The market offers endless investment options to suit 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 can be complicated.
This blog covers the Top 10 Alternative Investment Fund options that deliver strong long-term growth.
Best AIF in India – List of Top 10 Alternative Investment Funds of 2026
Here is the list of Top 10 Alternate Funds in India.
| Si. No. | Alternative Investment Funds |
| 1 | Motilal Oswal AIF |
| 2 | ICICI AIF |
| 3 | 360 One AIF |
| 4 | Buoyant AIF |
| 5 | Sundaram AIF |
| 6 | Alfaccurate Advisors AIF |
| 7 | Renaissance AIF |
| 8 | Negen Capital AIF |
| 9 | Nuvama AIF |
| 10 | Sameeksha Capital AIF |
These Top AIFs in India are among the best investment options due to their exceptional benefits.
They are also unique in their offerings. Moreover, AIFs invest in predefined 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 curated this blog by considering key parameters such as the best AIFs with high returns, low cost, high AUM, a large clientele, and extensive experience.
With these factors in mind, it is 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.
Best AIF with High Returns
| Brand | Avg. 1 Year Return |
| Negen Capital | 24.09% |
| Sameeksha Capital | 11.70% |
| Nuvama | 11.36% |
| Sundaram | 11.09% |
| Alfaccurate Advisors | 9.70% |
| Buoyant | 9.64% |
| Renaissance | 9.31% |
| ICICI | 7.27% |
| 360 One | 5.45% |
| Motilal Oswal | 1.55% |
The table above clearly showcases the Best AIF with High Returns. First, Negen Capital delivers high, consistent returns of around 24.09%.
This is one of the main reasons investors consider 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.
Third is Nuvama, which follows closely, offering returns of approximately 11.36% and 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.
Returns from an AIF aren’t taxed the same way as regular stock market gains — see how AIF gains are taxed vs direct equity before you invest.
Top Alternate Funds with Low Cost
| Brand | Low Cost |
| Sameeksha Capital | 1.20% of Fund Value + 20% of Profit |
| Buoyant | 2.00% of Fund Value |
| Sundaram | 2.25% of Fund Value |
| Nuvama | 2.25% of Fund Value |
| Motilal Oswal | 2.50% of Fund Value |
| ICICI | 2.50% of Fund Value |
| 360 One | 2.50% of Fund Value |
| Alfaccurate Advisors | 2.50% of Fund Value |
| Renaissance | 2.50% of Fund Value |
| Negen Capital | 2.50% of Fund Value |
Another prime factor that attracts investors is the low cost. In addition, low costs help investors maximise returns.
This is done by minimising management expenses. Moreover, lower costs leave more money available for investments.
This is also very beneficial for 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. Third on our list is Sundaram, which charges 2.25% of the fund’s value.
Top AIF with High AUM
| Brand | AUMs (Rs.) |
| 360 One | Rs.31461 Cr. |
| ICICI | Rs.22579 Cr. |
| Motilal Oswal | Rs.13221 Cr. |
| Nuvama | Rs.5366 Cr. |
| Buoyant | Rs.4802 Cr. |
| Sundaram | Rs.3128 Cr. |
| Alfaccurate Advisors | Rs.2945 Cr. |
| Sameeksha Capital | Rs.1440 Cr. |
| Renaissance | Rs.1314 Cr. |
| Negen Capital | Rs.972 Cr. |
High AUM is another factor 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.
It also has 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
| Brand | Active Clients |
| ICICI | 23823 |
| Motilal Oswal | 12607 |
| 360 One | 6575 |
| Buoyant | 3258 |
| Sundaram | 2258 |
| Alfaccurate Advisors | 1484 |
| Renaissance | 1231 |
| Negen Capital | 932 |
| Nuvama | 899 |
| Sameeksha Capital | 578 |
The extensive client base is also a key factor in the success of a fund management business. It is also a key factor that attracts investors to the company and its products.
Moreover, according to the research, the Best Alternate Investment in India is ICICI, with approximately 23823 clients. Second on our list is Motilal Oswal, with 12607 clients.
Thirdly, 360 One stands firmly with 6575 clients. So, investors can find the best investment manager through a large clientele as well.
Top Alternative Investment Fund with High Experience
| Brand | Experience |
| Motilal Oswal | 11 Years |
| ICICI | 10 Years |
| Alfaccurate Advisors | 10 Years |
| Buoyant | 9 Years |
| Sameeksha Capital | 9 Years |
| 360 One | 8 Years |
| Renaissance | 8 Years |
| Negen Capital | 8 Years |
| Sundaram | 7 Years |
| Nuvama | 4 Years |
In this section, we will look at top alternative funds in India with strong experience. Here, high expertise refers to 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 a list of highly experienced fund management companies. Motilal Oswal leads with 11 years of industry experience.
