Synopsis: PSU sector mutual funds have delivered strong returns for 3 years, driven by improving asset quality, rising credit demand, and supportive government reform. These funds achieved approximately 30% CAGR during the last 3 years across sectors such as banking, power, and energy, experiencing financial recovery.
Thematic equity funds in the PSU sector primarily invest in public sector undertakings, and their investments include companies from the banking, power, infrastructure, and defence sectors. The financial performance of PSU companies has improved, which created better balance sheets for banks that experienced lower non-performing assets and achieved overall profitability growth, which has made these funds more appealing to investors.
What Are PSU Sector Mutual Funds?
PSU sector mutual funds are thematic equity funds that invest their capital into public sector undertakings, including public sector banks like SBI and Bank of Baroda, as well as companies from power, energy, defence, and infrastructure. These funds benefit from the following factors:
- Government reforms and recapitalization
- Increasing demand for credit
- Better asset quality through reduced non-performing assets
The funds experience higher price fluctuations because they concentrate on one particular sector instead of spreading their investments across multiple sectors.
1. SBI PSU Equity Fund
- NAV: ₹36.25
- AUM: ₹6,545.08 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.85%
- Exit Load: 0.50% (within 30 days)
- Performance Snapshot
- 3-Year CAGR: 30.8%
- 3-Year Absolute Return: 134.3%
- Risk & Performance Metrics
- Alpha: 1.82
- Sharpe Ratio: 1.35
- Top Holdings: State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics Ltd., Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
2. Invesco India PSU Equity Fund
- NAV: ₹71.71
- AUM: ₹1,510.76 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.91%
- Exit Load: 1% (within 1 year)
- Performance Snapshot
- 3-Year CAGR: 27.6%
- 3-Year Absolute Return: 118.8%
- Risk & Performance Metrics
- Alpha: -1.21
- Sharpe Ratio: 1.19
- Top Holdings: State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
3. Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund
- NAV: ₹36.33
- AUM: ₹6,085.65 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.61%
- Exit Load: 1% (within 1 year)
- Performance Snapshot
- 3-Year CAGR: 27.6%
- 3-Year Absolute Return: 117.8%
- Risk & Performance Metrics
- Alpha: -1.30
- Sharpe Ratio: 1.22
- Top Holdings: State Bank of India, NTPC Ltd., Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
4. ICICI Prudential PSU Equity Fund
- NAV: ₹21.39
- AUM: ₹2,021.84 Cr
- Expense Ratio: 0.86%
- Exit Load: 1%
- Performance Snapshot
- 3-Year CAGR: 26.8%
- 3-Year Absolute Return: 112.1%
- Risk & Performance Metrics
- Alpha: 1.03
- Sharpe Ratio: 1.17
- Top Holdings: State Bank of India, NTPC Ltd., Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
Also Read: Top 5 Multicap Mutual Funds Delivering Up to 23% Returns in the Last 3 Years
Comparison Table: Top PSU Bank Mutual Funds (3-Year Performance)
| Fund Name | 3Y CAGR | Expense Ratio | AUM (₹ Cr) | Alpha | Sharpe Ratio |
| SBI PSU Fund | 30.8% | 0.85% | 6,545.08 | 1.82 | 1.35 |
| Invesco India PSU Equity Fund | 27.6% | 0.91% | 1,510.76 | -1.21 | 1.19 |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund | 27.6% | 0.61% | 6,085.65 | -1.30 | 1.22 |
| ICICI Prudential PSU Equity Fund | 26.8% | 0.86% | 2,021.84 | 1.03 | 1.17 |
Note: The NAV, AUM, expense ratio, and the ratios mentioned for the funds are sourced from Groww as of 30th March 2026.
Risks You Must Know
PSU bank mutual funds are highly cyclical and influenced by interest rate movements, economic growth, and government policies. Returns can be negatively impacted by factors such as asset quality deterioration and a slowdown in credit demand. The sectoral focus of these funds causes them to experience greater price fluctuations compared to equity funds that have broad market exposure.
Who Should Invest
PSU bank mutual funds match investor needs when they want to invest in high-risk assets that experience temporary price fluctuations. The funds serve best to investors who plan to invest their money for a long-term horizon, which enables them to take advantage of sector growth patterns. The investment option suits investors who want to benefit from the growth and recovery of the PSU banking sector. The investment option should be treated as a satellite investment in a portfolio that contains multiple asset classes.
Conclusion
PSU bank mutual funds have achieved strong returns during the last several years because their financial results are driven by improved financial performance, stronger asset quality, and supportive government policies. The sector offers excellent growth opportunities, but its concentrated market structure results in elevated risk levels for investors. Investors should approach these funds cautiously, align them with their risk tolerance, and maintain a disciplined long-term investment strategy to effectively manage market volatility.
Written By Ameet S
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice or investment recommendation. Returns mentioned are based on historical performance and may not be sustained in the future. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, including potential loss of capital. Investors are advised to assess their risk appetite and financial goals and to consult a certified financial advisor before investing.
