From ₹1 Lakh to ₹9.5 Lakh: Top 5 Mutual Funds That Soared After Covid Crash

The COVID-19 market crash in March 2020 caused huge losses for investors, but the recovery since then has been extraordinary. Many equity mutual funds have multiplied investments several times over the last five years.

Stock Market Crash and Recovery

The COVID-19 market crash in March 2020 caused massive wealth erosion as the Sensex and Nifty plunged nearly 13% in a single day, hitting 4-year lows. NAVs of equity mutual funds collapsed sharply, shaking investor confidence.

However, staying invested proved highly rewarding. Since those lows, the market rebounded sharply, and funds like Quant Small Cap, Motilal Oswal Midcap, ICICI Prudential Infrastructure, Nippon India Small Cap, and Franklin Build India Fund delivered multi-fold returns, multiplying investor wealth many times over.

Top 5 Mutual Funds with Strongest Gains

1. Quant Small Cap Fund

• 5-year CAGR: 36.56%
• NAV (Mar 2020): ₹28.96 → NAV (Aug 2025): ₹276.31
• 5.5-year CAGR: 50.7% | Absolute return: 854%
• ₹1 lakh in 2020 grew to nearly ₹9.5 lakh.

2. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund

• 5-year CAGR: 34.88%
• NAV: ₹19.62 → ₹119.70
• 5.5-year CAGR: 38.93% | Absolute return: 510%
• ₹1 lakh became ₹6 lakh+.

3. ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Fund

• 5-year CAGR: 34.55%
• NAV: ₹32.04 → ₹210.64
• 5.5-year CAGR: 40.83% | Absolute return: 557%
• ₹1 lakh turned into ₹6.6 lakh.

4. Nippon India Small Cap Fund

• 5-year CAGR: 33.78%
• NAV: ₹27.09 → ₹189.25
• 5.5-year CAGR: 42.4% | Absolute return: 598%
• ₹1 lakh grew to nearly ₹7 lakh.

5. Franklin Build India Fund

• 5-year CAGR: 33.26%
• NAV: ₹27.80 → ₹162.84
• 5.5-year CAGR: 37.91% | Absolute return: 486%
• ₹1 lakh became about ₹5.8 lakh.

Also Read: Best Mutual Funds for Lump Sum Investments in India for September 2025

Conclusion

The stellar recovery of these funds highlights the power of staying invested through market downturns. However, investors should remember that such high returns came because of the rebound from Covid-lows. Future performance may not be the same.

When choosing funds, one must look beyond returns, considering risk profile, portfolio quality, investment horizon, and financial goals is just as important.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Mutual Fund investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.