Retail SIP Investments Surge Nearly 15% in February Amid Market Fluctuations: Report
Synopsis
Retail investors continue to flock to mutual funds through SIPs as February 2026 sees an impressive 14.79% increase in inflows. This trend highlights confidence in the market despite volatility. Discover more about the rising popularity of mutual funds in this report.
Key Takeaways
SIP inflows rose by 14.79% in February 2026.
Total SIP inflows reached Rs 29,845 crore .
Active SIP accounts increased to 9.44 crore .
Total AUM of the industry stood at Rs 82.03 lakh crore .
Flexi-cap funds led inflows with Rs 6,924.65 crore .
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) Despite fluctuations in the market, retail involvement in mutual funds via Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) has maintained its upward trajectory. According to a recent report, SIP inflows for February 2026 surged by approximately 14.79 percent compared to February 2025, reaching Rs 29,845 crore, up from Rs 25,999 crore the previous year. However, on a month-to-month basis, there was a decline of 3.73 percent from Rs 31,002 crore in January 2026, as indicated by ICRA Analytics.
The report pointed out that the total number of active SIP accounts rose to 9.44 crore, a significant increase from 8.26 crore a year ago, while the overall number of outstanding SIP accounts grew to 10.45 crore from 10.17 crore.
Assets managed under SIP schemes amounted to Rs 16.64 lakh crore, accounting for approximately 20.29 percent of the industry’s total assets under management (AUM). This minor decrease was attributed to mark-to-market adjustments rather than a decline in investor enthusiasm, according to the report.
The report also emphasized that retail investors in India are increasingly drawn to mutual funds, spurred by various structural, behavioral, and economic transformations that have intensified over recent years.
Numerous industry analyses and regulatory data corroborate the notion that mutual funds, particularly equity-oriented schemes and SIPs, have become the preferred long-term savings option for many.
Year-on-year, SIP inflows for January 2026 experienced a notable rise of 17 percent, totaling Rs 31,000 crore compared to Rs 26,400 crore in January 2025, as per AMFI data released earlier this month.
In February, the mutual fund sector recorded a net inflow of Rs 94,530 crore, driven by robust interest from investors in equity funds, debt schemes, and passive products, as detailed in AMFI data.
The total AUM of the industry was reported at Rs 82.03 lakh crore by the end of February, with an average AUM of Rs 83.43 lakh crore for the month.
Equity-oriented schemes continued to attract significant investor interest, resulting in net inflows of Rs 25,978 crore during the month.
Among the various equity categories, flexi-cap funds led the inflows with Rs 6,924.65 crore, followed by mid-cap funds with Rs 4,003 crore and small-cap funds with Rs 3,881 crore.
aar/pk
Point of View
I can confidently assert that the sustained growth in retail SIP inflows, even in the face of market volatility, reflects a robust and evolving investment landscape. This trend signals a growing confidence among Indian investors in mutual funds as a viable long-term savings option.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did SIP inflows increase in February 2026?
SIP inflows increased by approximately 14.79% in February 2026 compared to the previous year.
What is the total AUM of mutual funds as of February 2026?
The total assets under management for the mutual fund industry stood at Rs 82.03 lakh crore at the end of February 2026.
Which equity category had the highest inflow?
Flexi-cap funds led the inflows among equity categories with Rs 6,924.65 crore.
Why are mutual funds becoming popular?
Mutual funds, especially SIPs, are favored for their long-term savings potential, driven by changing economic and behavioral trends.
