Best AIF in India – Top 10 Alternative Investment Funds of 2025

There are endless investment options available in the market, catering to the needs of different types of investors.

One such investment vehicle designed to cater to the needs of High-Net-Worth Individuals and Ultra HNI investors is an Alternative Investment Fund.

Moreover, these investors are interested in AIFs due to the higher returns they offer. However, identifying the Best AIF in India is a bit complicated.

This blog addresses the Top 10 Alternative Investment Fund options that provide outstanding long-term growth.

Best AIF in India – List of Top 10 Alternative Investment Funds of 2025

Here is the list of Top 10 Alternate Funds in India.

These Top AIFs in India are among the best investment options due to their exceptional benefits.

Also, they are unique in terms of their offerings. Moreover, with AIFs, investments are made in predefined investment strategies.

Furthermore, these are not regulated by SEBI, unlike the other asset classes.

Through AIFs, investments can flow into various avenues beyond traditional asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, funds, and equities.

We have curated this blog by considering distinguishing parameters such as the best AIF with high returns, low cost, high AUM, large clientele, and extensive experience.

With these factors at hand, it is very easy to identify the best alternative investment.

Moreover, this investment vehicle generates higher returns than traditional ones, which is why most HNIs/UHNIs seek them.

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Best AIF with High Returns

The table above clearly showcases the Best AIF with High Returns. Firstly, Negen Capital delivers high and consistent returns of around 24.09%.

It is one of the primary reasons why investors find it a go-to option. Second on our list is Sameeksha Capital, which generates returns of up to 11.70% and has a diversified portfolio.

The third one is Nuvama, which follows closely, offering returns of approximately 11.36%, with a strong investment strategy.

Moreover, these top-performing AFIs not only deliver strong returns but also provide investors with stability, growth, and long-term wealth creation.

Top Alternate Funds with Low Cost

Another prime factor that attracts investors is the low cost. In addition, the low cost factor helps the investors maximise their returns.

Also, this is done by minimising the management expenses. Moreover, with lower costs, more money is available for investments.

Also, this is very beneficial for the investors. So, based on our research, the Top AIF with Low Cost is Sameeksha Capital, with a low cost of 1.20% of fund value. In addition, investors can earn 20% of the fund’s profits.

Secondly, Buoyant charges only 2.00% of the fund’s value to the investor.  The third one on our list is Sundaram, which charges 2.25% of fund value.

Top AIF with High AUM

The high AUM is yet another factor that most investors consider before investing in an AIF. Here, high AUM implies credibility, efficiency, and better deals from the fund manager.

On the other hand, from the investor’s perspective, high AUM implies low risk and access to premium products.

Here is the list of fund management companies with high AUM. Notably, the Top AIF with the Highest AUM is 360 One, with Rs.31,461 Cr in Assets Under Management.

Also, it provides the highest credibility. The second one is ICICI with Rs. 22579 Cr. AUM, followed by Motilal Oswal with Rs.13,221 Cr.

Additionally, investors can easily finalise the best fund management company based on the highest AUM using the table below.

Best Alternate Investment Manager with Large Clientele

The extensive client base is also a key factor in the success of a fund management business. Also, it is one of the key factors that attracts investors to the company and its products.

Moreover, as per the research, the Best Alternate Investment in India is ICICI with approximately 23823 clients. In addition, the second one on our list is Motilal Oswal with 12607 clients.

Thirdly, 360 One stands firmly with 6575 clients. So, the investors can find the best investment manager through a large clientele as well.

Top Alternative Investment Fund with High Experience

In this section, we will look into Top Alternate Funds in India with high experience. Here, high expertise in the sense of experienced fund managers, and a successful investment journey.

Moreover, with proven knowledge and skilled fund managers, high-experience asset management companies are an excellent option for investors.

Furthermore, we have curated the list of fund management companies with high experience. Motilal Oswal leads with 11 years of industry experience.

Also, the next one is ICICI with 10 years of experience, followed by Alfaccurate Advisors with 10 years.

In addition, Nuvama is the newest on the list with 4 years of experience in the field. However, it has a decent user base.

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Motilal Oswal AIF – Best Alternate Investment Manager in India

Motilal Oswal AIF offers its investors an exclusive investment option through AIFs.

Moreover, investors can invest in AIFs without a demat account.

It is the Best Alternate Investment Manager in India with a unique set of high-potential investment options.

