In India today, many investors are looking for investment options that offer both security of capital and a predictable return. This has led to increased interest in Target Maturity Mutual Funds. These debt funds invest in government and highly-rated bonds for a fixed period. In the current volatile interest rate environment, they are being seen as a balanced alternative to Fixed Deposits (FDs) and traditional Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) during 2025.
What Are Target Maturity Mutual Funds?
Target Maturity Mutual Funds are passive debt funds that have a fixed maturity date. These funds track a specific bond index and maintain their investments in the bonds included in that index until their maturity. The objective is to provide investors with relatively stable and predictable returns over time, provided the investment is held until maturity.
Best Target Maturity Mutual Funds to invest in India
- HDFC Nifty G Sec July 2031 Index Direct Growth
- Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL IBX Gilt Apr 2029 Index Fund Direct Growth
- Nippon India Nifty G Sec Jun 2036 Maturity Index Fund Direct Growth
- SBI CRISIL IBX Gilt Index April 2029 Fund Direct Growth
- SBI CRISIL IBX Gilt Index June 2036 Fund Direct Growth
- HDFC Nifty G Sec Sep 2032 Index Direct Growth
- ICICI Prudential Nifty SDL Dec 2028 Index Fund Direct Growth
- Mirae Asset CRISIL IBX Gilt Index April 2033 Index Fund Direct Growth
- ICICI Prudential Nifty G Sec Dec 2030 Index Fund Direct Growth
- Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Sep 2028 Index Fund Direct Growth
Read Also: Best Investment Options in India
1. HDFC Nifty G Sec July 2031 Index Direct Growth
HDFC Nifty G Sec July 2031 Index Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund that tracks the Nifty G-Sec July 2031 Index. Investments in this scheme are primarily made in government bonds issued by the Government of India, which limits credit risk. The fund has a fixed maturity date, and its performance depends on interest rate fluctuations and index movements.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.87 |
| Fund Size | 670.47 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.20 |
| Minimum Investment | 100 |
| Minimum SIP | 100 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Sankalp Baid |
| 1-year return | 7.82 |
| 3-year return | 8.43 |
2. Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL IBX Gilt Apr 2029 Index Fund Direct Growth
The Aditya Birla Sun Life CRISIL IBX Gilt Apr 2029 Index Fund Direct Growth is a debt fund with a fixed maturity date of April 2029. This fund invests in government bonds that are part of the CRISIL IBX Gilt Index. Since the investments are in government-issued bonds, the credit risk is low. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates periodically with changes in bond yields and interest rates, especially before maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 13.03 |
| Fund Size | 610.41 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.22 |
| Minimum Investment | 500 |
| Minimum SIP | 500 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Harshil Suvarnkar |
| 1-year return | 8.78 |
| 3-year return | 8.46 |
3 . Nippon India Nifty G Sec Jun 2036 Maturity Index Fund Direct Growth
The Nippon India Nifty G Sec Jun 2036 Maturity Index Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of June 2036. This fund invests in government bonds included in the Nifty G-Sec June 2036 Index. Since the entire investment is in government securities, its structure is considered to have limited credit risk. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates periodically based on changes in interest rates and bond yields, especially before maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.75 |
| Fund Size | 845.56 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.20 |
| Minimum Investment | 1000 |
| Minimum SIP | 100 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Siddharth Deb |
| 1-year return | 6.65 |
| 3-year return | 8.46 |
4. SBI CRISIL IBX Gilt Index April 2029 Fund Direct Growth
The SBI CRISIL IBX Gilt Index April 2029 Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of April 2029. This fund invests in government bonds included in the CRISIL IBX Gilt Index. Since the fund invests in securities issued by the central government, its credit structure is relatively secure. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates over time based on changes in bond yields and interest rates, particularly as it approaches maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.98 |
| Fund Size | 2088.17 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.21 |
| Minimum Investment | 5000 |
| Minimum SIP | 500 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Ranjana Gupta |
| 1-year return | 8.76 |
| 3-year return | 8.38 |
5. SBI CRISIL IBX Gilt Index June 2036 Fund Direct Growth
The SBI CRISIL IBX Gilt Index June 2036 Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of June 2036. This fund invests in long-term government bonds included in the CRISIL IBX Gilt Index. Since the entire investment is in government securities, the credit risk is limited. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates with changes in interest rates and bond yields, particularly in the years leading up to maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 13.01 |
| Fund Size | 2741.92 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.28 |
| Minimum Investment | 5000 |
| Minimum SIP | 500 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Ranjana Gupta |
| 1-year return | 6.45 |
| 3-year return | 8.36 |
6. HDFC Nifty G Sec Sep 2032 Index Direct Growth
HDFC Nifty G Sec Sep 2032 Index Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of September 2032. This fund invests in government bonds included in the Nifty G-Sec September 2032 Index. Due to its entire investment being in government securities, it has a clean credit structure. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates over time based on changes in interest rates and bond yields, particularly in the period leading up to maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.74 |
| Fund Size | 650.26 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.20 |
| Minimum Investment | 100 |
| Minimum SIP | 100 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Sanklap Baid |
| 1-year return | 7.51 |
| 3-year return | 8.34 |
7. ICICI Prudential Nifty SDL Dec 2028 Index Fund Direct Growth
