With over ₹6.5 lakh crore in assets under management, India’s Portfolio Management Services (PMS) market is rapidly growing as high-net-worth investors look beyond mutual funds for more customised and performance-driven portfolios.
However, identifying the best PMS in India isn’t easy. With 200+ strategies competing across categories, only a handful consistently outperform their benchmarks, especially after accounting for fees.
This guide simplifies the decision. We rank the top 10 PMS in India (2026) based on performance, fees, and long-term consistency, helping investors make more informed, data-driven choices.
What is PMS Investment?
PMS, full form Portfolio Management Services, is a professional investment service where experienced fund managers manage a customised portfolio of stocks, securities, and other financial assets on behalf of an investor.
Unlike mutual funds, where money is pooled into a single fund, PMS investments are individually managed. This means investors directly own the stocks and securities in their demat account, while the portfolio manager makes investment decisions based on a predefined strategy aligned with the investor’s financial goals.
PMS investments are primarily designed for high-net-worth investors seeking personalised portfolio management. As per regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the minimum investment required to invest in PMS in India is ₹50 lakh.
Key Features of PMS
Portfolio Management Services (PMS) offer a range of features designed to deliver personalised, actively managed investment solutions.
1. Personalised Portfolio Management
Each investor receives a portfolio tailored to their risk appetite, financial goals, and investment horizon.
2. Direct Ownership of Stocks
Investors directly own the stocks and securities in their demat account instead of owning fund units.
3. Active Professional Management
Experienced fund managers continuously analyse market trends, company fundamentals, and economic data to optimise the portfolio.
4. Higher Entry Requirement
As mandated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the minimum investment for PMS in India is ₹50 lakh.
5. Flexible Investment Strategies
PMS strategies may follow different investment approaches such as growth investing, value investing, multi-cap allocation, or sector-focused portfolios.
Why Investors Choose PMS
Many high-net-worth investors prefer Best PMS In India because it offers:
- Greater portfolio transparency
- Customised asset allocation
- Direct communication with fund managers
- Potential for higher long-term alpha generation
Simply put, PMS is designed for investors who want professional portfolio management with deeper customisation and strategic flexibility compared to traditional investment vehicles.
Top PMS Rankings 2026
Quick Overview — Top 10 PMS in India Based on Performance (2026)
Investors searching for the top 10 PMS in India often rely on PMS ranking and detailed PMS comparison to identify high-performing strategies. This quick overview highlights some of the top PMS options based on recent performance, consistency, and fund manager expertise, helping investors shortlist strategies that align with long-term wealth creation goals.
Top 10 PMS in India |
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| PMS Provider | IA Name | Category | AUM (INR Cr) | 3 Month (%) | 6 Month (%) | 1 Year (%) | 2 Year (%) | 3 Year (%) | 4 Year (%) | 5 Year (%) | Since Inception (%) |
| Green Lantern Capital Llp | GLC Growth Fund | Small & Mid Cap | ₹1274.14 | -0.01 | -0.08 | 5.08 | 15.97 | 40.55 | 33.03 | 42.72 | 22.91 |
| Wallfort Pms And Advisory Services Llp | Diversified | Small & Mid Cap | ₹369.17 | -18.5 | -12.89 | -7.94 | 17.54 | 36.58 | 24.45 | 35.53 | 21.94 |
| Carnelian Asset Management & Advisors Pvt Ltd | CARNELIAN SHIFT STRATEGY | Mid & Small-cap | ₹4666.97 | -7.51 | -7.25 | -3.49 | 8.78 | 27.36 | 20.83 | 28.89 | 31.67 |
| Negen Capital Services Private Lmited | Special Situations Fund | Multi-Cap & Flexi-Cap | ₹1222.49 | -9.72 | -9.85 | 3.33 | 8.44 | 25.04 | 17.07 | 26.82 | 16.74 |
| Buoyant Capital Private Limited | Buoyant Opportunities PMS | Flexi-cap, Multi-cap | ₹8402.39 | 0.3 | 5.11 | 18.22 | 16.33 | 23.81 | 17.7 | 26.7 | 21.58 |
| Stallion Asset Private Limited | Stallion Asset Core Fund | Multi Cap & Flexi Cap | ₹6361.36 | -6.93 | -2.59 | 7.15 | 23.36 | 38.45 | 25.84 | 26.56 | 27.3 |
| Renaissance Investment Managers Private Limited | Renaissance India Next Portfolio | Flexi-cap or Multi-cap | ₹898.81 | -2.83 | -3.29 | 2.25 | 8.33 | 18.9 | 16.89 | 25.8 | 14.58 |
| ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd | ICICI Prudential PMS Contra Strategy | Multi Cap & Flexi Cap | ₹12907.37 | -1.41 | 3.59 | 12.95 | 11.27 | 20.86 | 18.49 | 22.82 | 19.02 |
| Abakkus Asset Manager Private Limited | Abakkus All Cap Approach | Multi Cap & Flexi Cap | ₹7552.92 | 0.95 | 5.77 | 15.57 | 10.07 | 18.86 | 13.63 | 22.45 | 24.42 |
| Samvitti Capital Private Limited | Samvitti Active Alpha | Multi Cap & Flexi Cap | ₹233.91 | -2.17 | 0.72 | 9.36 | 11.6 | 19.42 | 14.88 | 17.79 | 15.99 |
Explore our updated PMS rankings here!