Also, the diversification at Motilal Oswal is next-level, including private equity, real estate, and commodities.

Pros

• Motilal Oswal has one of the highest AUMs of Rs.13,221 Cr.
• Moreover, it is one of the first fund management companies to start AIFs. It is 11 years old.
• Furthermore, it has an active client base of 12607.
• It has two strategies, which means the diversification is decent.
• Also, when it comes to support, it has a dedicated RM and a dashboard service.

Cons

• The average one-year returns among all in the list is 1.55%.
• Also, the fixed fee of 2.5% is quite high.
• Moreover, the minimum investment is pretty high, which is Rs. 1 crore.

ICICI AIF – Top AIF in India

ICICI is a Top AIF in India, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

With its variable AMC of 1.50% of fund value and variable profit sharing of 15%, it emerged as a top-performing AIF in India.

Also, it has the most experienced fund managers, which contributes to its success.

Moreover, it allows NRI investors to invest and exit early. Furthermore, for support, the issue resolution TAT is 5 working days.

Pros

• ICICI has the highest AUM next to Motilal Oswal, which is Rs.22,579 Cr.
• Also, it has the most significant number of HNI clients of 23823.
• Moreover, with more than 10 years of experience in the industry, ICICI AIF has deep market knowledge and professional fund management skills.
• Furthermore, ICICI offers 5 different strategies, which show its diversification.
• Above all, the exit load is zero in the first three years, and no charges will be incurred on early exit.

Cons

• The fixed fees are high, which are 2.5% of the fund value.
• Also, the one-year returns are 7.27%, which is much lower.
• Moreover, strategy switching is not allowed with ICICI.

360 One AIF – Top Alternate Investment in India

360 One offers its investors more than alternative investment funds.

With over 8 years of experience in the AIF industry, it became the Top Alternate Investment in India.

Also, the brand lends unparalleled support to its investors through calls, emails, chat, dedicated RM, fund manager, etc. Moreover, the issue resolution TAT is 3 working days.

Furthermore, there is a dashboard link where the investors can login to access their portfolio instantly.

Pros

• 360 One has a high AUM of Rs.31,461 Cr.
• Also, the fund house has multiple investment strategies, which go up to 6.
• Moreover, the 5-year returns of 360 One AIF are very much the same as Nifty 50’s 5-year returns, which is 22.60%.
• Besides, the fund house allows both a custom strategy and a strategy switch.
• Lastly, the company is led by the most experienced fund managers, which makes it an effective platform for portfolio management.

Cons

• 360 One charges 3.00% exit load in the first year, followed by 2.00% in the 2nd year and 1.00% in the third year.
• Also, the one-year returns at 360 One are underperforming, at 5.45%.
• Furthermore, the annual management fee is 2.50% of the fund value.

Buoyant AIF – Best AIF in India

Buoyant is also one of the Best AIF in India, which was founded in 2016.

In addition, this alternative investment fund is designed exclusively for HNIs seeking long-term investments with higher returns.

Also, the funds are actively managed by professional fund managers under a category III long-only opportunities strategy.

Moreover, with an easy-to-use online dashboard for quick access, it provides a transparent investment platform for HNIs.

Pros

• In the name of maintenance and performance fees, it only charges 2% of the fund value.
• Also, the documents required are very minimal, which include PMS agreement, POA, Demat account, PAN, and address proof.
• Moreover, at Buoyant, early exit, custom strategy, and strategy switching are allowed.
• Furthermore, the funding company lends tremendous support to its HNIs through call, email, and chat support.
• Besides, the minimum investment is Rs.1 crore, which is very common in AIFs.

Cons

• In volatile markets, the returns may get into a high-risk state.
• Also, there is no diversification as there is only one strategy available with this brand.
• Moreover, the profit sharing is 20% on profits above 7%, which is pretty high.

Sundaram AIF – Top 10 AIF in India

Sundaram was an established finance company that launched its AIF services 7 years ago.

Also, it became a household name in the AIF market, with its one-year returns exceeding those of the Nifty 50.

Moreover, the charges or fees at Sundaram are very minimal, which are 2.25% of the fund value.

Furthermore, this Top 10 AIF in India has a variable AMC and a 15% profit-sharing rate on profits above 10%.

