Synopsis: This article covers seven top performing large-cap funds that have delivered impressive gains over the past year. Explore the recent performances of these funds and see which large-cap funds stand out in the current market.
In the year 2025 the Indian equity market experienced a mixed performance amid global headwinds and domestic economic changes. BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 ended 2025 with notable gains of up around 9 to 12%. However, at certain points the market returns were a bit muted with some data showing the Sensex delivering flat returns over a year period and underperforming compared with fixed deposits or other assets.
Even with all the volatility the large-cap mutual funds stood out for its relative stability. These funds primarily invest in the biggest and most established companies. They tend to have stronger balance sheets and more predictable earnings. In periods of market volatility investors usually move to large caps for safety and returns. Read below to find out the top 7 large cap funds that delivered the highest return in the last 1 year.
Top 7 Large-Cap Funds Based on 1-Year Returns
7. UTI NIFTY50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 15.76% )
- NAV (As of 13th Feb 2026): ₹15.30
- AUM: ₹123 Cr
- 1-Year Return: 15.76%
- Expense Ratio: 0.32%
- Fund Managers: Sharwan Kumar Goyal, Ayush Jain
This equal weighted index fund delivered a solid 15.76% return last year. It offered a mixed exposure across the Nifty 50 stocks without concentration risk. A low expense ratio of 0.32% also adds on to its overall attractiveness for being a good large-cap option. The top three holdings include Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
6. HDFC NIFTY50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 15.78% )
- NAV (As of 13th Feb 2026): ₹18.75
- AUM: ₹1,638 Cr
- 3-Year CAGR: 18.90%
- 3-Year Return: 68.2%
- Expense Ratio: 0.40%
- Fund Managers: Arun Agarwal, Nandita Menezes
A consistent 3-year performance and nearly 19% CAGR is a remarkable outcome in a volatile market. This fund combines long-term growth with stability. It remains a strong passive large-cap option for many disciplined investors. The top three holdings of the fund includes Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
5. DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 15.84% )
- NAV (As of 13th Feb 2026): ₹27.63
- AUM: ₹2417 cr
- 3-Year and 5-Year CAGR: 18.9%, 16.4%
- 3-Year and 5-Year Return: 68.3%, 114.0%
- Expense Ratio: 0.41%
- Fund Managers: Anil Ghelani, Diipesh Shah
This large-cap fund has delivered steady one-year gains along with a strong 3- and 5-year returns. The standing out point is the consistency when compared among equal-weight index strategies. Its broad exposure reduces dependency on a few heavyweight stocks. The top three holdings of the fund includes Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
Also read: Best Performing Mutual Funds: 7 Large-Cap Funds That Delivered Over 30% CAGR in Last 3 Years
4. ICICI Prudential Nifty50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 15.86%)
- NAV ( As of 13th Feb, 2026): ₹17.25
- AUM: ₹205 cr
- 3-Year CAGR: 18.8%
- 3-Year Return: 67.8%
- Expense Ratio: 0.32%
- Fund Managers: Kayzad Englim, Nishit Patel, Ashwini Bharucha, Venus Ahuja
Now, ICICI Prudential has slightly outperformed its peers in the equal-weight category as this fund offers balanced exposure to India’s top 50 companies. A competitive expense ratio further strengthens its appeal. Thus, making it a wise option among the other strong contenders. The top three holdings of the fund includes Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
3. Bank of India Large Cap Fund Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 19.01%)
- NAV ( As of 13th Feb, 2026): ₹17.72
- AUM: ₹207 cr
- 3-Year CAGR: 18.4%
- 3-Year Return: 66.2%
- Expense Ratio: 1.01%
- Fund Managers: Alok Singh, Nilesh Jethani
The fund that has crossed the 19% mark and a well deserving fund house to be in the top 3. Bank of India Large Cap is an actively managed large-cap fund that outperformed several passive strategies. It may appeal to investors seeking professional stock selection within blue-chip companies. The top three holdings of the fund includes HDFC Bank Ltd, State Bank of India, and ICICI Bank Ltd.
2. DSP BSE Sensex Next 30 Index Fund Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 19.81% )
- NAV ( As of 13th Feb, 2026): ₹11.76
- AUM: ₹15 cr
- 1-Year Return: 19.81%
- Expense Ratio: 0.25%
- Fund Managers: Anil Ghelani, Diipesh Shah
DSP BSE is an emerging large-cap leader beyond the Sensex 30. This fund delivered nearly 20% returns in one year. Its low 0.25% expense ratio adds to its overall cost advantage. The top three holdings of the fund includes Shriram Finance Ltd, Hindalco Industries Ltd, and Vedanta Ltd.
1. ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct Growth (1-Year Return: 26.27% )
- NAV ( As of 13th Feb, 2026): ₹36.04
- AUM: ₹2552 cr
- 3-Year and 5-Year CAGR: 28.4%, 27.5%
- 3-Year and 5-Year Return: 111.7%, 237.1%
- Expense Ratio: 0.12%
- Fund Managers: Kayzad Englim, Nishit Patel, Ashwini Bharucha, Venus Ahuja, Ajay Kumar Solanki
Topping the list with a strong 26.27% one-year return, ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF (fund-of-fund) offers exposure to leading public sector enterprises. Its low expense ratio of 0.12% enhances net returns for investors.
Comprehensive Table of Top 7 Large Cap Funds – 1 Year Return:
Why Did Largecap Funds Do Well?
- Banking sector strength where financial stocks carried a significant weight in large-cap indices. Additionally, it also benefited from strong credit growth and improving asset quality.
- Infrastructure and industrial companies gained momentum as government spending and private capex improved.
- Large corporations reported relatively stable earnings growth compared to mid- and small-cap peers.
- During volatile periods the investors preferred high-quality stocks with strong cash flows.
- Continued SIP inflows and domestic institutional investment supported valuations in frontline stocks.
Who Should Consider These Funds (Not a Recommendation)
Large-cap mutual funds may be relevant for investors who want an exposure to established and blue-chip companies. Those who are looking for relatively lower volatility within the equity segment can also opt in. It would also be beneficial for investors who want to balance mid- and small-cap allocations in their portfolio.
*Investment decisions should be based on individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and professional advice.
Conclusion
2025 saw a mixed market condition overall, despite that, large-cap funds showed a commendable performance by giving a competitive one-year returns, where some funds even showed gains of over 25%. The data shows that quality businesses with fundamentals as base continue to attract investors. Though it can be relied completely based on the past deliverance, large-cap funds did remain a core portfolio component for many investors.
