UP Gets Highest Share as Centre Distributes Rs 1.01 Lakh Crore Extra Funds to States | Full Analysis

UP Gets Highest Share As Centre Distributes Rs 1.01 Lakh Crore Extra Funds To States

Introduction

The Government of India has announced the distribution of Rs 1.01 lakh crore in extra funds to states, a move aimed at strengthening financial stability, boosting development projects, and ensuring states have enough liquidity to meet their growing demands.

 

Among all the states, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has emerged as the biggest beneficiary, receiving the highest share from this special allocation.

This announcement has attracted nationwide attention, as the timing coincides with festive preparations, infrastructural needs, and states’ rising fiscal requirements. Let’s dive deeper into why UP got the largest chunk, how this distribution works, and what it means for India’s economy and development roadmap.

Why Is the Centre Distributing Extra Funds to States?

The central government regularly releases funds to states as part of their tax devolution, grants, and special assistance packages. However, this new release of Rs 1.01 lakh crore is considered “extra” because it is in addition to the regular transfers.

Key reasons for the release:

To boost liquidity in states – Extra funds ensure state governments can run welfare schemes smoothly without delays in salaries, pensions, or subsidies.

Support for infrastructure projects – Roads, railways, housing, and power projects require heavy investments, which states alone cannot manage.

Festive and agricultural season needs – With the festive season around the corner and rabi crop procurement on the horizon, states need more resources.

Balanced growth approach – Extra funding ensures that financially weaker states don’t lag behind in development compared to richer ones.

Uttar Pradesh: The Biggest Beneficiary

Uttar Pradesh (UP), India’s most populous state, received the largest share of the Rs 1.01 lakh crore allocation.

Reasons why UP got the highest share:

Population Size – UP is home to over 240 million people, making it the largest state in terms of population. Funds are often distributed based on population weightage.

Development Needs – Being a state with vast rural regions, UP requires huge investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Ongoing Mega Projects – Projects like the Purvanchal Expressway, Ganga Expressway, Bundelkhand Defence Corridor, and Metro networks in multiple cities require steady financial support.

Political Importance – UP plays a critical role in national politics with 80 Lok Sabha seats, so higher fund allocation has both governance and electoral significance.

How the Rs 1.01 Lakh Crore Is Being Shared

The Finance Ministry follows a formula based on Finance Commission recommendations while allocating funds to states. The distribution depends on:

• Population size
• Geographical area
• Level of poverty and backwardness
• Fiscal performance
• Special projects and commitments

Key Beneficiaries Apart from UP:

• Bihar – Second largest share due to poverty index and high development needs.
• Madhya Pradesh – Large population, agricultural requirements, and infrastructure needs.
• Rajasthan – Water scarcity and rural development challenges make it a key recipient.
• West Bengal – Important for industrial and social development projects.

Smaller states like Goa, Sikkim, Mizoram, etc., also get their fair share, though in smaller amounts, ensuring equitable distribution across India.

Impact of Extra Funds on States

This fund release is expected to have multi-dimensional impacts:

1. Boost to Infrastructure – States will speed up stalled projects like roads, bridges, metros, smart cities, and irrigation works.
2. Social Welfare Schemes – Healthcare, education, pensions, and subsidies will get timely support.
3. Agricultural Benefits – Farmers may receive more subsidies, better procurement payments, and irrigation support.
4. Job Creation – Infrastructure and welfare spending lead to more employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
5. Improved State Finances – Many states have reported a revenue deficit; these funds will help bridge the gap.

Why UP Needs the Highest Allocation

UP’s developmental challenges justify why it received the largest share.

• Rural Development: With 70% of its population living in villages, UP requires constant funding for rural electrification, water supply, sanitation, and housing.
• Healthcare Expansion: The pandemic exposed weaknesses in UP’s health sector. Funds will help build medical colleges, AIIMS projects, and district hospitals.
• Education Sector: UP has one of the largest student populations. New schools, universities, and digital learning initiatives need sustained funding.
• Industrial Growth: The state government is focusing on making UP a $1 trillion economy by 2027, and funding is crucial for this ambitious target.
• Law and Order Infrastructure: Funds will also be used to strengthen police modernization and judicial infrastructure.

Experts’ Views

Economists and policy experts have highlighted that the timely release of funds is essential for maintaining growth momentum.

• Economists’ Opinion: The Centre’s decision will reduce states’ borrowing requirements and keep fiscal discipline intact.
• Political Analysts: The allocation, especially to UP, also has political undertones given its importance in upcoming elections.
• Industry Leaders: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) members have welcomed the move, saying it will boost business activity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Challenges Ahead

While the move is widely welcomed, there are also some challenges:

1. Utilization of Funds – Many states struggle with fund utilization; unspent funds can delay projects.
2. Corruption and Leakages – Ensuring funds reach the intended beneficiaries remains a challenge.
3. Debt Management – Some states continue to borrow heavily despite fund allocations, which may lead to future fiscal stress.
4. Regional Imbalance – Wealthier states often argue that their contributions to the Centre are higher, yet allocations may not be proportional.