ICICI Prudential Nifty SDL Dec 2028 Index Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of December 2028. This fund invests in bonds issued by state governments (SDLs) included in the Nifty SDL Index. Since the underlying investments are in state government securities, the credit structure is relatively clean. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates over time with changes in interest rates and bond yields, particularly before maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.97 |
| Fund Size | 860.65 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.20 |
| Minimum Investment | 1000 |
| Minimum SIP | – |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Darshil Dedhia |
| 1-year return | 8.12 |
| 3-year return | 8.23 |
8. Mirae Asset CRISIL IBX Gilt Index April 2033 Index Fund Direct Growth
The Mirae Asset CRISIL IBX Gilt Index April 2033 Index Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of April 2033. This fund invests in central government bonds that are part of the CRISIL IBX Gilt Index. Since the entire portfolio is based on government securities, credit risk is limited. The fund’s NAV fluctuates according to bond yields and interest rate movements, particularly in the period leading up to maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 13.01 |
| Fund Size | 228.78 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.12 |
| Minimum Investment | 5000 |
| Minimum SIP | – |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Mahendra Kumar Jajoo |
| 1-year return | 7.44 |
| 3-year return | 8.29 |
9. ICICI Prudential Nifty G Sec Dec 2030 Index Fund Direct Growth
ICICI Prudential Nifty G Sec Dec 2030 Index Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of December 2030. This fund invests in government bonds included in the Nifty G-Sec December 2030 Index. Due to its investment structure being entirely based on government securities, the credit risk is limited. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates periodically with changes in interest rates and bond yields, particularly in the period leading up to maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.93 |
| Fund Size | 883.74 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.20 |
| Minimum Investment | 1000 |
| Minimum SIP | 500 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Darshil Dedhia |
| 1-year return | 7.68 |
| 3-year return | 8.21 |
10. Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Sep 2028 Index Fund Direct Growth
The Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Sep 2028 Index Fund Direct Growth is a target maturity debt fund with a maturity date of September 2028. This fund tracks the CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Index, which includes government bonds and state government bonds in roughly equal proportions. The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) fluctuates periodically based on changes in interest rates and the yields of these bonds, particularly in the period leading up to maturity.
Fund Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current NAV | 12.84 |
| Fund Size | 144.84 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.20 |
| Minimum Investment | 100 |
| Minimum SIP | 100 |
| Exit Load | Nill |
| Fund Manager | Pranavi Kulkarni |
| 1-year return | 8.33 |
| 3-year return | 8.18 |
Types of Target Maturity Funds Available in India
- Gilt Target Maturity Funds: Gilt Target Maturity Funds invest in central government bonds, therefore they have very low credit risk. While NAV fluctuations may occur initially due to interest rate movements, the risk is significantly reduced if held until maturity. This option is considered suitable for safety-conscious investors.
- SDL Target Maturity Funds: SDL Target Maturity Funds invest in state government bonds. They may offer slightly better yields compared to Gilt Funds. The risk remains limited, but it’s important to consider liquidity and interest rate fluctuations. This fund is suitable for investors seeking balanced returns.
- PSU and Bharat Bond Target Maturity Funds: These funds invest in bonds of public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government-backed entities, where government support is present. The risk level is low to moderate, and returns are typically slightly better than Gilt Funds. This option is useful for those seeking secure and stable income.
Read Also: Best Money Market Mutual Funds in India
Key Risks Associated with Target Maturity Funds
- Interest Rate Risk: If interest rates change before maturity, the fund’s NAV may fluctuate. This fluctuation can be more pronounced in longer-term funds.
- Early Exit Risk: These funds are open-ended, but if an investor withdraws money prematurely, the prevailing market conditions at that time can affect the returns.
- Reinvestment Risk: When reinvesting after the fund matures, interest rates may be lower, which could limit future returns.
- Tracking Error: Since these are index-based funds, the fund’s performance may sometimes deviate slightly from its underlying index.
- Liquidity Risk: In some schemes, low trading volume can slightly impact the NAV at the time of exit, especially during periods of market volatility.
Conclusion
Target Maturity Mutual Funds are designed for investors who seek a defined timeframe and a relatively stable structure within the debt segment. The key features of these funds are their fixed maturity date and bond-based structure, which makes the investment behavior easier to understand. However, they are still subject to the impact of interest rate fluctuations, and should be viewed with that in mind. Overall, Target Maturity Funds offer a distinct approach to intelligently managing a debt portfolio.
Start your investing journey with Pocketful. Enjoy low fees and powerful tools like Pockets, Scalper, and Pocketful GPT. Everything is built to help you trade smarter, faster, and with more confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Target Maturity Mutual Funds?
These are debt funds that have a fixed maturity date and track a bond index.
Do Target Maturity Funds give fixed returns?
No, their returns are not fixed; they depend on bond yields and interest rates.
Is the NAV stable in Target Maturity Funds?
The NAV is usually stable closer to maturity, but fluctuations are possible before that.
Can money be withdrawn before maturity?
Yes, these are open-ended funds, but early withdrawal may affect the NAV.
Are Target Maturity Funds risk-free?
They are not entirely risk-free, but the credit risk is generally low.