Returns as of 31st January, 2026. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Data sourced from APMI/SEBI disclosures.
Best PMS in India As per Different Category – Large Cap, Mid Cap, Multi Cap, Thematic PMS
Discover the best PMS in India across large cap, mid cap, multi cap, and thematic categories. Compare top-performing PMS strategies based on returns, risk, and investment approach to find the right fit for your portfolio.
Best Large Cap PMS
The Best Large-cap PMS strategies focus on market leaders with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and lower volatility compared to smaller companies. These portfolios typically allocate capital to established businesses across sectors like banking, IT, energy, and consumption.
They are generally preferred by investors seeking consistent long-term compounding with relatively controlled downside risk.
| Best Large Cap PMS | ||||
| Fund Name | 1Y (%) | 3Y (%) | 5Y (%) | AUM |
| ACE15 | 10.78% | 20.83% | 19.77% | 4.33 cr |
| ICICI Pru Large Cap | 13.74 | 21.38 | 20.91 | 904.49 cr |
| Renaissance Opportunities | 3.56 | 16.95 | 18.31 | 630.58 cr |
ACE15 PMS
ACE15 follows a high-conviction large-cap strategy, typically maintaining a concentrated portfolio of around 15–20 companies. The focus is on businesses with strong competitive advantages, predictable earnings growth, and high return on capital.
The portfolio often includes dominant companies in financial services, IT services, and consumer sectors, making it suitable for investors prioritising stability and disciplined stock selection.
ICICI Prudential Large Cap Strategy
The ICICI Prudential PMS Large Cap Strategy is known for its consistent performance and strong risk management framework. The portfolio focuses on sector leaders with sustainable earnings growth.
The strategy usually allocates heavily toward large banking institutions, technology companies, and industrial leaders, helping maintain stability during market corrections.
Renaissance Opportunities Portfolio
The Renaissance Opportunities Portfolio blends large-cap stability with selective mid-cap exposure, aiming to generate higher alpha than pure large-cap portfolios.
Typical Allocation
- Large Cap: ~60–70%
- Mid Cap: ~20–30%
- Cash / Tactical Allocation: ~5–10%
This balanced approach allows the strategy to capture growth opportunities while maintaining a stable core portfolio.
Which Are the Best Mid & Small Cap PMS
The best small cap PMS and best multi cap PMS focus on emerging companies with high growth potential. These portfolios aim to identify businesses early in their expansion cycles, which can generate significantly higher returns.
However, the trade-off is higher volatility and deeper drawdowns during market corrections.
| Best Mid & Small Cap PMS | ||||
| Fund Name | 1Y (%) | 3Y (%) | 5Y (%) | AUM |
| Green Lantern Growth Fund | 5.08 | 40.55 | 42.72 | 1274.14 cr |
| Stallion Asset Core Fund | 7.15 | 38.45 | 26.56 | 6361.36 cr |
| ValueQuest Platinum Portfolio | -11.72 | 18.68 | 22.55 | 2939.14 cr |
Green Lantern Growth Fund
The Green Lantern Growth Fund is one of the most aggressive high-growth PMS strategies in India, focusing primarily on mid-cap companies with strong earnings momentum.
Performance Snapshot
- Approx. 3-Year CAGR: ~43–44%
- Approx. 5-Year CAGR: ~45%+
Strategy Focus
- High-growth mid-cap companies
- Strong earnings expansion
- Sector leaders in emerging industries
The strategy benefits significantly during bull markets but can experience sharper volatility during downturns. See Green Lantern’s ranking in best PMS 2026!
