Best Gold ETFs in India 2025 — Rates, Returns & How to Choose the Right One

Best Gold ETFs in India 2025: Rates, Returns, and How to Choose

Investing in gold through Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) has become one of the easiest, cheapest and most liquid ways for Indian investors to gain exposure to physical gold without the hassles of storage, making and purity checks. Best Gold ETFs India 2025

In 2025, gold posted strong gains and investor interest—so if you’re thinking about adding gold to your portfolio, this guide walks you through the best Gold ETFs in India (2025), their recent rates and returns, and a practical, SEO-friendly framework to choose the right ETF for your needs.

Quick snapshot: Top names you’ll see repeatedly

Nippon India ETF Gold BeES
HDFC Gold ETF
SBI Gold ETF
ICICI Prudential Gold ETF

Kotak Gold ETF — these are among the largest and most traded Gold ETFs in India and are frequently recommended because of liquidity, low tracking error and established fund houses. 

Why choose a Gold ETF (short and sharp)

No physical storage or making charges — you own units, not jewellery.

Traded on stock exchanges — buy/sell during market hours like stocks.

Lower costs than buying physical (often) — no making charges; only expense ratio and brokerage.

Good for portfolio diversification and inflation hedge — gold historically performs well when real rates are low or in times of uncertainty.

 

What “rates” and “returns” mean for Gold ETFs

NAV (Net Asset Value): the per-unit value of the ETF (changes daily with gold price). Example NAVs as of late September 2025: Nippon India Gold BeES ~ ₹94.07, HDFC Gold ETF ~ ₹97.03, SBI Gold ETF ~ ₹96.93. These show how unit values move as underlying gold prices change. 

Expense ratio: annual fee charged by the fund — directly reduces your return. Lower is usually better for long-term holding.

Tracking error: how closely the ETF follows gold’s price. Smaller tracking error = better replication.

Returns: usually shown for 1Y, 3Y, 5Y annualized and since-inception. Gold ETFs typically follow gold price returns closely (minus fees & tracking error).

Market context — why 2025 matters

Gold had a strong run in 2025 driven by macro uncertainty, inflation concerns and seasonal demand in India (festive & marriage season), pushing prices to multi-year highs and lifting Gold ETFs’ performance. This macro backdrop is important because ETFs track spot gold—when gold rallies, ETFs benefit directly. 

Top Gold ETFs in India (2025) — Overview & what's notable

Below are the most popular and widely held Gold ETFs in India as of September 2025. I include the fundhouse, why investors like them, and key metrics you should care about.

1. Nippon India ETF Gold BeES

• Why it’s popular: Oldest & one of the largest Gold ETFs in India — high liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads.
• Key numbers (late Sep 2025): NAV ≈ ₹94.07; large AUM; expense ratio competitive. Historical returns show strong 1Y and multi-year gains reflecting the 2025 gold rally. 

2. HDFC Gold ETF

• Why it’s popular: Managed by a well-known fund house with competitive expense ratio and consistent tracking. Good for investors who prefer HDFC’s distribution and platform reach.
• Key numbers (late Sep 2025): NAV ≈ ₹97.03; solid fund size and competitive fees. 

3. SBI Gold ETF

• Why it’s popular: Backed by SBI Mutual Fund — strong distribution and large retail adoption. Often available on many platforms with reasonable liquidity.
• Key numbers (late Sep 2025): NAV ≈ ₹96.93; notable AUM and long track record. 

4. ICICI Prudential Gold ETF

• Why it’s popular: Another big player with decent liquidity and low tracking error. Good for investors seeking a reliable large-cap fund house. (Platform pages list NAV/returns; compare expense ratios when choosing.)

5. Kotak Gold ETF

• Why it’s popular: Competitive expense ratio and growing AUM; often features among top traded gold ETFs.

Note: There are other valid options (Quantam, UTI, Axis when available) — choose based on liquidity, expense ratio and convenience on your broker. For a final choice use the checklist below.

(For real-time NAVs, expense ratio and exact AUMs check the fundhouse or your broker — NAVs move with gold prices.) 