Next 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.
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.
Motilal Oswal also offers next-level diversification, including private equity, real estate, and commodities.
Pros
- Motilal Oswal has one of the highest AUMs at 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, for support, it has a dedicated RM and a dashboard service.
Cons
- The average one-year return across the list is 1.55%.
- Also, the fixed fee of 2.5% is quite high.
- Moreover, the minimum investment is high, at 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.
It also has some of 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, at Rs. 22,579 Cr.
- It also has the most HNI clients, at Rs. 23823.
- Moreover, with more than 10 years of industry experience, 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, at 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 has become the Top Alternate Investment in India.
The brand also provides unparalleled support to investors through calls, emails, chat, a dedicated RM, a fund manager, etc. Moreover, the issue resolution TAT is 3 working days.
Furthermore, there is a dashboard link where the investors can log in 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 highly experienced fund managers, making it an effective platform for portfolio management.
Cons
- 360 One charges a 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 AIFs in India, which was founded in 2016.
This alternative investment fund is designed exclusively for HNIs seeking long-term investments with higher returns.
The fund is 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 addition to maintenance and performance fees, it charges only 2% of the fund value.
- The required documents are minimal: a PMS agreement, POA, Demat account, PAN, and address proof.
- Moreover, Buoyant allows early exit, custom strategies, and strategy switching.
- Furthermore, the fund house provides 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, returns may become high-risk.
- 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, Sundaram’s charges are very minimal, at 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, Sundaram’s one-year returns 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 house maintains a high level of transparency and has clearly disclosed its fees and profit-sharing structure.
- 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.
Investors looking for diversified portfolios and higher returns, at the cost of higher risk, can 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 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, investors can opt for a custom strategy with Alfaccurate Advisors.
- Furthermore, there is no exit load after the first year, which is a significant advantage for investors.
- Lastly, the official dashboard lets investors easily access their portfolio.
Cons
- The fees are pretty high, at 2.50% of the fund value. There is also a variable fee of 1.5%.
- Moreover, there is no strategy-switching option, and 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.
Currently, the fund management company manages around Rs. 1,314.37 crores in assets and has a client base of 1,231 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 Fund in India in a very short period, thanks to its offerings.
Pros
- First, the 1-year return is very impressive at 9.31%, higher than the Nifty 50.
- Second, unlike its peers, which charge an exit load, this fund has no exit load.
- Also, the company allows NRI investment, discretionary, and non-discretionary options.
- Investors can also reach out to customer support by phone or email.
- 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, it offers no diversification of strategies for clients who prefer to invest across multiple strategies.
- Also, the company does not provide fund manager interaction to its investors.
Negen Capital AIF – Best Alternative Investment Funds in India
Negen Capital is yet another Best Alternative Investment Fund 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 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 a 24.09% 1-year return, it has outperformed the Nifty 50. It is also an excellent investment for short-term investors.
- Moreover, this fund house offers NRI investment, discretionary, and non-discretionary options.
- Early exit is also allowed and free of charge.
- Furthermore, Negen Capital provides 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
- Negen Capital’s assets under management are Rs. 972 Cr, which is roughly comparable to other brands.
- Also, Negen’s active HNIs 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’s look at why Nuvama is one of the Top Alternate Funds in India.
Pros
- First, Nuvama AIF has access to a unique set of strategies, such as enhanced dynamic growth equity and a multi-asset return fund.
- Secondly, Nuvama has around 11.36% returns in one year, which is higher than Nifty 50’s 9.02%.
- Under this scheme, it charges 2.25% of the fund value as a fixed fee.
- Also, it offers multiple support channels to assist investors, such as calls, email, and chat. 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 AIFs, it is hard to track the funds’ track record.
- 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
- First, Sameeksha Capital has delivered the highest returns of 11.70%, well above the Nifty 50’s 9.02%.
- Second, the fee structure is very reasonable: 1.20% of fund value + 20% of profit above a 10% hurdle.
- Also, Sameeksha Capital allows strategy switching, NRI investment, and early exit.
- Moreover, with over 9 years of experience in the AIF industry, Sameeksha’s fund managers can analyse 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 summary, the Best AIF in India is the one with consistent returns, multiple investment strategies, and a transparent fee structure.
The tables also show 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
Here are some 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 large base of HNI clients, and high AUM.
Which AIF has the Largest AUM?
360 One has the largest AUM. It has over Rs. 31,461 Cr. in 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 mainly 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. Management fees typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% of the fund’s assets, while 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 Alternative Investment Brand, it is wise to consider the track record. You should also consider the 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. For close associates of the AIF, the investment starts at Rs. 25 lakh.