India’s financial landscape is booming with possibilities, and small-cap mutual funds are quietly stealing the spotlight. For NRIs and OCIs looking to tap into India’s next wave of economic expansion, these funds present a high-reward opportunity—if you’re willing to stomach the risk.
But what makes these funds special? Why are they drawing attention from global investors? And are they right for your portfolio in 2025?
Let’s unpack everything you need to know.
In this Article
Understanding Small-Cap Mutual Funds: What’s Under the Hood?
Think of small-cap mutual funds as treasure hunts for India’s next big businesses. These funds invest primarily in companies that don’t yet rank among the country’s top 250 by market value. In other words, they’re betting on tomorrow’s market leaders—today.
These companies usually have a market capitalization under ₹5,000 crores and are often early-stage, nimble, and full of untapped potential. However, with opportunity comes unpredictability. Smaller companies can rise fast—but they can fall just as quickly. That’s why these funds tend to be more volatile than their mid-cap and large-cap counterparts.
Why NRIs Are Exploring Small-Cap Funds in 2025
Post-pandemic market conditions have been unusually favorable for Indian small-cap stocks. Rising demand, digital adoption, and pro-growth government policies have created fertile ground for newer companies to thrive.
For globally based investors, this represents a chance to participate in India’s growth story from the ground up. Whether you’re based in the U.S., UAE, UK, or Canada, small-cap mutual funds allow you to invest in sectors that are scaling fast—from renewable energy to manufacturing to tech.
Five Small-Cap Mutual Funds Making Waves in 2025
If you’re curious about where to start, these funds have built solid reputations and delivered consistent results over various timeframes. Here’s a snapshot of five standout performers:
| Fund Name | 1-Year Return | 3-Year Return | 5-Year Return | Inception Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quant Small Cap Fund | 52.7% | 28.0% | 47.1% | 13.5% |
| Nippon India Small Cap Fund | 48.1% | 30.3% | 37.5% | 22.7% |
| HSBC Small Cap Fund | 42.6% | 26.7% | 31.3% | 22.1% |
| Tata Small Cap Fund | 38.7% | 24.3% | 32.9% | 26.8% |
| HDFC Small Cap Fund | 33.4% | 23.6% | 29.1% | 17.1% |
These numbers reflect not just past performance, but the aggressive potential that makes small-cap funds attractive—especially if you’re playing the long game.
Who Should Consider Small-Cap Mutual Funds?
Not every investor is built for the small-cap ride. These funds tend to reward those who:
- Have a long-term horizon (at least 5–10 years)
- Can tolerate market fluctuations without panic-selling
- Already have experience with Indian equities or work with an investment advisor
- Are looking to add a high-growth segment to a diversified portfolio
If you’re nearing retirement, new to the market, or focused on short-term goals, small-cap funds may not be the best fit for you. Think of them as a high-voltage component in a well-balanced system—not the foundation.
How Small-Cap Funds Are Managed
The success of these funds depends largely on the research capabilities of the fund managers. They dig deep to identify emerging companies with scalable models, competitive edge, and solid financials.
What makes this category exciting is its dynamism. A well-managed small-cap fund doesn’t just sit on stocks—it actively hunts for market disruptors and adjusts to evolving business cycles.
At iNRI, we use data-driven insights and an AI-powered Smart-Investing-Tool that can help NRIs build personalized portfolios, including small-cap options filtered by your country of residence.
Taxation Rules NRIs Should Know in 2025
Taxation is a critical part of your investment journey. Here’s a breakdown of current small-cap mutual fund taxes applicable to NRIs under the 2024–25 financial year:
- Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If you hold your investment for over 12 months and earn more than ₹1.25 lakh in gains, a 10% tax applies. A 12.5% TDS will be deducted at source.
- Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): For investments sold within 12 months, a 15% tax applies, with a TDS of 20%.
- Dividends: A Securities Transaction Tax (STT) of 20% is applied on dividend receipts.
India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with many countries, so you may be eligible to claim credit for taxes paid in India in your country of residence. It’s always wise to consult a tax advisor familiar with NRI investments.
Why Patience Is the Key to Profiting from Small-Caps
The golden rule with small-cap investing? Give it time.
Market volatility can be intense in the short run, but history shows that long-term holders often benefit as their chosen companies mature, expand, and gain market share. In fact, a 5–10 year horizon is often considered ideal for this category.
During this period, short-term fluctuations can average out, allowing you to truly unlock the growth potential these funds offer.
Should You Dive In?
Small-cap mutual funds aren’t for everyone—but for the informed and adventurous NRI investor, they can be a powerful growth tool.
Start small, do your research, and consult advisors who understand both your global circumstances and Indian markets. If chosen wisely and held patiently, small-cap funds can be your ticket to riding the wave of India’s next generation of industry leaders.
And when you’re ready to build your portfolio, iNRI is here to help—offering curated fund lists, intelligent allocation tools, and region-specific advice to guide your financial journey.