Political Significance

The timing of the fund release also carries political weight. With several state elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the Centre’s move is being seen as a way to:

• Strengthen ties with states.
• Show commitment towards cooperative federalism.
• Gain goodwill among voters through welfare schemes supported by these funds.

Especially in UP, where political competition is intense, this fund release will likely boost the ruling party’s development narrative.

Long-Term Implications

The distribution of Rs 1.01 lakh crore has long-term implications:

• Boost to India’s GDP Growth – Increased state spending will push consumption and investment.
• Balanced Federal Structure – It reinforces the idea of “Team India,” where both Centre and states work together.
• Improved Credit Ratings – If states manage funds efficiently, India’s overall fiscal discipline improves, enhancing investor confidence.
• Rural Transformation – With most funds aimed at infrastructure and agriculture, rural India could see faster development.

FAQs

1. Why did Uttar Pradesh get the highest share of Rs 1.01 lakh crore funds?

UP got the highest share due to its large population, ongoing mega projects, and huge development needs.

2. Which other states received significant funds?

Apart from UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal received substantial allocations.

3. How will these funds be used?

They will be used for infrastructure, welfare schemes, healthcare, education, agriculture, and job creation.

4. Is this allocation political in nature?

While the allocation follows a formula, experts believe the timing and scale have political significance too.

5. What does this mean for India’s economy?

It strengthens state finances, boosts development, and supports India’s GDP growth.

Conclusion

The Centre’s decision to release Rs 1.01 lakh crore in extra funds to states, with Uttar Pradesh receiving the largest share, is a landmark step towards supporting state finances and boosting India’s development journey. 

While challenges like fund utilization and corruption remain, this move highlights the government’s commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive growth.

For Uttar Pradesh, this allocation is more than just numbers—it represents an opportunity to accelerate its transformation into a trillion-dollar economy, improve people’s lives, and set a model for other states.

India’s future lies in the strength of its states, and with such fund releases, the Centre has reaffirmed that it stands shoulder to shoulder with them in the nation’s progress.

UP highest share in central funds allocation 

CBDT Extends Income Tax Audit Report Filing Deadline for FY 2024-25 to October 31, 2025

CBDT Extends Due Date for Filing Income Tax Audit Report for FY 2024-25 to October 31, 2025 

Introduction

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced an important update for taxpayers and businesses across India. The due date for filing the Income Tax Audit Report (ITAR) for the Financial Year 2024-25 has been extended from September 30, 2025, to October 31, 2025.

This extension comes as a relief for businesses, professionals, and taxpayers who face challenges in meeting the stringent timelines due to complex accounting, documentation requirements, and coordination with Chartered Accountants (CAs).

In this blog, we will cover:

Who is required to file the Income Tax Audit Report

1. Reasons for the deadline extension
2. Implications of the extension
3. Step-by-step guidance for compliance
4. Common mistakes to avoid
5. FAQs to help taxpayers

 

What is Income Tax Audit?

An Income Tax Audit is a statutory requirement under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It applies to certain taxpayers whose turnover, gross receipts, or professional income exceeds the prescribed limits.

The audit is conducted by a Chartered Accountant (CA), who examines the taxpayer’s books of accounts and provides a detailed report on compliance.

The purpose of the audit is to ensure:

Proper maintenance of accounts
Accuracy of reported income
Compliance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act

Detection and prevention of tax evasion

Who Needs to File the Income Tax Audit Report?

Not every taxpayer is required to undergo an audit. The requirements generally include:

Business Entities:

Businesses with turnover exceeding ₹1 crore (or ₹10 crore if certain conditions are met for digital transactions).

Entities under the presumptive taxation scheme with turnover exceeding the prescribed limits.

Professionals:

Professionals earning gross receipts exceeding ₹50 lakh in a financial year.

1. Other Specific Cases:
• Taxpayers claiming deductions under specific sections or engaging in international transactions may also need an audit report.

It is crucial to determine eligibility early to avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Original Deadline vs Extended Deadline

Previously, the due date for filing the Income Tax Audit Report for FY 2024-25 was September 30, 2025. However, recognizing the practical challenges faced by taxpayers and CAs, the CBDT has extended the deadline to October 31, 2025.

This extension provides:

• Extra time for proper preparation of audit reports
• Coordination between taxpayers and auditors
• Correction of discrepancies before submission
• Avoidance of last-minute compliance stress

Reasons Behind the Deadline Extension

The CBDT often considers multiple factors before announcing deadline extensions:

1. Administrative Delays:
   The sheer volume of audits and filings can create bottlenecks in the system.
2. Complex Accounting Requirements:
   Many businesses have multiple sources of income, making audits detailed and time-consuming.
3. Technology and Documentation Challenges:
   While e-filing has streamlined processes, technical glitches and document reconciliation still require significant time.

