The Indian stock market has entered 2026 with a bang. With the Nifty hitting new milestones and retail participation at an all-time high, the shift from active stock picking to “passive investing” has become a revolution. If you’re tired of tracking individual stocks or paying high commissions to mutual fund managers, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are your best friends.
But with over 200 ETFs listed on the NSE and BSE, where should you park your money? We’ve analyzed liquidity, expense ratios, and tracking errors to bring you the Top 10 ETFs in India for 2026.
Why ETFs are the “Cheat Code” for 2026 Investors
Before we dive into the List of ETFs, let’s understand why ETFs are dominating. In 2025-26, ETF trading turnover surged to over ₹3.8 lakh crore. Investors love them because:
- Low Cost: Some ETFs have expense ratios as low as 0.04%.
- Instant Liquidity: You can buy and sell them on the exchange just like a stock.
- Transparency: You know exactly what you own—no hidden surprises.
The Top 10 ETFs in India (2026) at a Glance
| ETF Name | Category | Primary Focus | Avg. Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Nifty 50 ETF | Index | Top 50 Blue-chips | ~0.04% |
| Nippon India Nifty BeES | Index | Core Market Performance | ~0.04% |
| ICICI Pru Nifty Next 50 ETF | Index | Emerging Large-caps | ~0.10% |
| Nippon India Gold BeES | Commodity | Physical Gold | ~0.80% |
| SBI Silver ETF | Commodity | Physical Silver | ~0.60% |
| Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF | International | US Tech Giants | ~0.58% |
| Kotak Nifty Bank ETF | Sectoral | Banking & Finance | ~0.15% |
| ICICI Pru Nifty Auto ETF | Sectoral | EVs & Mobility | ~0.20% |
| CPSE ETF | Thematic | Government Enterprises | ~0.07% |
| Nippon India Nifty IT BeES | Sectoral | Tech & AI Services | ~0.22% |
1. SBI Nifty 50 ETF (SETFNIF50)
The “Titan” of the Indian ETF world. With an AUM exceeding ₹2 lakh crore in early 2026, this is the most liquid way to bet on India’s top 50 companies.
- Why invest: If you believe India’s GDP will grow, this ETF is the safest proxy. It’s the primary vehicle for EPFO (Provident Fund) investments, ensuring massive stability.
2. Nippon India Nifty BeES (NIFTYBEES)
Nifty BeES is a household name for retail traders. It offers the same exposure as the Nifty 50 but often with higher trading volumes for small investors.
- Expert Tip: Use NIFTYBEES for “Buy on Dips” strategies. Since it mirrors the index, every 2-3% market correction is a chance to accumulate.
3. ICICI Pru Nifty Next 50 ETF
Looking for the “Alpha”? The Nifty Next 50 tracks companies that are 51-100 in terms of market cap—the giants of tomorrow.
- Performance Insight: In 2025, the Next 50 often outperformed the Nifty 50 during mid-cap rallies. It’s perfect for aggressive investors who want large-cap stability with mid-cap growth.
4. Nippon India Gold BeES (GOLDBEES)
Gold is the ultimate hedge against inflation and global uncertainty. In 2026, Gold BeES remains the most liquid gold ETF in India.
- Real-life Example: During the market volatility of early 2026, Gold BeES provided a 7-9% cushion when equities were flat, proving its worth as a portfolio diversifier.
5. SBI Silver ETF
2025-26 has been the “Year of Silver.” Driven by industrial demand in EVs and Solar panels, silver outperformed gold in 12-month returns.
- Why now? Unlike physical silver, which has storage and purity issues, this ETF holds 99.9% pure silver bullion, making it a hassle-free investment.
6. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF (MON100)
Want a piece of Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA? This is your gateway to the US tech revolution.
- The Currency Advantage: When you invest here, you benefit from both the US stock growth and the USD-INR appreciation.
7. Kotak Nifty Bank ETF
Banking is the backbone of the Indian economy. This ETF gives you exposure to the 12 most liquid and large-cap stocks from the banking sector (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.).
- 2026 Outlook: With credit growth picking up, the banking sector remains a favorite for institutional investors.
8. ICICI Pru Nifty Auto ETF
The transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) is no longer a dream; it’s happening. This ETF tracks the leaders in the auto space, from Tata Motors to M&M.
- Statistics Insight: The auto sector delivered over 20% returns in 2025, fueled by the government’s PLI schemes and rising domestic demand.
9. CPSE ETF
This ETF allows you to invest in a basket of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). It’s heavily weighted toward energy and power companies like ONGC, NTPC, and Coal India.
- Dividend Play: PSUs are known for high dividend yields. While ETFs don’t pay dividends directly to you (they reinvest them), it boosts the Net Asset Value (NAV) significantly.
10. Nippon India Nifty IT BeES (ITBEES)
After a slow 2024, the IT sector is rebounding in 2026 thanks to the AI boom. This ETF covers the biggest names like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro.
- The AI Re-rating: Companies are now moving from “experimenting” with AI to “implementing” it, which is expected to drive tech earnings higher this year.
Expert Tips for ETF Investing in 2026
- Check Tracking Error: A lower tracking error means the ETF is doing a better job of mimicking the index. Always aim for the lowest.
- Liquidity is King: Never buy an ETF with low trading volume. You might find it hard to sell when you need the cash.
- Automate via SIP: Many brokers now allow you to start a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) in ETFs. It’s the best way to average your cost.
Conclusion: Building Your 2026 Portfolio
Choosing the right ETF depends on your risk appetite. For a Balanced Portfolio, consider a 60-20-20 split:
- 60% in Index ETFs (Nifty 50 / Next 50)
- 20% in Commodities (Gold/Silver)
- 20% in Sectoral/International (Auto/Nasdaq)
Investing in 2026 is about being smart, not just active. By picking these top-rated ETFs, you are essentially betting on the growth of India and the world—at the lowest possible cost.
⚠️ Financial Disclaimer:
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, stock recommendations, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities.