Stallion Asset Core Fund
The Stallion Asset Core Fund adopts a more balanced approach within the growth segment, combining large-cap stability with mid- and small-cap growth opportunities.
Typical Allocation
- Large Cap: ~50%
- Mid Cap: ~30%
- Small Cap: ~10–15%
This diversified structure helps the portfolio capture growth while managing risk better than pure small-cap strategies. Check Stallion’s position in our PMS rankings!
ValueQuest Platinum Portfolio
The ValueQuest Platinum Portfolio is known for its high conviction small-cap investing approach.
Key Portfolio Traits
- Small Cap Exposure: ~55–60%
- Mid Cap Exposure: ~25–30%
- Concentrated portfolio strategy
The portfolio focuses on undervalued emerging businesses with strong growth potential, which can lead to significant upside during favourable market cycles.
Which are the Best Multi Cap PMS in India
Multi-cap PMS strategies invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies, providing flexibility to capture opportunities across the entire market. This approach typically produces better risk-adjusted returns over long market cycles, as fund managers can dynamically shift allocations depending on market conditions. Let’s take a look at the Best Multi Cap PMS below:
| Best Multi Cap PMS | ||||
| Fund Name | 1Y (%) | 3Y (%) | 5Y (%) | AUM |
| Buoyant Capital Opportunities Strategy | 18.22 | 23.81 | 26.7 | 8402.39 cr |
| Samvitti Active Alpha Multi Cap | 9.36 | 19.42 | 17.79 | 233.91 cr |
| ICICI Prudential Contra Strategy | 12.95 | 20.86 | 22.82 | 12907.37 cr |
| Abakkus All Cap Strategy | 15.57 | 18.86 | 22.45 | 7552.92 cr |
Buoyant Capital Opportunities Strategy
The Buoyant Opportunities Scheme is known for its quality-focused investment approach, prioritising companies with sustainable competitive advantages and strong earnings visibility.
Strategy Highlights
- Focus on high-quality growth companies
- Balanced exposure across market caps
- Strong emphasis on capital efficiency and earnings visibility
Samvitti Active Alpha Multi Cap
The Samvitti Active Alpha Strategy runs a concentrated multi-cap portfolio built around high-conviction ideas discovered through deep fundamental research.
Key Characteristics
- Concentrated portfolio structure
- Focus on businesses with scalable earnings
- High-conviction long-term holdings
ICICI Prudential Contra Strategy
The ICICI Prudential Contra PMS Strategy follows a contrarian investment philosophy, investing in sectors and companies temporarily out of favour but fundamentally strong.
Strategy Focus
- Identifying undervalued opportunities
- Sector rotation based on market cycles
- Large-cap core with mid-cap opportunities
This approach helps generate alpha by capitalising on market mispricing and sentiment shifts. View ICICI Contra’s ranking among top PMS!
Abakkus All Cap Strategy
The Abakkus All Cap Strategy focuses on long-term structural growth opportunities across sectors and market capitalisations.
Typical Allocation
- Large Cap: ~50%
- Mid Cap: ~30%
- Small Cap: ~20%
The strategy aims to maintain a balanced growth portfolio with strong risk management, making it suitable for investors seeking diversified equity exposure. View Abakkus All Cap in our PMS rankings.
Best Thematic PMS
Thematic PMS strategies focus on specific industries or long-term economic trends expected to generate superior growth. These portfolios are usually more concentrated and can outperform significantly during favourable sector cycles.
However, they also carry higher sector-specific risk.
| Best Thematic PMS | ||||
| Fund Name | 1Y (%) | 3Y (%) | 5Y (%) | AUM |
| Wallfort Diversified PMS | -7.94 | 36.58 | 35.53 | 369.17 cr |
| InCred Healthcare PMS | 7.62 | 29.89 | NA | 508.50 cr |
| Valcreate Lifesciences PMS | 4.96 | NA | NA | 15.15 cr |
Wallfort Diversified PMS
The Wallfort Diversified Strategy invests in companies benefiting from India’s structural economic growth themes, including manufacturing, capital goods, and consumption.
