Frequently asked questions

A mutual fund pools money from many investors and invests it in shares, bonds or other securities according to a stated objective. Professional fund managers run each scheme, and you own units whose value follows the scheme's Net Asset Value (NAV). Read more on our mutual funds page.

No. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, and no scheme can guarantee returns. Read all scheme related documents carefully before investing, and remember that past performance may or may not be sustained in the future.

It depends on your goal, your time horizon and how comfortable you are with a fall in value. We start with those three questions and then discuss the categories that fit, before looking at individual schemes.

Both invest in the same portfolio. A regular plan is bought through a distributor, and its expense ratio includes the cost of distribution, from which the distributor's commission is paid. A direct plan is bought without a distributor and generally has a lower expense ratio. Ask about costs before you decide, and we will explain them.

KYC, or Know Your Customer, is an identity verification requirement for investing in mutual funds. It usually involves your PAN, proof of address, a photograph and bank details, and it is generally completed once.

Open-ended schemes generally allow you to redeem units on any business day. Some schemes have an exit load or a lock-in period, and tax may apply on gains. Check the scheme documents, and we can point out the relevant terms.

Health insurance pays eligible medical treatment costs up to the sum insured. Life insurance pays a sum to your nominee if the insured person dies during the policy term. They serve different needs, and many families keep both. See health insurance and life insurance.

A waiting period is the time after a policy starts during which certain claims cannot be made. Examples are an initial waiting period, a longer period for pre-existing conditions and specific periods for named procedures. Lengths differ between plans.

Term insurance pays a fixed sum assured to the nominee if the insured person dies during the policy term. A standard term plan has no maturity benefit, and its premium is generally lower than a plan that also builds savings.

Third-party cover pays for harm caused to other people and their property, and it is the legal minimum. Comprehensive cover also protects your own vehicle against events such as accidents, fire and theft, subject to the policy terms. See general insurance.

Insurers accept and price a policy based on the information you give. Incorrect or missing details about health, habits or how a vehicle is used can lead to a claim being reduced or rejected.

No. Claims are assessed and settled by the insurer under the policy terms. We help you understand the process and prepare the documents.

GeM, the Government e-Marketplace, is an online platform where government buyers purchase goods and services. Sellers register on the platform and list their offerings. See our GeM services page.

Manufacturers, service providers, traders and other suppliers can register, subject to GeM's eligibility and category rules. We help you understand what applies to your business.

No. Registration puts you on the platform. Orders depend on your offering, your pricing and how well you meet each buyer's requirements.

We help with seller registration, profile setup, documentation and understanding the process. GeM itself decides approvals, categories and charges.