Comparative factors — what to compare (a checklist)

When choosing among Gold ETFs, compare these elements (in order of importance for most investors):

1. Expense ratio (annual cost): Even small differences compound over years. Prefer the lowest reasonable expense for long-term holding.
2. Liquidity / AUM / daily volume: Higher AUM and daily volumes mean easier and cheaper trading (tighter bid-ask spreads).
3. Tracking error: Look at the fund’s historical tracking error. Lower = closer to gold price. Many large providers have small tracking errors.
4. Fund house reputation & operational history: Established AMCs reduce operational risk.
5. Brokerage & transaction cost: ETFs are bought/sold like stocks — brokerage and STT apply. Factor total cost to buy/sell, not just expense ratio.
6. Tax & product structure: Gold ETFs are treated as capital assets. Long-term capital gains (after 36 months) get indexation benefit; short-term gains taxed at slab rate. (Note: tax rules can change — always confirm current rules at time of trade.)
7. Availability on your platform: If your broker offers a particular ETF with good execution and low fees, that can be decisive for small investors.

Example comparison (how to read fund pages)

Let’s walk through a practical comparison you can do on any fund page or aggregator:Practical tips for investors (step-by-step)

1. Decide your role for gold: Is it insurance (small % of portfolio), short-term trade, or long-term allocation? Recommended: 5–10% for diversification for most investors, more for those with higher inflation hedge needs.
2. Pick the ETF using the checklist (expense ratio, liquidity, tracking error). For core exposure, prefer large, liquid ETFs like Nippon, HDFC or SBI. 
3. Choose buying method: Lump-sum via your broker or staggered SIP-like purchases in the ETF (systematic investment by buying units periodically). SIP in ETFs requires manual or platform-specific systematic purchase features.
4. Mind transaction costs: Brokerage and STT (Securities Transaction Tax) are applied—calculate final cost. Low brokerage brokers improve net returns.
5. Hold horizon: For tax efficiency and to ride out volatility, consider medium to long-term holding (3+ years) to avail indexation benefits for LTCG on Gold ETFs in India. (Confirm current tax rules at time of investment.)

Exit strategy: Set target price, or treat it as part of rebalancing — sell only when it helps your overall allocation or to realize gains during rallies

Common investor questions answered (quick)

• Is Gold ETF better than physical gold? For most investors: yes — cheaper to buy/sell, no making charges, no storage hassle. For gifting or jewellery needs you still need physical gold.
• Should I buy gold ETF or Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)? SGB offers interest (~2.5-2.75% p.a. historically) and capital gain advantages if held to maturity, while Gold ETFs offer liquidity. Your choice depends on need for liquidity vs tax and interest.
• Can Gold ETFs go to zero? Extremely unlikely — they track physical gold. Operational or extreme custodian issues are risks but improbable with large, reputable fund houses.

 

Short checklist before you click “Buy”

• Fund’s expense ratio is acceptable.
• Daily liquidity is good (check volumes).
• Fundhouse is reputable.
• You understand tax on holding/exit.

Your overall portfolio allocation to gold is decided and documented

Sample allocation ideas (not financial advice — illustrative)

• Conservative: 5% of portfolio in Gold ETF (core hedge).
• Balanced: 7–10% for portfolios with equity+debt mix.
• Tactical: 10–20% for short-term safe-haven exposure during market stress (active rebalancing required).

 

How to monitor performance after investing

• Track the ETF NAV vs spot gold price to ensure low tracking error.
• Rebalance yearly — if gold allocation drifts >2–3% from target, rebalance.
• Use fund statements and the AMC website for official NAVs and factsheets.

Risks to remember

• Price volatility: Gold can be volatile in the short term.
• Tracking error & fees: Can lower returns vs physical gold price.
• Regulatory/tax changes: Can affect net returns — keep updated.
• Liquidity risk during stress: Extremely rare for top ETFs but possible for smaller schemes.

 

Where to check up-to-date facts (quick links)

For live NAVs, expense ratios and official factsheets, use the fund house pages and leading aggregators (Groww, ET Money, Tickertape, Morningstar). Example fund pages for reference: Nippon India ETF Gold BeES, HDFC Gold ETF and SBI Gold ETF (these pages show NAV/AUM/returns updated regularly). 

Conclusion — bottom line

Gold ETFs remain one of the simplest and cost-effective ways to add gold exposure to your portfolio in 2025. Choose a large, liquid ETF with a low expense ratio from a reputed AMC and match the holding period to your financial goals. Use Gold ETFs for diversification and as a hedge, not a speculative shortcut—unless you’re actively trading with a clear plan. The big names (Nippon, HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Kotak) are good starting points for comparison, but always check current NAVs, fees and daily liquidity on the fund page before buying. 

 

FAQs (short & SEO-friendly)

Q1: Which Gold ETF is best in India for 2025?
A: “Best” depends on your criteria (lowest cost vs highest liquidity). Nippon India ETF Gold BeES, HDFC Gold ETF and SBI Gold ETF are among the most recommended due to size, liquidity and consistent tracking. Always compare expense ratio and daily volumes. Best Gold ETFs India 2025

Q2: Are Gold ETFs taxed differently than physical gold?