Strategy Focus
- High-growth sector leaders
- Long-term structural themes
- Diversified sector exposure
InCred Healthcare PMS
The InCred Healthcare Strategy is a sector-focused portfolio targeting opportunities within pharmaceuticals, hospitals, diagnostics, and healthcare services.
Investment Thesis
- Rising healthcare spending in India
- Global demand for generics and APIs
- Growth in diagnostics and hospital infrastructure
Valcreate Lifesciences PMS
The Valcreate Lifesciences Strategy focuses specifically on life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation companies.
Strategy Highlights
- Deep research-driven stock selection
- Focus on R&D-driven pharmaceutical companies
- Exposure to export-oriented healthcare businesses
This thematic approach can generate strong returns when global healthcare innovation cycles accelerate, but performance can vary depending on regulatory changes and sector trends.
Apart from all these, See how Kotak Optimus ranks among India’s best PMS!
5-Year PMS Returns Comparison — Who Delivered Consistent Alpha?
During this 2020–2025 market cycle, several Portfolio Management Services strategies significantly outperformed their benchmarks. The table below compares the PMS returns last 5 years CAGR, along with their benchmark returns, generated alpha, and historical drawdowns.
Top 15 PMS As Per 5 Year Returns |
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| Rank | PMS Strategy | Benchmark | AUM (in INR Cr.) | 5Y CAGR | Benchmark CAGR | Alpha | Max Drawdown |
| 1 | Alpha Portfolio | Nifty 50 TRI | 9.35 | 77.21% | 14.54% | 62.67% | -28% |
| 2 | Aequitas India Opportunities Product | Nifty 50 TRI | 4862.15 | 49.21% | 14.54% | 34.67% | -31% |
| 3 | GLC Growth Fund | BSE 500 TRI | 1274.14 | 42.72% | 16.44% | 26.28% | -34% |
| 4 | Diversified Long Term Value | BSE 500 TRI | 779.14 | 39.64% | 16.44% | 23.20% | -30% |
| 5 | ICICI Prudential PMS India Recovery Strategy | BSE 500 TRI | 44.51 | 37.52% | 16.44% | 21.08% | -27% |
| 6 | SEERS Enduring Portfolio | Nifty 50 TRI | 340.6 | 36.68% | 14.54% | 22.14% | -25% |
| 7 | Diversified Strategy | BSE 500 TRI | 369.17 | 35.53% | 16.44% | 19.09% | -29% |
| 8 | Emerging Opportunities Strategy | BSE 500 TRI | 156.18 | 34.29% | 16.44% | 17.85% | -33% |
| 9 | Dynamic Investment Approach | BSE 500 TRI | 951.98 | 33.70% | 15.01% | 18.69% | -26% |
| 10 | ICICI Prudential PMS Infrastructure Strategy | BSE 500 TRI | 66.24 | 33.01% | 16.44% | 16.57% | -30% |
| 11 | Emerging Sector Opportunity Portfolio | BSE 500 TRI | NA | 32.56% | 16.44% | 16.12% | -32% |
| 12 | Queenbee | BSE 500 TRI | 93.25 | 32.24% | 15.01% | 17.23% | -28% |
| 13 | Green Portfolio Super 30 Dynamic Fund | BSE 500 TRI | 184.1 | 32.02% | 16.44% | 15.58% | -29% |
| 14 | BEA India Growth Fund | BSE 500 TRI | 466.48 | 31.50% | 16.43% | 15.07% | -27% |
| 15 | MAPL Value Investing Fund | BSE 500 TRI | 305.35 | 31.22% | 16.44% | 14.78% | -26% |
Performance Insights from the 2020–2025 Market Cycle
The standout performer over the last five years was Alpha Portfolio, delivering an extraordinary 77.21% CAGR, dramatically outperforming the Nifty 50 TRI benchmark’s ~14.5% return. However, such exceptional performance typically comes with higher concentration and volatility, meaning investors must evaluate sustainability alongside returns.
Several other strategies such as Aequitas India Opportunities Product and GLC Growth Fund also delivered 40%+ annualised returns, driven largely by strong exposure to mid-cap and small-cap growth companies during the post-pandemic bull market. See Aequitas PMS ranking and comparison here!
Across the broader rankings, the top 10 PMS in india for long term generated double-digit alpha over their benchmarks, highlighting how active portfolio management can outperform passive indices when executed effectively.
Compare with other top-performing PMS funds here!
