
Short Duration Mutual Funds
3 Year Average Returns
Funds on Dhan
26
Short Duration Funds are a type of debt funds that invest in debt and money market securities with a maturity of 1 to 3 years. These Funds are suitable for investors who want to preserve their capital and earn regular income. While these are the best Short Duration Mutual Funds to invest in, you must know these 3 things before you start investing.
- Goal: Short Duration Funds offer lower risk and stable returns. These Funds have differing maturity and credit profiles, classified based on the duration and quality of the securities they invest in.
- Investment Horizon: Suitable for investors who can set aside their money for 1 to 3 years, looking for better returns than Ultra Short Duration options.
- Risk: They offer a moderate risk profile, with returns potentially higher than Ultra Short Duration Funds.
Best Short Duration Funds to Invest in 2026
Note: 3Y & 5Y returns are annualised. Rest everything is absolute.
Scheme | AUM (in Cr.) | Fund Age | 1W | 1M | 3M | 6M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compare | ₹ 7,395 | 13 Yrs | 0.34% | 0.58% | 0.75% | 3.13% | 5.28% | 7.72% | 6.83% |
Compare | ₹ 8,629 | 13 Yrs | 0.27% | 0.41% | 0.77% | 3.33% | 5.72% | 7.66% | 6.53% |
Compare | ₹ 254 | 13 Yrs | 0.28% | 0.63% | 0.75% | 3.11% | 4.87% | 7.64% | 10.89% |
Compare | ₹ 18,468 | 13 Yrs | 0.29% | 0.49% | 0.54% | 3.01% | 5.31% | 7.62% | 7.11% |
Compare | ₹ 77 | 5 Yrs | 0.31% | 0.44% | 0.43% | 3.00% | 5.25% | 7.62% | 6.64% |
Compare | ₹ 6,361 | 13 Yrs | 0.37% | 0.48% | 0.53% | 2.95% | 4.88% | 7.57% | 6.70% |
Compare | ₹ 5,269 | 13 Yrs | 0.28% | 0.47% | 0.50% | 2.96% | 4.81% | 7.53% | 6.85% |
Compare | ₹ 94 | 13 Yrs | 0.19% | 0.71% | 1.05% | 3.50% | 5.30% | 7.52% | 6.28% |
Compare | ₹ 464 | 13 Yrs | 0.33% | 0.52% | 0.94% | 3.19% | 4.96% | 7.39% | 6.58% |
Compare | ₹ 190 | 13 Yrs | 0.35% | 0.47% | 0.76% | 2.90% | 5.02% | 7.38% | 6.62% |
Compare | ₹ 119 | 7 Yrs | 0.34% | 0.37% | 0.49% | 3.02% | 4.86% | 7.37% | 6.34% |
Compare | ₹ 13,967 | 13 Yrs | 0.34% | 0.44% | 0.41% | 2.76% | 4.71% | 7.36% | 6.57% |
Compare | ₹ 13,957 | 13 Yrs | 0.33% | 0.46% | 0.57% | 2.88% | 4.76% | 7.35% | 6.47% |
Compare | ₹ 501 | 8 Yrs | 0.37% | 0.54% | 0.40% | 2.89% | 4.39% | 7.27% | 6.43% |
Compare | ₹ 1,687 | 13 Yrs | 0.35% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 2.86% | 4.71% | 7.22% | 6.55% |
Compare | ₹ 12,967 | 13 Yrs | 0.27% | 0.36% | 0.35% | 2.60% | 4.34% | 7.16% | 6.37% |
Compare | ₹ 3,821 | 13 Yrs | 0.27% | 0.38% | 0.40% | 2.76% | 4.49% | 7.16% | 6.17% |
Compare | ₹ 505 | 13 Yrs | 0.34% | 0.41% | 0.26% | 2.58% | 4.27% | 7.14% | 6.21% |
Compare | ₹ 104 | 5 Yrs | 0.25% | 0.49% | 0.99% | 2.95% | 4.88% | 7.07% | 6.28% |
Compare | ₹ 2,868 | 13 Yrs | 0.28% | 0.39% | 0.49% | 2.65% | 4.59% | 7.07% | 6.35% |
Compare | ₹ 3,209 | 13 Yrs | 0.21% | 0.37% | 0.20% | 2.72% | 4.29% | 7.07% | 6.26% |
Compare | ₹ 78 | 4 Yrs | 0.32% | 0.49% | 0.71% | 2.84% | 4.71% | 7.07% | 0.00% |
Compare | ₹ 267 | 13 Yrs | 0.34% | 0.52% | 0.82% | 2.89% | 4.95% | 6.99% | 6.11% |
Compare | ₹ 233 | 0 Yrs | 0.22% | 0.35% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Compare | ₹ 113 | 0 Yrs | 0.25% | 0.39% | 0.76% | 2.82% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Compare | ₹ 103 | 1 Yrs | 0.35% | 0.38% | 0.53% | 2.76% | 4.24% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
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Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments carry market risks; read all scheme-related documents carefully. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.