Pros

• Compared to other AIFs, the one-year returns at Sundaram are very impressive, at 11.09%.
• Similarly, the 5-year returns are also handsome, which stand at 23.34%.
• Also, with a negligible switch fee of 1.5% of fund value, strategy switching is allowed.
• Furthermore, the fund company maintains a high level of transparency and has disclosed its fees and profit-sharing structure clearly.
• Moreover, it resolves TAT in a maximum of 5 working days.

Cons

• Firstly, the three-year return is lower than the Nifty 50, which is at 12.01%.
• Also, the exit load in the early years is 3% of the fund value, which is a bit high.
• In addition, fund manager interaction is not available.

Alfaccurate Advisors AIF – Top Alternate Investment Manager

Alfaccurate Advisors abides by SEBI’s AIF regulations and allows investors to invest in alternative investment funds.

So, investors looking for diversified portfolios and higher returns, at the cost of higher risk, choose these funds, with a minimum investment of Rs.1 crore.

Also, with over a decade of experience, this fund management company has emerged as a Top Alternate Investment Manager for the HNIs.

Pros

• The 1-year return from the AIF with this brand is 9.70%, which is slightly more than the Nifty’s 9.02%.
• Also, the fee structure is fairly transparent compared to its peers, like fixed fees, variable AMC, exit loads, etc.
• Moreover, the investors can opt for a custom strategy with Alfaccurate Advisors.
• Furthermore, there is no exit load on the fund after the first year, which is a significant advantage for the investors.
• Lastly, with the official dashboard, investors can easily access their portfolio.

Cons

• The fees are pretty high, at 2.50% of the fund value. Also, there is a variable fee of 1.5%.
• Moreover, there is no strategy switching option available, and the investors must stay in a single strategy.
• Furthermore, diversification of strategies can limit the investor from exploring different strategies and their benefits.

Renaissance AIF – Best Alternate Funds in India

Renaissance introduced its AIF services in 2017 to attract high-net-worth investors to its investment options.

At present, the fund management company manages around Rs.1,314.37 crores in assets and has a client base of 1231 clients.

Also, with its long-only strategy, India Next Fund III enables its investors to achieve effective capital appreciation.

Notably, it became the Best Alternate Funds in India in a very short period of time, thanks to its offerings.

Pros

• First of all, the 1-year return is very impressive and stands at 9.31%, which is higher than the Nifty 50.
• Secondly, unlike its peers, where exit load is charged, here, the exit load is free of charge.
• Also, the company allows NRI investment, discretionary, and non-discretionary options.
• Besides, investors can reach out to the customer support through calls and emails.
• Moreover, the eligibility criteria are fundamental, which include age, nationality, and minimum investment amount.

Cons

• The fixed fees are 2.5% of fund value, which is a little expensive for some investors.
• Moreover, no diversification of strategies for the clients who like to invest in multiple strategies.
• Also, the company does not provide fund manager interaction to its inventors.

Negen Capital AIF – Best Alternative Investment Funds in India

Negen Capital is yet another Best Alternative Investment Funds in India headquartered in Mumbai.

Notably, the company has a unique investment strategy, the Undiscovered Value Fund, for its investors.

Moreover, Negen Capital delivers risk-adjusted returns to its investors by employing successful investment strategies.

Also, with assets under management of up to Rs.584.03 Cr, Negen Capital is evolving every day and expanding its wings to reach investors seeking unique investment options.

Pros

• With over 24.09% 1-year return, it has outperformed the Nifty 50. Also, this is an excellent investment for short-term investors.
• Moreover, this fund house has access to NRI investment, discretionary, and non-discretionary options.
• Also, early exit is allowed and is free of charge.
• Furthermore, when it comes to support, Negen Capital lends call, email, and dedicated RM support to its investors.
• Lastly, with the undiscovered value strategy, investors can choose undiscovered stocks, which can generate higher returns.

Cons

• The assets under management at Negen Capital are Rs.972 Cr, which is roughly the AUM of other brands.
• Also, the active HNIs of Negen are 932, which is also a small number.
• Furthermore, customer strategy and strategy switch are not allowed.

Nuvama AIF – Top Alternate Funds in India

Nuvama is the newest AIF company on our list in India, with over 4 years of experience.

It was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

In addition to traditional mutual funds, the fund management company also offers alternative investment funds to its investors.

Unlike a few of the older brands on our list, Nuvama offers multiple strategies for investors to choose from based on their interests.

Let us check out why Nuvama is one of the Top Alternate Funds in India.