Key Market Pattern: Small Caps vs Multi Cap Strategies
A clear trend from the data is that small-cap focused PMS strategies produced the highest absolute returns. These portfolios benefited from the massive rally in India’s smaller companies between 2021 and 2024, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, capital goods, defence, and chemicals.
However, this outperformance came with larger drawdowns during corrections, with several strategies experiencing 30–35% peak declines during market pullbacks.
In contrast, multi-cap PMS strategies delivered the best risk-adjusted returns. By allocating capital across large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks, these portfolios were able to capture growth opportunities while maintaining better downside protection.
For long-term investors comparing PMS returns over the last 5 years, the key takeaway is simple:
the highest returns often came from aggressive mid- and small-cap strategies, while multi-cap portfolios provided more balanced performance across market cycles.
PMS Fee Structures — Fixed vs Performance vs Hybrid
One of the most important factors when evaluating Portfolio Management Services (PMS) is the PMS Fee Structures. Unlike mutual funds, PMS charges can vary significantly across providers depending on the investment strategy, performance expectations, and service model.
In India, PMS providers operate under regulations from the Securities and Exchange Board of India, which mandate a PMS minimum investment of ₹50 lakh for investors. While the entry ticket is standardised, the PMS fees models can differ widely.
Most PMS strategies follow one of three fee structures.
1. Fixed Fee Model
Under this model, investors pay a fixed annual management fee based on the portfolio value.
Typical range: 0.25% to 2.5% per year
Key characteristics:
- Fee charged regardless of portfolio performance
- Predictable cost structure
- Often used by long-term value strategies
This model is relatively simple but can become expensive if performance remains mediocre over long periods.
2. Performance Fee Model
In this structure, portfolio managers charge a share of the profits generated above a defined hurdle rate.
Typical structure:
- Hurdle Rate: ~8–10%
- Profit Sharing: 10–20%
Investors only pay performance fees when the portfolio beats the hurdle rate, aligning the manager’s incentives with investor returns.
3. Hybrid Fee Model
Many modern PMS strategies now use a hybrid fee structure, which combines:
- A lower fixed management fee
- A performance-based profit share
This PMS fee structure balances stable revenue for the fund manager and performance-linked incentives.
Top 10 PMS Fees Snapshot
Compare PMS Fees for Top 10 PMS |
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| Fund Name | Type | Date Of Inception | Age | Min. Inv. Amount | Fixed Fees Structure | Variable Fees Structure | Exit Load |
| GLC Growth Fund | Equity | 08/12/2017 | 8.2 Years | 5000000 | 2.50% | Fixed upto: 1.50% Profit-Sharing upto: 12.00% Hurdle upto: 10.00% | 1st Year: 3.00% 2nd Year: 2.00% |
| Wallfort Diversified PMS Strategy | Equity | 01/11/2018 | 7.4 Years | 5000000 | 2% | AMC Charge 2% / Performance Fees 10% | NA |
| CARNELIAN SHIFT STRATEGY | Equity, Mutual Fund, Others | 06/10/2020 | 5.5 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | NA |
| Negen Special Situations Fund | Equity | 10/08/2017 | 8.6 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | NA |
| Buoyant Opportunities PMS | Equity | 31/05/2016 | 9.9 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | 0% |
| Stallion Asset Core Fund | Equity, Mutual Fund, Others | 22/10/2018 | 7.4 Years | 5000000 | 2.50% | AMC Charge: 1.5% Profit Sharing: 15% Hurdle Rate: 10% | 1st Year: 2% 2nd Year: 0% 3rd Year: 0% |
| Renaissance India Next Portfolio | Equity | 19/04/2018 | 7.10 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | NA |
| ICICI Prudential PMS Contra Strategy | Equity | 14/09/2018 | 7.5 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | NA |
| Abakkus All Cap Approach | Equity | 29/10/2020 | 5.4 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | NA |
| Samvitti Active Alpha | Derivatives, Equity, Mutual Fund | 09/02/2018 | 8.0 Years | 5000000 | NA | NA | NA |
Why PMS Fees Matter More Than Investors Think
Fees can dramatically impact long-term portfolio returns. Even a small difference in annual charges compounds significantly over time.
A widely cited analysis from Capitalmind compared the impact of different PMS fee structures over a six-year investment period.
The findings were revealing:
- A fixed fee structure resulted in roughly ₹12.18 lakh in fees
- A performance fee model (8% profit share) resulted in about ₹32 lakh in fees
This illustrates how profit-sharing models can become expensive when portfolios perform extremely well. However, the flip side is that investors pay less when returns are weaker.