A: Gold ETFs are taxed as capital assets. If sold after 36 months, gains are long-term and eligible for indexation. Short-term gains (≤36 months) are taxed at slab rates. (Confirm current tax rules before investing.)

Q3: Can I buy Gold ETFs with SIP?
A: Many platforms allow periodic purchases of ETFs (manual or automated). Check with your broker for systematic investment plans in ETFs.

Q4: What is expense ratio and why it matters?
A: Expense ratio is the fund’s annual fee. It reduces your returns; over long periods even small differences matter.

How Gold ETF returns behaved in 2025 (real-world numbers)

Because Gold ETFs track spot gold, returns reflect gold’s surge in 2025. For instance, Nippon India ETF Gold BeES showed strong 1-year returns in 2025 (annual absolute returns and multi-year numbers available on fund pages and aggregator sites). 

These returns are driven by the underlying bullion rally. Always compare the ETF’s return numbers against spot gold returns (less fees) to assess tracking performance. 

Best Gold ETFs India 2025

GST Section 24: Mandatory GST Registration Explained with Provisions, Rules & Exceptions

GST Section 24: Mandatory GST Registration Requirements Explained

Introduction

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Introduced on 1st July 2017, GST unified multiple indirect taxes like VAT, Service Tax, Excise Duty, and others into a single comprehensive tax system. Every business owner, service provider, or supplier of goods needs to understand the provisions of GST for compliance.   mandatory GST registration

One of the most crucial aspects of GST law is registration. Without GST registration, a business cannot collect tax from customers or claim input tax credit (ITC). While Section 22 of the CGST Act defines who is liable to register under GST based on turnover, Section 24 of the CGST Act, 2017 lays down the cases where registration is mandatory irrespective of turnover.

This article will give you a complete guide to GST Section 24, its implications, mandatory registration requirements, examples, penalties for non-compliance, and FAQs for better clarity.

 

Categories Requiring Mandatory GST Registration Under Section 24

Let’s discuss each category under Section 24 in detail with practical examples:

1. Inter-State Taxable Supply

Any business making inter-state supply of goods or services must register under GST, regardless of turnover.

Example: A clothing trader in Delhi supplying to customers in Maharashtra needs GST registration, even if his turnover is below ₹20 lakh.

2. Casual Taxable Person

A person occasionally supplying goods/services in a state where they do not have a fixed place of business.

Example: A trader from Gujarat sets up a temporary stall at a trade fair in Mumbai. He must register as a casual taxable person.

3. Persons Required to Pay Tax Under Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM)

Under RCM, the recipient of goods/services is liable to pay GST instead of the supplier. Such recipients must register.

Example: A business availing legal services from an advocate must pay GST under RCM, hence needs registration.

4. Non-Resident Taxable Person

Non-resident suppliers providing goods/services in India must register.

Example: A foreign company supplying software to Indian clients must obtain GST registration.

5. Agents Supplying Goods/Services on Behalf of Other Taxable Persons

Any agent or intermediary supplying on behalf of others must register.

Example: A commission agent selling agricultural machinery for multiple manufacturers must obtain GST registration.

6. Input Service Distributor (ISD)

An office that receives invoices for input services and distributes ITC to branches must register as ISD.

Example: A corporate head office distributing ITC to its regional offices.

7. E-commerce Operators

Platforms facilitating supply of goods/services through e-commerce must register.

Example: Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, and Swiggy require GST registration.

8. Suppliers Through E-commerce Operators

Suppliers selling through e-commerce platforms must register, irrespective of turnover.

Example: A handicraft seller listing products on Amazon must obtain GST registration.

9. Persons Supplying Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval Services (OIDAR)

Foreign suppliers providing online services like software downloads, music, or cloud services to Indian customers must register.

Example: Netflix or Google providing services in India.

10. Persons Required to Deduct Tax at Source (TDS)

Government departments or notified persons deducting TDS under GST must register.

11. Persons Required to Collect Tax at Source (TCS)

E-commerce operators collecting TCS must register

Section 24 vs Section 22 – Key Difference

Section 22: Businesses must register if turnover exceeds threshold limits.

Section 24: Certain businesses must register even if turnover is below threshold.

For example:

A small Delhi-based bakery selling only locally can avoid GST registration until it crosses ₹20 lakh turnover (Section 22).

