Mutual Funds vs SIF vs PMS

Mutual Funds vs SIF vs PMS

 Key Differences Every Investor Must Know

Explore the detailed comparison between Mutual Funds (MF), Specialized Investment Funds (SIF), and Portfolio Management Services (PMS). Understand suitability, investment limits, tax implications, risk levels, and more to choose the right option for your financial goals.


Mutual Funds vs Specialized Investment Funds vs PMS

 A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to building wealth and managing financial portfolios, understanding the differences between Mutual Funds (MF), Specialized Investment Funds (SIF), and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) is crucial. Below is a detailed comparison to help investors make the right choice based on capital, strategy, and risk appetite.


📊 Tabular Comparison of MF vs SIF vs PMS 📊

FeatureMutual Funds (MF)Specialized Investment Funds (SIF)Portfolio Management Services (PMS)
SuitabilityRetail Investors, HNIsSavvy Investors & HNIsHNIs
Minimum Investment₹100 – ₹5,000₹10 lakh₹50 lakh
StructureOpen-ended, Close-endedOpen-ended, Close-ended, Interval-basedUsually Open-ended
Holding ModePhysical or DematPhysical or Demat (likely)Demat Only
Asset Class & CategoriesEquity, Debt, Hybrid, Commodity, REIT, INVIT (37 categories)Equity, Debt, Hybrid, REIT, INVIT across 7 strategy categoriesEquity, Debt, Hybrid, Commodity, REIT, INVIT
Stock ConcentrationUp to 10% in a stock, 25% in a sectorSimilar to Mutual FundsMost Flexible
Derivatives UsageArbitrage purposes onlySpeculation (up to 25%), Hedging & ArbitrageHedging and Arbitrage
Risk LevelVaries: Low (Debt) to High (Equity)Higher than MF/PMS depending on strategyGenerally High for Equity PMS; Moderate to Low for others
Risk AssessmentRisk-o-Meter (Low to Very High)Risk Band (1–5 levels), updated monthlyCustom risk profiling per investor
RedemptionsAnytime for open-ended; at maturity for close-endedDepends on strategy: daily to annuallyBased on PMS agreement
Redemption Notice PeriodNo notice requiredMay require up to 15 working daysVaries by PMS provider
Portfolio DisclosureMonthlyAlternate monthsMonthly
Tax on RedemptionCapital Gains TaxSimilar to MF; clarity needed on derivative classificationIndividual security level tax on each sale
Certification RequiredNISM Mutual Fund Distributors CertificationNISM MF Distributors + Derivatives CertificationNISM Portfolio Management Services Certification

Choosing the Right Option

  • Mutual Funds: Best for retail investors seeking simplicity, diversification, and lower capital requirements.

  • Specialized Investment Funds: Ideal for experienced investors or HNIs comfortable with higher risk and seeking exposure to advanced strategies.

  • PMS: Designed for wealthy investors requiring tailored portfolio management, greater control, and flexibility.


Below is a comparative table outlining the eligibility and certification requirements for distributing Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs), Portfolio Management Services (PMS), and Mutual Funds in India:

Investment ProductMandatory CertificationExam DetailsAdditional Requirements
Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs)NISM-Series-XIII: Common Derivatives Certification ExaminationPurpose: Establishes a knowledge benchmark for distributors of SIFs.

Eligibility: Entities engaged in the sale and/or distribution of Mutual Fund products.

Exam Structure: 100 multiple-choice questions; total marks: 100.
Passing Score: 60%.
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
Duration: 2 hours.
Validity: 3 years.

Distributors must be registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).
Compliance with SEBI regulations is mandatory.
Additional requirements, if any, are not specified in the available sources.
Portfolio Management Services (PMS)NISM-Series-XXI-A: PMS Distributors Certification ExaminationPurpose: Establishes a knowledge benchmark for distributors of PMS.
Eligibility: Individuals engaged in the distribution of PMS.
Exam Structure: 100 multiple-choice questions; total marks: 100.
Passing Score: 60%.
Negative Marking: 0.10 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
Duration: 2 hours.
Validity: 3 years.
Distributors must comply with SEBI regulations.
Completion of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs is required for certification renewal.
Additional requirements, if any, are not specified in the available sources.
Mutual FundsNISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification ExaminationPurpose: Establishes a knowledge benchmark for mutual fund distributors.
Eligibility: Individuals above 18 years of age; no specific educational qualifications required.
Exam Structure: 100 multiple-choice questions; total marks: 100.
Passing Score: 50%.
Negative Marking: None.
Duration: 2 hours.
Validity: 3 years.
Registration with AMFI is mandatory to obtain an AMFI Registration Number (ARN).
Completion of CPE programs is required for certification renewal.
Additional requirements, if any, are not specified in the available sources.

Note: The information provided is based on the available sources and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites of SEBI and NISM.

Type of ExamMandatory NISM Certification Exam
Mock Test Free (SIFs)NISM-Series-XIII: Common Derivatives Certification Examination
Mock Test Free (PMS)NISM-Series-XXI-A: PMS Distributors Certification Examination
Mock Test Free (Mutual Funds)NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination

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