In practice, the best PMS strategies are evaluated not just on returns, but on net returns after fees, which ultimately determine the investor’s actual wealth creation.
How We Rank PMS — Our Methodology
Ranking PMS goes through a lot of different strategies. The PMS universe in India now includes hundreds of strategies across large cap, mid cap, multi cap, and thematic portfolios. Raw returns alone rarely tell the full story. A strategy that tops performance charts one year may fall sharply the next if the underlying process lacks discipline.
To avoid this trap, rankings are built using a process-driven evaluation framework that examines performance, investment philosophy, and risk management together. At AltPort Funds, this PMS evaluation combines two structured models: the 3I Framework for portfolio quality and the SOUL Framework for judging the sustainability of investment outcomes.
The result is a screening process that focuses on repeatable investment skill rather than short-term luck. Let’s learn how to evaluate PMS with us:
The 3I Framework: Evaluating Strategy Quality
The first layer of evaluation is the 3I Framework, which examines how a PMS strategy is designed, executed, and sustained across market cycles.
Investment Style
A clear and disciplined investment style is essential for long-term consistency.
Strategies are assessed on:
- Clarity of investment philosophy
- Portfolio construction methodology
- Ability to adapt across market cycles
- Alignment with long-term wealth creation goals
Managers with well-defined strategies and consistent positioning tend to deliver more predictable outcomes than those constantly shifting investment themes.
Investment Quality
The second layer evaluates the quality of the underlying investments and research process.
Key considerations include:
- Strength of company fundamentals
- Competitive advantages within industries
- Management credibility and governance standards
- Balance sheet health and capital allocation discipline
Strategies focusing on high-quality businesses with durable earnings growth typically demonstrate better resilience during market corrections.
Investment Performance
The final pillar measures the actual outcomes generated by the strategy, but with strong emphasis on risk management.
Performance evaluation includes:
- Long-term CAGR returns
- Drawdown control during market declines
- Recovery speed after corrections
- Consistency across market cycles
This approach ensures that strategies are judged not only by peak returns but by their ability to protect capital during volatility.
The SOUL Framework: Separating Skill from Luck
Short-term investment results can sometimes be misleading. A strategy may outperform for a few years simply because the sectors it holds are temporarily in favor.
The SOUL Framework helps identify whether performance is driven by genuine investment skill or temporary market luck.
SOUL stands for Skilled Outperformance, and it evaluates results across four performance zones:
- High Skill + High Luck — The Best Position
This is where the strongest PMS strategies operate. A robust investment process combines with favorable market conditions, producing strong returns that remain repeatable over time.
- High Skill + Low Luck — The Potential Zone
Here, the investment process remains strong, but market conditions temporarily suppress returns. These strategies often become future outperformers once market cycles shift.
- Low Skill + High Luck — The Trap Zone
This is one of the most dangerous areas for investors. Short-term returns look impressive, but they are largely driven by randomness rather than process. Once market conditions change, performance typically deteriorates.
- Low Skill + Low Luck — The Avoid Zone
Strategies in this quadrant lack both disciplined investment processes and favorable conditions, leading to persistent underperformance.
By mapping PMS strategies across these quadrants, investors can identify managers with genuine skill while avoiding luck-driven performance spikes.
Key Metrics Used in PMS ranking
PMS rankings rely on a set of quantitative performance indicators widely used in professional asset management.
Return Metrics
Strategies are compared across multiple time horizons to avoid short-term bias.
Key return metrics include:
- 1-Year CAGR – captures recent performance trends
- 3-Year CAGR – reflects medium-term strategy execution
- 5-Year CAGR – highlights long-term compounding ability
Longer time horizons help identify managers capable of sustaining outperformance across multiple market environments.
Risk-Adjusted Performance Metrics
High returns alone do not necessarily indicate strong investment skill. Risk-adjusted metrics measure how efficiently returns are generated relative to volatility.
Important indicators include:
- Sharpe Ratio – measures excess return per unit of total risk
- Information Ratio – evaluates consistent benchmark outperformance
- Sortino Ratio – focuses specifically on downside volatility
Strategies with higher values on these metrics typically demonstrate more disciplined risk management and superior portfolio construction.
Consistency and Drawdown Management
Consistency is a critical differentiator in PMS investing.