But the same bakery selling cakes online through Amazon must register mandatorily under Section 24.

Importance of Mandatory Registration under Section 24

1.     Legal Compliance – Avoids penalties and legal action.

2.     Wider Market Access – Enables interstate and online selling.

3.     Input Tax Credit Benefits – Businesses can claim ITC on purchases.

4.     Credibility – Registered businesses gain customer trust.

Penalty for Not Registering under Section 24

If a person is liable to register under GST but fails to do so:

·        Penalty: 10% of tax due (minimum ₹10,000).

·        In case of fraud: 100% of tax due.

Other consequences: Cannot issue tax invoices, no ITC claim, risk of legal proceedings

Documents Required for GST Registration

To comply with Section 24, businesses must provide:

1.     PAN Card of applicant/business

2.     Aadhaar Card

3.     Proof of business address (rent agreement, electricity bill)

4.     Bank account details

5.     Photograph of proprietor/partners/directors

Digital Signature (for companies/LLPs)

How to Register for GST under Section 24

Registration is online via the GST portal

Steps:

1.     Visit GST portal → Click “New Registration”

2.     Fill Part A (PAN, mobile, email) → OTP verification

3.     Fill Part B (business details, documents upload)

4.     Application reference number generated

5.     Verification by GST officer

6.     Issue of GSTIN within 7 working days

Real-Life Examples of Section 24 Application

1.     Small Artisan Selling on Amazon

Even with ₹3 lakh turnover, GST registration is mandatory due to online selling.

2.     Foreign Software Company

A Singapore-based firm providing cloud storage to Indian users must register as a non-resident taxable person.

3.     Law Firm Services

A business availing legal consultancy must register under RCM liability.

Recent Updates Related to Section 24

Exemption for Intra-State Supplies: Small suppliers making intra-state supply through e-commerce (like handicrafts) may get exemption.

Threshold Clarification: Section 24 overrides threshold; hence, businesses under this section must register regardless of turnover

FAQs on GST Section 24

Q1. What is Section 24 of GST?

Ans: Section 24 of the CGST Act lists categories of persons/businesses who must register under GST, even if their turnover is below the threshold limit.

Q2. Is GST registration mandatory for all e-commerce sellers?

Ans: Yes, any person supplying through e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart must register under Section 24.

Q3. Do freelancers need to register under Section 24?

Ans: If a freelancer provides services interstate or through online platforms, GST registration is mandatory.

Q4. What if I don’t register under Section 24?

Ans: You may face penalties, legal notices, and will not be allowed to claim ITC or issue tax invoices.

Q5. Can I apply for voluntary registration under GST?

Ans: Yes, businesses can voluntarily register for GST to avail ITC and expand their market

Conclusion

GST Section 24 is one of the most important provisions in the GST framework, ensuring that certain businesses register mandatorily, irrespective of turnover. This includes interstate suppliers, e-commerce operators, agents, casual taxable persons, and foreign service providers.

For businesses, compliance with Section 24 not only avoids penalties but also brings long-term benefits such as input tax credit, legal recognition, and expansion opportunities.

Understanding GST provisions like Section 24 is crucial for entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and even large corporations. If you fall under any category mentioned in Section 24, it is best to register for GST at the earliest to remain compliant and operate smoothly in today’s tax environment.

who needs GST registration under Section 24

Old vs new tax regimeTax Planning: Key Deductions and Exemptions to Save More Before ITR Filing

Tax Planning: Key Deductions and Exemptions Everyone Should Know Before ITR Filing

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is not just about complying with the law—it is also a golden opportunity to optimize your finances through effective tax planning. Most taxpayers in India end up paying higher taxes simply because they are unaware of the available deductions and exemptions under the Income Tax Act.

In this blog, we will explore in detail the key deductions, exemptions, and smart tax planning strategies that can help you save money legally and efficiently before you file your ITR.

Why Tax Planning Matters

Tax planning is the process of organizing your finances so that you minimize tax liability without breaking the law. The benefits include:

   Lower tax outgo – by claiming deductions and exemptions.

    Better financial management – aligning savings with future             goals.

     Compliance with tax laws – avoiding penalties or notices.

     Increased investment discipline – tax-saving instruments often         double up as long-term investments.

Key Deductions and Exemptions to Know Before ITR Filing

The Income Tax Act, 1961 provides various provisions under Sections 80C to 80U and exemptions on allowances to reduce taxable income. Let’s break them down.

