Mutual Funds

Best Short Duration Mutual Funds 2026

Short Duration funds invest in bonds with 1-3 year maturity — low risk debt option for 1-3 year investment horizon. 186 funds available on TopFund.

7.7%

Avg 3Y CAGR

What are Short Duration Mutual Funds?

Short Duration mutual funds invest in bonds with 1-3 year maturity — low risk debt option for 1-3 year investment horizon. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who select stocks/bonds based on the fund's investment objective and mandate defined by SEBI.

Who should invest? Conservative investors or those with short-to-medium term goals. Short Duration funds offer relatively stable returns compared to equity funds.

Top Short Duration Funds by Star Rating

#1

Axis Short Duration Fund - Regular Plan - Monthly IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#2

Axis Short Duration Fund - Direct Plan - Regular IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#3

Axis Short Duration Fund - Retail Plan - Weekly IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#4

Axis Short Duration Fund - Regular Plan - Regular IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#5

Axis Short Duration Fund - Direct Plan - Weekly IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#6

Axis Short Duration Fund - Retail Plan - Monthly IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#7

Axis Short Duration Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Option

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#8

Axis Short Duration Fund - Regular Plan - Weekly IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right
#9

ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund - Direct Plan - Growth Option

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 85/100 chevron_right
#10

Axis Short Duration Fund - Direct Plan - Monthly IDCW

Axis Mutual Fund · Short Duration Fund

★★★★★ 5 ⚡ 83/100 chevron_right

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Short Duration mutual funds? expand_more

Short Duration mutual funds invest in bonds with 1-3 year maturity — low risk debt option for 1-3 year investment horizon.

What is the minimum investment in Short Duration funds? expand_more

Most Short Duration funds allow SIP starting from ₹500/month or ₹1,000 lumpsum. Some funds have lower minimums of ₹100 via SIP.

Are Short Duration mutual funds safe? expand_more

Debt funds carry lower risk than equity but are not entirely risk-free — they have credit risk and interest rate risk. They are suitable for short-to-medium term goals.

How are Short Duration fund returns taxed? expand_more

Debt fund gains are added to income and taxed per your income tax slab (post-2023 budget).

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