Evaluation includes:
- Frequency of benchmark outperformance
- Depth of portfolio drawdowns during market corrections
- Speed of recovery after market declines
Strategies capable of limiting downside losses while recovering quickly tend to produce stronger long-term compounding.
Fee Structure and Net Returns
All PMS strategies are evaluated on net-of-fee performance, not just gross returns.
This ensures that rankings reflect the actual returns received by investors after management fees and performance charges.
Fund Manager Track Record
Finally, the experience and history of the fund manager play an important role.
Factors considered include:
- Investment experience across market cycles
- Consistency of strategy execution
- Historical performance across previous mandates
Managers with long, disciplined track records often demonstrate stronger decision-making during volatile market phases.
Why Does Process-Based Ranking Matters?
A purely performance-based ranking can often lead investors toward strategies benefiting from temporary market momentum rather than sustainable investment skill.
By combining the 3I Framework, the SOUL evaluation model, and quantitative risk metrics, this ranking methodology focuses on identifying strategies that demonstrate:
- Repeatable investment processes
- Consistent benchmark outperformance
- Strong risk-adjusted returns
- Long-term wealth creation potential
In other words, the goal is not to highlight the loudest short-term performers, but to identify PMS strategies with the highest probability of sustained long-term alpha generation.
Top PMS Fund Managers in India
Who is PMS fund manager?
PMS fund managers are professional investment experts responsible for managing portfolios under Portfolio Management Services (PMS). They design and execute investment strategies, select securities, and continuously monitor portfolios to generate long-term returns for investors.
In India, PMS fund manager operates under regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and typically manage portfolios for high-net-worth investors with a minimum investment of ₹50 lakh. Unlike mutual fund managers who manage pooled funds, PMS fund managers oversee individual investor portfolios, allowing greater customization and flexibility.
These professionals combine fundamental research, market analysis, and risk management to construct portfolios aligned with the investor’s financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
| Top 10 Fund Managers | ||||
| Fund Manager Name | AMC Name | Designation | Experience | Qualification |
| Saurabh Mukherjea | Marcellus | Founder & CIO | 25+ years | BSc in Economics, MSc in Economics |
| Sunil Singhania | Abakkus | Founder | 30+ years | B.Com, CA, CFA |
| Kenneth Andrade | Old Bridge | CIO | 34+ years | B.Com (Financial accounts and Economics) |
| Aman Chowhan | Abakkus | Senior Fund Manager | 22+ years | B.Com, MBA in Finance |
| Madhusudan Kela | Singularity | Mentor & IC Chairman | 34+ years | B.Com, Masters in Management Studies (MMS/MBA) |
| Samir Arora | Helios | Founder | 30+ years | B.Tech, MBA (Gold Medalist), Master’s in Finance |
| Amit Jeswani | Stallion | Founder | 16+ years | BBA in Finance, CFA Charterholder and Chartered Market Technician |
| Raamdeo Agrawal | Motilal Oswal AMC | Chairman | 39+ years | B.Com, CA |
| Hiren Ved | Alchemy Capital Management | Director & CIO | 30+ years | B.Com, CA |
| Prashant Khemka | White Oak Capital Management | Founder | 25+ Years | MBA in Finance, CFA |
Role of a PMS Fund Manager
The best fund managers India perform several critical functions that directly influence portfolio performance and capital preservation.
Portfolio Strategy Design
The manager defines the investment philosophy and portfolio structure, deciding whether the strategy will focus on large-cap stability, mid-cap growth, multi-cap diversification, or thematic opportunities. Explore PMS strategies managed by top fund managers!
Stock Selection and Research
One of the most important responsibilities is identifying high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and growth potential. This involves analysing:
- Financial statements and earnings growth
- Competitive positioning within industries
- Management quality and governance standards
- Sector and macroeconomic trends
Portfolio Construction
Fund managers decide how capital is allocated across different stocks and sectors. Proper portfolio construction ensures diversification while maintaining high-conviction investment ideas. See Abakkus PMS in our latest rankings!
Risk Management
Managing risk is as important as generating returns. PMS managers continuously monitor market volatility, sector exposure, liquidity risk, and portfolio drawdowns to protect investor capital during market downturns.
Performance Monitoring and Rebalancing
Markets evolve constantly. Fund managers therefore review portfolios regularly, rebalance allocations, and adjust positions when new opportunities emerge or risks increase. See Helios strategies in our PMS rankings!
