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What is NAV in Mutual Funds? Complete Beginner Guide 2026

Atul Shrivastava April 5, 2026 Updated Apr 22, 2026

"Is fund ka NAV sirf Rs.15 hai, doosre ka Rs.300 - yeh sasta hai na?" Most common mutual fund myth. Lower NAV does NOT mean cheaper.

What is NAV?

NAV (Net Asset Value) is the per-unit price of a mutual fund. Market value of all holdings divided by units outstanding.

How is NAV Calculated?

NAV = (Total Assets - Total Liabilities) / Number of Units Outstanding

Example: Rs.100 Cr assets, Rs.1 Cr liabilities, 5 Cr units = NAV Rs.19.80. Updated daily after market close.

The Big Myth: "Low NAV = Cheap Fund"

Wrong. Low NAV only means newer fund or less growth. Not cheaper.

Example: Fund A (NAV Rs.15) and Fund B (NAV Rs.300) both invest in same stocks. Both grow 10% - both give 10% return. No advantage either way.

Why NAVs Differ Between Funds?

  • Launch date - older funds had more time
  • Performance history
  • Dividend payouts reduce NAV

Types of NAV

  • Growth Plan NAV - auto-reinvested
  • IDCW Plan NAV - reduced on each payout
  • Direct Plan NAV - slightly higher
  • Regular Plan NAV - slightly lower

When Do You Get Today's NAV?

  • Equity: Cutoff 3 PM, same day NAV
  • Liquid: Cutoff 1:30 PM
  • SIPs: NAV of SIP date

FAQs

Should I buy low NAV fund?

Focus on returns, expense ratio, fund manager. NAV number is irrelevant.

Is falling NAV bad?

If you SIP, you get more units at low NAV. Long-term it averages out.

Check any fund NAV with our NAV Checker.

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