Top SIF Funds in India 2026: Schemes, Strategies and Comparison

Introduction

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are a new investment category in India that provides investors access to advanced strategies such as long-short investing, dynamic asset allocation, and derivative-based approaches. Unlike traditional mutual funds that generally follow long-only strategies, SIFs offer greater flexibility in managing portfolios across different market conditions.

With the availability of best stock market investment apps India 2026, investors now have easier access to various investment products. However, selecting a SIF requires understanding the fund’s strategy, risk profile, fund manager expertise, costs, and suitability rather than focusing only on recent performance.

Since SIFs are relatively new, investors should evaluate these products based on their financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon before making an investment decision.

 

What are SIF Funds and How Do They Work?

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are SEBI-regulated investment products that allow eligible Asset Management Companies (AMCs) to offer advanced investment strategies beyond traditional mutual funds. These funds combine professional fund management with strategies such as long-short investing, hedging, derivatives, and dynamic asset allocation to manage portfolios across different market conditions.

SIFs require a minimum investment of Rs. 10 lakh and are primarily designed for experienced investors who understand market risks and advanced investment strategies. These funds focus on active portfolio management, providing greater flexibility compared to conventional mutual fund structures.

How SIF Strategies Work

SIFs use different strategies to manage investments and risks:

• Long positions: Investing in securities that are expected to perform well over time.

• Short positions: Entering trades that may generate returns from anticipated market downturns or help reduce overall portfolio exposure during volatile periods.

• Derivatives: Using instruments such as futures and options for portfolio management and risk control.

• Dynamic allocation: Modifying investments across different asset classes in response to changing market trends and emerging opportunities.

 

Types of SIF Strategies Available in India

 

Best SIF Funds in India 2026

The following SIF funds are among the notable offerings in India based on factors such as AMC reputation, assets under management (AUM), investor participation, strategy type, and product positioning. Since SIFs have limited historical performance data, investors should consider overall suitability rather than short-term returns alone.

Leading SIF Funds in India

Note: Since SIFs are a relatively new investment category, investors should not evaluate these schemes solely based on short-term returns. Factors such as investment strategy, AMC experience, AUM, risk profile, costs, and portfolio suitability should also be considered before making an investment decision.

Investors looking to explore and manage market investments digitally can complete their demat account opening process online and access a wide range of investment opportunities through a convenient platform.

 

Magnum Hybrid Long Short Fund - Regular Plan - Growth

Magnum Hybrid Long Short Fund Direct Plan Growth is a Hybrid Long-Short Mutual Fund Scheme offered by SBI Mutual Fund. The scheme was launched on 20 October 2025 and follows a flexible investment approach by combining equity, debt, and derivative-based strategies to manage portfolio risks and capture market opportunities.

The fund is managed by Gaurav Mehta and uses the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 50:50 Index as its benchmark. As of 10 July 2026, the fund’s latest NAV is Rs. 10.50, while its assets under management (AUM) stand at approximately Rs. 3,454.26 crore. The scheme is classified as Very High Risk and is designed for investors who understand market volatility and are comfortable with actively managed investment strategies.

The fund has a minimum investment requirement of Rs. 10 lakh for lump sum investments and Rs. 10,000 for SIP transactions. The fund follows an open-ended structure with an expense ratio of 1.75%. An exit load of 0.50% is applicable for redemptions within 15 days, while 0.25% is charged for redemptions between 16 days and 30 days. No exit load is applicable after 30 days.

 

Altiva Hybrid Long-Short Fund - Regular Plan - Growth

Altiva Hybrid Long Short Fund Direct Plan Growth is a Hybrid Long-Short Mutual Fund Scheme offered by Edelweiss Mutual Fund. The scheme was launched on 22 October 2025 and follows a hybrid investment approach by combining equity, debt, and derivative strategies to provide portfolio diversification and manage market risks.

The fund is managed by Dhawal Dalal and uses the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 50:50 Index as its benchmark. As of 10 July 2026, the fund’s latest NAV stands at Rs. 10.90, while its assets under management (AUM) are approximately Rs. 4,466.12 crore. The scheme is classified as Very Low Risk and is designed for investors seeking a balanced investment approach with active portfolio management.

To invest in the scheme, investors need to commit at least Rs. 10 lakh through a lump sum route or Rs. 10,000 via the SIP mode. The fund follows an open-ended structure with an expense ratio of 1.34%. An exit load of 0.50% is applicable if units are redeemed within 30 days from the date of investment. No exit load is applicable after the specified period.

 

iSIF Hybrid Long-Short Fund - Growth - Direct Plan

iSIF Hybrid Long Short Fund Direct Growth is a Hybrid Long-Short Mutual Fund Scheme offered by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund. The scheme was launched on 4 February 2026 and follows a hybrid investment strategy by combining equity, debt, and derivative-based approaches to provide flexibility in portfolio management and risk mitigation.

The fund is managed by Ayush Shah and uses the CRISIL Hybrid 50+50 Moderate Index as its benchmark. As of 10 July 2026, the fund’s latest NAV stands at Rs. 10.33, while its assets under management (AUM) are approximately Rs. 844.48 crore. The scheme is classified as Very High Risk and is suitable for investors who understand market fluctuations and are comfortable with actively managed strategies.

The minimum lump sum investment required is Rs. 10 lakh, while the minimum additional investment is Rs. 10,000. The fund follows an open-ended structure with an expense ratio of 1.21%. An exit load of 1% is applicable if units are redeemed or switched out within 12 months from the date of investment. No exit load is charged for redemptions after 12 months.