Pros

• Firstly, Nuvama AIF has access to a unique set of strategies, like enhanced dynamic growth equity and a multi-asset return fund.
• Secondly, Nuvama has around 11.36% of returns in one year, which is higher than Nifty 50’s 9.02%.
• Under this scheme, it charges 2.25% of the fund value from the investor, which is a fixed fee.
• Also, there are multiple support channels to assist the investors, like call, email, chat, etc. Moreover, a dedicated relationship manager is assigned.
• Furthermore, despite being a new company, it has assets of Rs.5,366 Cr. under its belt.

Cons

• With only four years of experience in the AIFs, it is hard to track the record of the funds.
• Also, the client base is pretty small, which is currently less than 1000 clients.
• Above all, though multiple strategies are available, strategy switching is not allowed with Nuvama.

Sameeksha Capital AIF – Top 10 Alternate Investment Funds

Sameeksha Capital is a SEBI-registered AIF based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Founded in 2015, it has emerged as one of the Top 10 Alternative Investment Funds with its exceptional strategies.

Also, with a minimum investment of Rs. 1 crore, investors can enter the AIF market through Sameeksha Capital.

Moreover, with an AMC of 1.2% of fund value, it is setting a high bar for its peers.

Pros

• Firstly, Sameeksha Capital has exhibited the highest returns of 11.70%, which is much higher than Nifty 50’s 9.02%.
• Secondly, the fee structure is very reasonable, which is 1.20% of fund value + 20% of profit above a 10% hurdle.
• Also, at Sameeksha Capital, strategy switching, NRI investment, and early exit are allowed.
• Moreover, with over 9 years of experience in the AIF industry, it is effortless for the fund managers at Sameeksha to analyse the high-performing strategies effectively.

Cons

• The assets under management are Rs.1,440 Cr., which is one of the lowest on our list.
• Also, with only 578 active clients, it still has a long way to go.
• Moreover, the exit load in the first year is 3.00%, which is relatively high.

Best AIF in India – Conclusion

In the summary, the Best AIF in India is the one with consistent returns, multiple investment strategies, and a transparent fee structure.

Also, the tables make it clear that AIFs such as Sameeksha Capital, Sundaram, and Renaissance have earned investors’ trust through disciplined fund management.

On the other hand, Buoyant and Nuvama stood firm during market volatility, not only generating returns but also protecting capital.

Moreover, all these brands maintained regulatory compliance. Finally, the ideal AIF depends on an investor’s goals, risk appetite and financial ability.

FAQs on Top 10 AIF in India

These are some of the frequently asked questions. Check these out to clarify any doubts.

Which is the Best Alternate Investment Manager in India?

Motilal Oswal is the best Alternative Investment Manager in India, with extensive experience, a high number of HNI clients, and a high AUM.

Which AIF has the Largest AUM?

360 One has the largest AUM. It has over Rs.31,461 Cr. assets under management. In addition, it is one of the top management companies in the industry.

Can you invest in an Alternate Investment Directly?

Yes, you can absolutely invest directly in an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). However, the minimum investment is around Rs. 1 crore, and majorly HNIs and Ultra HNIs invest in them.

Is AIF Risky for HNI Clients?

Yes, AIFs are riskier than traditional investment options like mutual funds. However, HNI clients still take on the risk given the outstanding returns.

What are AIF Charges?

AIF charges usually include management fees and performance fees. While management fees typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% of the fund’s assets, the performance fee is based on the fund’s profits.

Is an Alternate Investment better than MF?

It entirely depends on the investor’s profile. While AIFs are suitable for HNIs and Ultra HNIs, mutual funds are better suited for ordinary investors.

Which AIF has High Experience in the market?

Motilal Oswal has extensive market experience. In addition, it has over 11 years of experience in the fund management industry.

Which AIF has the Highest 1 Year Return?

Notably, Negen Capital has the highest 1-year returns among all other asset management companies, with returns of over 24.09%.

How to Choose an Alternative Investment Brand?

First and foremost, to choose an Alternate Investment Brand, it is wise to consider the track record. Also, one must consider investment strategy, lock-in period, risk, and other factors.

What is the minimum investment required in an AIF?

The minimum investment required in an AIF is Rs.1 crore. However, it is not the same for all investors. Meaning, for the close associates of the AIF, the investment starts from Rs.25 lakh.

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