ELSS Mutual Funds, or Equity Linked Savings Schemes, are the only mutual fund schemes that help investors save tax while aiming for long-term capital growth. These funds primarily invest in equities and also qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Know more about ELSS Mutual Funds in the article below.
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ELSS Mutual Funds are equity-oriented mutual funds. This means that at least 80% of the scheme’s corpus is invested in equity and equity-related instruments. These funds primarily focus on generating long-term capital growth through equity investments. Investors can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Apart from tax benefits, ELSS also offers potential returns that are market-linked. Additionally, the returns earned after the three-year lock-in period are treated as Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) and taxed at 10% if they exceed ₹1 lakh.
Mutual funds offer various benefits to investors. The features of ELSS Mutual Funds are:
Shortest Lock-in: 3-year mandatory lock-in period—shorter than other tax-saving options like PPF or NSC.
Growth Potential: Invests in equities, which have the potential to beat inflation and deliver higher returns over time.
Low Entry Point: You can start investing with just ₹500.
ELSS mutual funds Tax Benefits: Deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C, helping you save up to ₹46,800 in taxes (based on your tax slab).
Diversified Portfolio: Funds are spread across sectors and market caps (large, mid, and small), helping reduce risk.
Returns | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Fund Name | 5 Years | 7 Years | 10 Years | |
High Growth Fund Axis Max Life | 32.5% | 21.1% |
18.6%
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|
Top 200 Fund Tata AIA Life | 30.5% | 21% |
18.2%
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|
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II Bajaj Allianz | 20.77% | 12.18% |
13.48%
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|
Opportunities Fund HDFC Life | 22.35% | 14.28% |
13.41%
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|
Equity II Fund Canara HSBC Life | 16.54% | 9.58% |
9.52%
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|
Grow Money Plus Fund Bharti AXA | 17.39% | 12.97% |
13.01%
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|
Multiplier Birla Sun Life | 22.67% | 13.96% |
14.35%
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|
Equity Top 250 Fund Edelwiess Life | 16.83% | 11.21% |
10.5%
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|
Opportunities Fund ICICI Prudential Life | 19.9% | 12.78% |
11.61%
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|
Balanced Fund LIC India | 10.4% | - |
-
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Returns | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Fund Name | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Active Fund QUANT | 23.92% | 31.48% |
21.87%
|
|
Flexi Cap Fund PARAG PARIKH | 20.69% | 26.41% |
19.28%
|
|
Large and Mid-Cap Fund EDELWEISS | 22.34% | 24.29% |
17.94%
|
|
Equity Opportunities Fund KOTAK | 24.64% | 25.01% |
19.45%
|
|
Large and Midcap Fund MIRAE ASSET | 19.74% | 24.32% |
22.50%
|
|
Flexi Cap Fund PGIM INDIA | 14.75% | 23.39% |
-
|
|
Flexi Cap Fund DSP | 18.41% | 22.33% |
16.91%
|
|
Emerging Equities Fund CANARA ROBECO | 20.05% | 21.80% |
15.92%
|
|
Focused fund SUNDARAM | 18.27% | 18.22% |
16.55%
|
Last updated: June 2025
When you invest in an ELSS fund, your money is pooled with that of other investors and allocated primarily into equity markets. Experienced fund managers select stocks based on research, aiming for long-term returns. You can invest a lump sum or start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to invest small amounts regularly.
Once invested, your funds are locked for 3 years, after which you can redeem them or continue staying invested for more growth.
ELSS Mutual Funds is one of the best investment options that offer multiple advantages that go beyond just saving tax:
Help you save taxes while growing your money over time.
Come with a shorter 3-year lock-in period compared to other 80C options like PPF or NSC.
Have the potential to deliver higher returns than traditional tax-saving instruments like fixed deposits.
Ideal for long-term goals such as buying a house, funding your children’s education, or planning your retirement.
You can invest in ELSS Mutual Funds through:
Online investment platforms
Your bank or demat account
Mutual fund websites or apps
SIP or lump-sum, as per your convenience
Consider the following when selecting an ELSS fund:
Risk Appetite: Aggressive investors may go for small/mid-cap heavy funds
Past Performance: Look at 5-year or 10-year returns (but don’t rely on past returns alone).
Fund Manager’s Track Record
Consistency: Choose funds that deliver stable returns across market cycles.
Find out how ELSS Mutual Funds compare with other popular tax-saving investment options:
Investment Option | Returns (Approx.) | Lock-in Period | Tax on Returns |
PPF | 7–8% | 15 years | Tax-free |
NSC | 7–8% | 5 years | Taxable |
FD (5-Year) | 5–6% | 5 years | Taxable |
ELSS | 12–18% | 3 years | LTCG Tax @10% over ₹1L |
The list of top 10 ELSS Mutual Funds are:
S.No | ELSS Mutual Funds |
Annualised Returns |
||
5 Year | 10 Year | Since Inception | ||
1. | HDFC ELSS Tax Saver | 25.37% | 13.47% | 18.39% |
2. | SBI Long Term Equity Fund | 26.43% | 14.25% | 12.43% |
3. | Bandhan ELSS Tax saver Fund | 24.94% | 14.00% | 17.84% |
4. | DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund | 24.14% | 15.44% | 15.33% |
5. | Quant Elss Tax Saver Fund Direct-growth | 31.89% | 21.31% | 20.50% |
6. | DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Plan Growth | 25.31% | 16.54% | 18.18% |
7. | Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund | 26.84% | 16.61% | 17.33% |
8. | Franklin India ELSS Tax Saver Fund | 24.87% | 13.03% | 20.96% |
9. | Bank of India ELSS Tax Saver Fund | 23.63% | 15.17% | 18.46% |
10. | ICICI Prudential ELSS Tax Saver | 21.37% | 12.92% | 19.08% |
ELSS Mutual Funds are ideal for taxpayers with a long-term outlook and moderate to high risk appetite. You can start with just ₹500, making them easily accessible. Under Section 80C, investments of up to ₹1.5 lakh qualify for tax deductions. ELSS comes with a 3-year lock-in—the shortest among 80C options—and being market-linked, it has historically delivered higher returns than traditional instruments like FDs or NSC.
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance
plan.
*Tax benefit is subject to changes in tax laws. Standard T&C Apply
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^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.