 

Qsif Equity Long-Short Fund - Growth - Direct Plan

QSIF Equity Long Short Fund Direct Plan Growth is an Equity Long-Short Mutual Fund Scheme offered by Quant Mutual Fund. The scheme was launched on 7 October 2025 and follows an equity-focused long-short strategy, allowing the fund manager to invest in equities while using permitted short positions and derivatives to manage market risks.

The fund is managed by Sameer Kate and uses the NIFTY 500 Total Return Index as its benchmark. As of 10 July 2026, the fund’s latest NAV stands at Rs. 10.99, while its assets under management (AUM) are approximately Rs. 592.08 crore. The scheme is classified as High Risk and is suitable for investors seeking active equity strategies with a higher risk appetite.

The minimum lump sum investment required is Rs. 10 lakh, while the minimum SIP investment is Rs. 10,000. The fund follows an open-ended structure with an expense ratio of 4.27%. An exit load of 1% is applicable if units are redeemed or switched out within 15 days from the date of investment. No exit load is applicable after the specified period.

 

Titanium Hybrid Long-Short Fund - Growth - Direct Plan

Titanium Hybrid Long Short Fund Direct Growth is a Hybrid Long-Short Mutual Fund Scheme offered by Tata Mutual Fund. The scheme was launched on 11 December 2025 and follows a hybrid investment strategy by combining equity, fixed-income instruments, and derivative-based approaches to provide portfolio diversification and manage market risks.

The fund is managed by Hasmukh Vishariya and uses the CRISIL Hybrid 50+50 Moderate Index as its benchmark. As of 10 July 2026, the fund’s latest NAV stands at Rs. 10.24, while its assets under management (AUM) are approximately Rs. 548.72 crore. The scheme is classified as Very High Risk and is designed for investors who are comfortable with actively managed strategies and market volatility.

The minimum lump sum investment required is Rs. 10 lakh, while the minimum additional investment is Rs. 1,000. The fund follows an open-ended structure with an expense ratio of 0.97%. An exit load of 1% is applicable if units are redeemed or switched out within 365 days from the date of investment. No exit load is applicable after the specified period.

 

Factors to Consider Before Investing in SIF Funds

Before investing in Specialised Investment Funds, investors should evaluate factors such as strategy, risk, costs, and portfolio suitability.

 

SIF Funds vs Mutual Funds: Key Differences

SIFs and mutual funds differ in terms of investment approach, flexibility, and complexity. While mutual funds are designed for a broader investor base, SIFs are targeted towards investors seeking advanced strategies.

 

Who Should Invest in SIF Funds?

SIFs may be suitable for investors who:

• Have an existing investment portfolio

• Understand market risks and advanced strategies

• Seek alternatives beyond traditional mutual funds

• Can manage higher investment requirements and complexity

SIFs may not be suitable for:

• First-time investors

• Investors with low risk tolerance

• Individuals looking for simple investment products

 

Risks Associated with Investing in SIF Funds

Although SIFs offer greater flexibility and advanced investment strategies, investors should consider the associated risks. Since SIFs are relatively new products, they have limited long-term performance history. Complex strategies may not perform equally across different market conditions, while equity exposure can impact returns due to market volatility. Investors should also evaluate costs and understand liquidity terms, as redemption conditions may vary across schemes.

 

Taxation of SIF Funds in India

The taxation of SIFs depends on factors such as the fund structure, equity exposure, and applicable tax regulations at the time of redemption. Investors should review scheme documents and consult tax professionals to understand the applicable tax treatment before investing.

 

Conclusion

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) provide investors with access to advanced investment strategies that go beyond traditional mutual funds. With features such as long-short investing, dynamic allocation, and derivative-based approaches, SIFs offer greater flexibility for experienced investors.

However, investors should evaluate factors such as strategy, risk profile, AMC expertise, costs, and portfolio suitability before investing. Since SIFs are relatively new products, understanding the investment objective and risk factors is important before making a decision.

For investors looking to manage their investments digitally, selecting the best trading app in India can help track portfolios, access market insights, and manage investment decisions efficiently. A well-planned approach can help investors determine whether SIFs align with their long-term financial goals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are SIF funds in India?

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are SEBI-regulated investment products that allow AMCs to offer advanced strategies such as long-short investing, derivatives, and dynamic asset allocation.

2. What is the minimum investment required for SIF funds?

The minimum investment requirement for SIFs is generally Rs. 10 lakh, subject to applicable SEBI guidelines and scheme-specific conditions.

3. Are SIF funds suitable for beginners?

SIFs may not be suitable for beginners as they involve complex strategies, higher risk, and require a better understanding of investment products.

4. Are SIF funds better than mutual funds?

SIFs and mutual funds serve different investor needs. SIFs offer greater flexibility through advanced strategies, while mutual funds are generally simpler and more accessible for retail investors.

5. How risky are SIF funds?

The risk level depends on the strategy, asset allocation, and use of derivatives. Equity-focused SIFs may carry higher risks compared to hybrid strategies.

6. How are SIF funds different from PMS and AIFs?

SIFs provide advanced investment strategies within a SEBI-regulated framework. PMS and AIFs have different structures, investment requirements, and regulatory frameworks.

Disclaimer:  This blog is dedicated exclusively for educational purposes. Please note that the securities and investments mentioned here are provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed as recommendations. Kindly ensure thorough research prior to making any investment decisions. Participation in the securities market carries inherent risks, and it's important to carefully review all associated documents before committing to investments. Please be aware that the attainment of investment objectives is not guaranteed. It's important to note that the past performance of securities and instruments does not reliably predict future performance.