5 Dec 2025
Mid cap and small cap mutual funds may offer investors opportunities to participate in the growth of medium and smaller companies in India. While mid cap funds invest in companies ranked 101–250 by market capitalization, small cap funds focus on those ranked 251 and below as per SEBI guidelines. Understanding their features, risks and suitability can help investors build a balanced equity portfolio aligned with long term financial goals
Key Takeaways
- Invest primarily in companies ranked 101-250 by market capitalization offering a balance of possible growth and moderate stability
- Invest in companies ranked 251+ providing higher growth potential with greater volatility & market risks.
- Both fund types are suited for investors with long term horizons
- SIPs may help manage volatility, while lumpsum investments can be timed with market conditions
- Consider long term performance, fund manager expertise, expense ratio and portfolio diversification
- Market volatility, liquidity constraints, NAV declines and concentration risk differ between mid-cap and small cap funds
What are Mid Cap Funds?
A midcap fund is an equity mutual fund that primarily invests in medium sized companies as defined by SEBI which ranks midcap companies between 101st and 250th in terms of full market capitalization. These funds are required to invest at least 65% of their assets in such companies. Midcap companies are generally established businesses that have moved beyond the early growth phase but still may offer significant potential for expansion. By providing exposure to companies in the growth and expansion stage midcap funds can contribute to long term wealth creation, help diversify equity portfolios and support long term financial goals. Investors can consider Kotak Mid Cap fund for a professionally managed approach to invest in these companies while enhancing portfolio diversification
What are Small Cap Funds?
These are equity mutual funds that are required to invest at least 65% of their total assets in small cap companies. The small cap meaning in simple terms refers to companies ranked 251st and below by market capitalization. Small cap funds come with possible higher growth potential but also carry higher risk, making them more suitable for investors with a higher risk appetite and longer investment horizon. Investors looking to harness the possible growth potential of smaller companies can consider Kotak Small Cap fund which is actively managed to capture early stage growth opportunities while balancing portfolio risk
SEBI Classification - Why it Matters?
SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has defined clear rules for classifying mutual funds which helps bring consistency across the industry
- Mid Cap Funds - Must invest at least 65% of their total assets in companies ranked 101st to 250th by full market capitalization
- Small Cap Funds - Must invest at least 65% of their total assets in companies ranked 251st and below by market capitalization
This standardization ensures that all funds within the same category follow a uniform framework. For investors it means easier comparison between different schemes, better transparency and the ability to pick funds that align with their risk appetite and investment goals
Small Cap vs Mid Cap Funds - Key Differences
| Feature | Mid Cap Funds | Small Cap Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Company Size | Invest in companies ranked 101-250 by full market capitalization (as per SEBI) | Invest in companies ranked 251st and below by full market capitalization (as per SEBI) |
| Risk Level | Generally less volatile than small caps | Carry high risk with sharper price swings and higher volatility |
| Growth Potential | Aim to capture opportunities from companies in the potential growth and expansion phase | Aim to participate in the possible early growth phase of smaller businesses which may experience wider price movements |
| Liquidity | Typically have better liquidity, making entry and exit easier | May face lower liquidity in some stocks which can impact buying/selling at desired prices |
| Investor Suitability | Suitable for investors seeking a balance of growth and stability with a long term horizon | Suitable for aggressive investors with a high risk appetite and long term investment horizon |
Benefits of Investing
Mid Cap Funds
- Balanced Risk and Return - Invest in mid sized companies that are in the potential growth phase offering a balance between potential returns and market risk
- Diversification - Spread across multiple sectors and companies to reduce concentrated risk
- Professional Management - Experienced fund managers monitor the portfolio and adjust holdings based on research and market conditions
- Long Term Goals - Suitable for investors with objectives such as retirement planning, children’s education or systematic wealth creation
Small Cap Funds
- Growth Opportunities - Invest in smaller companies that may expand and move up in market capitalization over time
- Early Participation - Enables investors to participate in the early growth stage of emerging companies
- Long Term Investment Horizon - Suitable for investors willing to stay invested for several years to potentially benefit from long term growth while accepting higher short term volatility
Risks to Know
Both mid cap and small cap funds are subject to equity market risks but the level of risk can vary between them
- Market Volatility - Small cap funds can experience larger price fluctuations compared to mid-cap funds because smaller companies are more sensitive to market changes
- Liquidity Risk - Some smaller companies may have lower trading volumes which can affect the ease of buying or selling units
- NAV Declines - Both fund types may see reductions in Net Asset Value during market corrections with small caps generally experiencing sharper declines
- Concentration Risk - Funds with significant exposure to a few companies or sectors may face higher risk if those investments underperform
Who Should Invest in Each Fund?
Mid Cap Funds
- Suitable for investors with a high risk tolerance seeking a mix of growth potential and relative stability
- Recommended for long term financial goals of 5 years or more
Small Cap Funds
- Appropriate for investors with a high risk tolerance who can manage short term market fluctuations
- Suitable for a long term investment horizon aiming to potentially enhance overall portfolio returns
Investment Approach - SIP vs Lumpsum
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) - Suitable for both mid cap and small cap funds. SIPs may help average out the purchase cost over time and reduce the impact of market volatility
Lumpsum Investment - Investors can invest a one time amount at any time provided the investor has a long term perspective and is comfortable with short term fluctuations
How to Choose the Right Fund?
- Track Long Term Performance - Look for consistency across market cycles not just recent returns
- Evaluate Fund Manager Expertise - A skilled manager can navigate volatility better
- Check Expense Ratio - Lower costs help improve net returns
- Review Portfolio Diversification - Ensure exposure across multiple sectors and stocks
- Align with Risk Appetite - Choose allocation proportion based on comfort with volatility.
Taxation of Small & Mid Cap Funds
- The tax treatment depends on the holding period
- Equity funds are taxed differently with short term gains taxed higher than long term gains
- Investors should also account for exit load while planning redemptions
- As mutual fund taxation is subject to periodic changes through government and regulatory updates, investors are advised to refer to the latest Kotak Mutual Fund Tax Reckoner for detailed and up to date information
Conclusion
Mid cap and small cap funds can play an important role in a diversified equity portfolio. Mid cap funds offer a balance between possible growth potential and relative stability making them suitable for investors with high risk tolerance and long term goals. Small cap funds provide exposure to relatively early growth-stage companies. By selecting funds based on performance, management expertise, diversification and personal risk appetite investors can harness the growth potential of these segments while managing risk effectively.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between mid cap and small cap funds?
Mid cap funds invest in companies ranked 101-250 by market capitalization while small cap funds invest in companies ranked 251 and below according to SEBI.
2. Who should invest in mid cap funds?
Investors with high risk tolerance seeking a balance between growth and stability typically with a long term horizon of 5+ years.
3. Who should invest in small cap funds?
Investors with a high risk appetite who can manage short term volatility and stay invested for 5 years or more.
4. Should I invest via SIP or lumpsum?
SIPs are recommended to manage market volatility over time. Lumpsum investments can be considered during market corrections by investors with a long term perspective.
5. How are small cap and mid cap funds taxed?
Equity funds are subject to capital gains tax, short term gains are taxed higher than long term gains. Exit loads may also apply.
Disclaimers
Investors may consult their Financial Advisors and/or Tax advisors before making any investment decision.
These materials are not intended for distribution to or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local law or regulation. The distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions may be restricted or totally prohibited and accordingly, persons who come into possession of this document are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.
MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.
