 1 funds are ideal for systematic investment plans.
5. Is CRISIL ranking the only factor to consider? No, always consider expense ratio, fund manager history, and consistency.
6. Can CRISIL Rank 1 funds deliver consistent returns? While they have historically outperformed peers, future returns aren’t guaranteed.
7. Are all these funds equity-based? Yes, this list only includes CRISIL Rank 1 equity mutual funds.
8. What is the lock-in period for ELSS funds? 3 years.
9. Do these funds pay dividends? Most offer both Growth and IDCW (Dividend) options.
10. How to invest in these funds? You can invest through platforms like Zerodha Coin, Groww, or directly via AMC websites.

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