About Short Term Funds
- Lower Risk Profile: Due to their investment in short-term securities, these funds generally carry a lower risk compared to long-term debt funds.
- Income Generation: They aim to provide regular income through interest earnings from debt securities.
- Liquidity: Short Term Funds usually offer higher liquidity, making them a feasible option if you require access to your funds within a short period.
- Lower Interest Rate Risk: These funds typically have a lower sensitivity to interest rate changes, reducing the risk of loss due to rate fluctuations.
- Liquidity: They provide the flexibility of easy access to your funds, which is beneficial for short-term financial needs or emergencies.
- Steady Income: Short Term Funds can offer a regular income stream, though the yield might be lower than long-term debt funds.
- Better than Traditional Savings: They often offer better returns compared to traditional savings accounts or very short-term investment options.
- Diversification: Adding Short Term Funds to your portfolio can help in diversifying your investment risks.
- Investment Horizon: If your investment horizon is short, typically ranging from a few months to a year, Short Term Funds can be a viable option.
- Risk Profile: They are suitable if you prefer a lower risk investment compared to equity or long-term debt funds.
- Liquidity Needs: If you require liquidity with the potential for higher returns than traditional savings accounts, these funds can meet your needs.
- Risk-Averse Investors: If you are cautious about risk and prefer investments with lower volatility, Short Term Funds can be appropriate.
- Short-Term Financial Goals: Ideal for investors who have financial goals or requirements in the near future and wish to avoid equity market fluctuations.
- Emergency Fund Creation: These funds are suitable for creating or maintaining an emergency fund, as they typically offer higher liquidity.
- Corporate or Institutional Investors: Businesses or institutions looking to park surplus funds for short durations can benefit from these funds.
- First-Time Investors: If you are new to mutual funds and want to start with a less risky option, Short Term Funds can serve as an introduction.
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FAQs
Short Duration Funds are debt funds that invest in securities with the fund's portfolio duration ranging between 1 to 3 years. These funds aim to offer a blend of moderate risk and potential for higher returns compared to ultra-short duration funds or Liquid funds, making them suitable for investors with a short-term investment horizon
These funds invest in a mix of debt and money market instruments. The portfolio may include government securities, corporate bonds, treasury bills, and other short-term securities. The aim is to maintain liquidity while seeking higher returns than traditional savings methods
Short Duration Funds have the potential to offer better returns than bank fixed deposits, although the returns are not guaranteed. These funds invest in diversified portfolios and can earn through both interest and capital gains, aiming for stable returns with moderate risk
No, the returns from Short Duration Funds are not tax-free. They are subject to taxation, similar to other debt mutual fund investments, but they can be more tax-efficient compared to traditional savings options like fixed deposits
- Open Demat Account
- Choose the Short Duration Fund you wish to invest in.
- Choose the SIP option, specifying the amount and SIP date
- Set up an auto-pay via bank account to automate the SIP payments
All investments, especially short-term funds, have some level of risk. They have a lower risk profile than equity or debt funds with longer durations, but they are still subject to market risk and could see returns that fluctuate. It’s essential to align these investments with your risk tolerance and financial objectives

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