Over the past few years, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have gained significant popularity among retail investors. Still, a lump-sum investmentโinvesting a large amount of money all at onceโis an effective tool when used at the right time. To derive maximum benefit from your lump-sum capital, the right mutual funds are crucial. In the section below, we highlight the top 10 mutual funds to invest a lump sum amount for 2025 based on their 3-year annualized returns as of January 10, 2025, and provide the critical considerations to make your decision.
Top 10 Mutual Funds for Lump-Sum Investments

| Rank | Fund Name | Type | 3-Yr Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SBI PSU Direct โ Growth | Equity (PSU) | 33.27% |
| 2 | Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct โ Growth | Equity (Mid-Cap) | 33.19% |
| 3 | ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Direct โ Growth | Equity (Infra) | 31.68% |
| 4 | Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct โ Growth | Equity (PSU) | 31.59% |
| 5 | LIC MF Infrastructure Fund Direct โ Growth | Equity (Infra) | 31.39% |
| 6 | ICICI Prudential Bharat 22 FoF Direct โ Growth | Equity (FoF) | 31.37% |
| 7 | Invesco India PSU Equity Fund Direct โ Growth | Equity (PSU) | 31.34% |
| 8 | HDFC Infrastructure Direct Plan โ Growth | Equity (Infra) | 30.06% |
| 9 | DSP India T.I.G.E.R. Direct โ Growth | Equity (Infra) | 30.01% |
| 10 | Bandhan Emerging Businesses Fund Direct โ Growth | Equity (Small/Mid) | 27.09% |
Why These Funds Shine for Lump Sum
- High Growth Potential: The top funds delivered 30โ33% annualized returns over three years, reflecting targeted exposure to high-growth sectors like infrastructure and PSUs.
- Sector Expertise: Infrastructure and PSU-focused funds capitalize on government spending and policy support, making them ideal for large, one-time entries.
- Focused Allocation: FoFs like Bharat 22 blend multiple strategies and reduce single-stock risk, smoothing out performance over market cycles.
Key Considerations for Lump-Sum Investing
- Investment Horizon
- Aim for at least 10โ15 years to ride out volatility and compound gains in high-growth funds.
- Market Timing
- Deploy lump sums when valuations are reasonableโideally during market dipsโto enhance long-term returns.
- Risk Profile
- Lump-sum strategies amplify exposure; suitable only for investors with high risk tolerance.
- Liquidity Needs
- Ensure you have an emergency buffer; lump-sum allocations tie up capital in one instrument.
- Cost Implications
- Watch for exit loads and expense ratios, which can erode gains when investing large sums.
Conclusion
Lump-sum investing can deliver substantial capital appreciation when directed into the right mutual funds. The schemes outlined aboveโespecially those focused on PSUs, midcaps, and infrastructureโhave demonstrated exceptional 3-year returns, making them top contenders for 2025. Before committing your capital:
- Align your choice with your time horizon and risk appetite
- Consider market conditions and avoid chasing past performance
- Keep an eye on fund expenses and exit loads
If done with care, a lump-sum investment in these top-performing funds can be a cornerstone of your long-term wealth plan.
Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes. The securities/investments quoted here are not recommended.
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