1. Section 80C – The Most Popular Deduction (₹1.5 Lakh Limit)

Section 80C is the most commonly used tax-saving tool. You can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year by investing in specified instruments:

      Life Insurance Premiums

     Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Public Provident Fund               (PPF)

      Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) mutual funds

      National Savings Certificate (NSC)

   Tax-saving Fixed Deposits (FDs) (5 years lock-in)

   Principal repayment of Home Loan

   Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) contributions

   Tuition Fees for Children

👉 Tip: ELSS mutual funds offer the shortest lock-in (3 years) and potential high returns.

2. Section 80D – Health Insurance Premiums

Health is wealth, but did you know it can also save you taxes?

Deduction of up to ₹25,000 for health insurance premiums paid for self, spouse, and children.

Additional ₹25,000 (or ₹50,000 if parents are senior citizens) for parents’ health insurance.

 Preventive health check-up expenses up to ₹5,000 are also allowed within this limit.

👉 Example: If you’re under 60 and pay for your senior citizen parents’ insurance, you can claim ₹75,000 in total.

3. Section 24(b) – Home Loan Interest Deduction

If you have a home loan, the interest paid on the loan qualifies for a deduction of up to:

₹2,00,000 per year for self-occupied property.

Full interest for a property that is rented out (no upper cap,              subject to conditions).

Combined with 80C (principal repayment), home loan borrowers get significant tax benefits

4. House Rent Allowance (HRA) – Section 10(13A)

For salaried employees receiving HRA, exemption can be claimed based on the least of the following:

     Actual HRA received.

     40% (non-metro) / 50% (metro) of basic salary + DA.

     Rent paid minus 10% of salary.

👉 Note: If you don’t receive HRA but pay rent, you can claim deduction under Section 80GG (up to ₹60,000 per year).

5. Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)

You can claim exemption for travel expenses incurred during domestic trips with family (spouse, children, parents, and siblings).

     Allowed twice in a block of 4 years.

     Covers travel by air, rail, or bus (actual fare).

     Does not cover hotel or food expenses.

6. Section 80E – Education Loan Interest

If you have taken a loan for higher education (self, spouse, children), the entire interest paid can be claimed as a deduction.

       No upper limit.

· Deduction available for 8 years from the year repayment begins.

7. Section 80G – Donations to Charitable Institutions

Donations made to registered funds and institutions are eligible for deductions:

       100% or 50% deduction depending on the institution.

Popular examples: PM National Relief Fund, NGOs, and government-approved trusts

8. Section 80CCD(1B) – Additional Deduction for NPS

Investments in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) qualify for:

        Up to ₹50,000 extra deduction under 80CCD(1B) (over and above 80C limit).

        Taxpayers looking to boost retirement savings and lower taxes often choose this.

9. Standard Deduction for Salaried Employees

Every salaried individual can claim a flat deduction of ₹50,000 from their income, without needing to submit bills.

10. Exemptions on Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)

You can save capital gains tax by:

       Investing gains from selling property into another residential house (Section 54).

       Investing in specified bonds under Section 54EC (up to ₹50 lakh).

        Using gains for purchase/construction of new house property.

Old vs New Tax Regime: Which One to Choose?

The government introduced the new tax regime with lower slab rates but without most deductions.

       Old Regime: Higher tax rates but allows claiming all deductions (80C, HRA, home loan, etc.).

        New Regime: Lower tax rates, fewer deductions, simplified filing.

👉 Best suited for:

       Old regime – If you have high investments in 80C, insurance, home loan, HRA.

     New regime – If you don’t invest much in tax-saving instruments.

FAQs on Tax Planning and ITR Filing

Q1. Can I claim both HRA and home loan benefits?
Yes, if you live in a rented house and also repay a home loan on another property, you can claim both.

Q2. Is it mandatory to submit proof of investment to claim deductions?
Yes, employers may ask for proof. But even if not submitted, you can claim while filing ITR.

Q3. Can I switch between old and new tax regimes every year?
Yes, salaried individuals can choose each year while filing ITR.

Q4. What happens if I miss declaring investments before March 31?
You cannot claim deductions for that financial year. Plan investments within the financial year itself.

Q5. Which tax-saving investment is best for beginners?
ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) is popular for its short lock-in and growth potential.

Conclusion

Effective tax planning is not just about saving money—it’s about making smarter financial decisions. By understanding and using the right deductions and exemptions like 80C, 80D, HRA, NPS, and home loan benefits, you can significantly reduce your taxable income.

Before filing your ITR, take time to review your income, investments, and eligible deductions. Also, compare the old vs new tax regime to see which works best for your situation. With careful planning, you can not only save taxes but also create long-term wealth.