Investor Communication
Many PMS providers also offer direct interaction with investors, where fund managers explain portfolio decisions, market outlook, and long-term strategy updates.
Compare fund manager performance at our website!
PMS vs Mutual Funds — Why HNIs Choose PMS
For investors exploring Portfolio Management Services (PMS) for the first time, the most common comparison is with mutual funds. Both PMS and Mutual Fund provide professional portfolio management, but they operate very differently in terms of structure, flexibility, and investor control.
PMS is typically designed for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) seeking customised portfolios, direct ownership of stocks, and active portfolio management. Mutual funds, on the other hand, are built for mass investors with a pooled investment structure.
Below is a quick comparison for PMS vs mutual funds to highlight the key differences.
PMS vs Mutual Funds Comparison
| PMS Vs. Mutual Fund | ||
| Parameter | PMS | Mutual Funds |
| Minimum Investment | ₹50 lakh (mandated by SEBI) | Typically ₹500 – ₹5,000 |
| Ownership of Securities | Direct ownership in investor’s demat account | Investor owns fund units |
| Portfolio Customization | Highly customised portfolios | Standardised portfolio for all investors |
| Regulation | Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) | Also regulated by SEBI |
| Taxation | Taxes applied at the individual transaction level | Tax applies when units are redeemed |
| Transparency | Full visibility of individual holdings | Periodic disclosure of holdings |
| Fees | Fixed fees, performance fees, or hybrid models | Expense ratio charged annually |
PMS or mutual fund which is better?
The main appeal of PMS lies in personalisation and strategic flexibility. Investors receive portfolios tailored to their risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon, rather than investing in a one-size-fits-all fund.
Another major advantage is direct ownership of stocks, which allows investors to clearly see what companies they hold and benefit from greater portfolio transparency.
At the same time, PMS strategies often follow high-conviction investing approaches, enabling fund managers to concentrate capital in their best ideas rather than spreading it across dozens of stocks like many mutual funds.
For readers who want a deeper breakdown, read the full guide: PMS vs Mutual Funds: What Sets PMS Apart.
How to Start Investing in PMS Through ALTPORT
PMS investment process with AltPort can feel complex at first. With hundreds of strategies, different fee structures, and varying investment styles, choosing the right PMS requires careful evaluation.
This is where ALTPORT simplifies the process. The platform provides data-driven insights, unbiased comparisons, and expert portfolio guidance to help investors select PMS strategies aligned with their financial goals.
ALTPORT offers access to 200+ PMS strategies across large cap, mid cap, multi cap, thematic, and alternative investment categories, supported by dedicated portfolio advisory and institutional-level research. Here’s how to invest in PMS with us:
Step 1: Schedule a Consultation
The first step is a personal consultation with an investment advisor to understand your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk appetite.
During this discussion, advisors evaluate factors such as:
- Long-term wealth goals
- Risk tolerance and liquidity needs
- Existing portfolio allocation
- Preferred investment themes or sectors
Step 2: Get Matched with the Right PMS Strategies
Based on your investment profile, ALTPORT provides a shortlist of carefully evaluated PMS strategies. The comparison includes:
- Historical returns across 1Y, 3Y, and 5Y performance periods
- Risk-adjusted metrics such as Sharpe Ratio and drawdown levels
- Fee structures and net-of-fee performance
- Fund manager track records
This ensures investors can compare strategies objectively before committing capital.
Step 3: Seamless Paperless Onboarding
Once the strategy is selected, ALTPORT facilitates a smooth PMS investment process with minimal paperwork.
The process typically includes:
- Digital documentation and verification
- Account setup with the PMS provider
- Portfolio activation and capital allocation
Most of the onboarding is completed digitally, making the investment process faster and more convenient.
Why Investors Choose ALTPORT
Investors work with us because ALTPORT, a research-driven advisory platform for high-net-worth individuals, combines independent research, experienced advisory, and broad market access.
Key advantages include:
- Access to 200+ PMS strategies across categories
- Unbiased performance comparison data
- Dedicated portfolio advisory support
- SEBI-registered investment advisory framework
- AMFI-certified professionals
- Over 20 years of combined wealth management experience
Compare PMS Strategies Today!
Choosing the right PMS strategy can significantly impact long-term wealth creation. With expert guidance and structured research, investors can make more confident decisions.
Compare PMS Strategies — Book a Free Consultation
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