Public Relief Measures:
Deadline extensions help taxpayers avoid penalties for genuine delays, supporting compliance without undue stress

Implications of the Extension

The extension has several practical implications for taxpayers:

1. Reduced Pressure:
   Taxpayers and CAs have an additional month to complete audits accurately.
2. Opportunity to Rectify Errors:
   If any discrepancies are found, there is more time to correct them before submission.
3. Avoiding Penalties:
   Non-filing after the extended deadline may attract penalties under Section 271B, which can include fines of 0.5% of turnover per month.
4. Impact on Tax Filing:
   Since the audit report is essential for filing income tax returns (ITR) for businesses, the extension indirectly allows more time for accurate tax filing.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Compliance

To ensure smooth compliance with the extended deadline, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Audit Requirement

• Check if your business or professional income exceeds the thresholds specified under Section 44AB.
• Review any special provisions applicable to your sector or transactions.

Step 2: Engage a Chartered Accountant (CA) Early

• Coordinate with a CA to begin audit preparations.
• Provide complete books of accounts, bank statements, invoices, and other documentation.

Step 3: Maintain Accurate Records

• Ensure all receipts, payments, and financial transactions are properly recorded.
• Reconcile bank statements with accounting records.

Step 4: Prepare the Audit Report

• Your CA will draft the Audit Report in Form 3CD and Form 3CB/3CA.
• Include all required disclosures as per the Income Tax Act.

Step 5: Review and Verify

• Carefully review the report before submission.
• Verify that all figures match your financial statements.

Step 6: File Online

• Submit the audit report via the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
• Keep acknowledgement receipts for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with an extended deadline, taxpayers often make mistakes that can lead to penalties:

1. Late Engagement of CA:
   Waiting until the last week of October may still lead to rushed filings.
2. Incomplete Documentation:
   Missing invoices, bills, or reconciliations can delay audits.
3. Ignoring Presumptive Income Rules:
   Businesses under presumptive schemes may incorrectly assume they don’t need audits.
4. Filing Errors:
   Mistakes in e-filing, such as incorrect PAN details or mismatch in figures, can result in notices.
5. Missing Other Compliance Requirements:
   Audit reports may also impact GST, TDS, and other statutory filings.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If the Income Tax Audit Report is not filed by the extended deadline, the taxpayer is liable for penalties under Section 271B:

• 0.5% of total turnover or gross receipts per month of delay, subject to a maximum of 1.5 lakh INR.
• Repeated non-compliance may invite scrutiny and interest on unpaid taxes.

Filing on time, even with an extension, is therefore critical.

Impact on Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing

The Income Tax Audit Report is a prerequisite for filing certain ITR forms:

• ITR-3 for individuals and HUFs with business or professional income
• ITR-5 for firms, LLPs, and other entities
• ITR-6 for companies (other than those claiming exemption under section 11)

The extended audit deadline ensures that:

• Taxpayers can file accurate ITRs without errors
• Avoids notices or scrutiny due to mismatch in figures

Helps maintain proper compliance record with the tax department

How to Make the Most of the Extended Deadline

Taxpayers should use the extra month strategically:

1. Reconcile Accounts:
   Double-check all books of accounts, bank statements, and transaction records.
2. Seek Professional Advice:
   Consult a CA to optimise deductions, identify exemptions, and ensure compliance.
3. File Early:
   Don’t wait until the last day of October. Early filing reduces stress and avoids system overload.
4. Maintain Backup Records:
   Keep digital and physical copies of audit reports, bank statements, and invoices.
5. Check for Changes in Tax Rules:
   FY 2024-25 may have new amendments affecting audits and tax computation. Stay updated.

CBDT Notifications and Updates

The CBDT regularly issues circulars and notifications to update taxpayers about filing requirements, deadlines, and compliance rules.

• The extension for FY 2024-25 audit report filing was communicated through an official CBDT notification in September 2025.
• Such notifications are legally binding and should be closely monitored by all taxpayers and CAs.

FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible for the Income Tax Audit under Section 44AB?
A: Businesses with turnover exceeding ₹1 crore and professionals with gross receipts over ₹50 lakh are generally required to undergo audit.

Q2: What is the new deadline for filing the audit report for FY 2024-25?
A: The deadline has been extended to October 31, 2025 from the earlier date of September 30, 2025.

Q3: What if I fail to file the audit report by October 31, 2025?
A: Penalties under Section 271B will apply, including 0.5% of turnover per month, up to ₹1.5 lakh.

Q4: Can I file my ITR without filing the audit report?
A: No. For taxpayers required to submit the audit, ITR filing cannot be completed without Form 3CD/3CB/3CA submission.

Q5: Does the extension affect my tax payment deadlines?
A: No. The extension is only for audit report filing. Tax payment deadlines remain unchanged.

Conclusion

The CBDT’s extension of the Income Tax Audit Report filing deadline for FY 2024-25 to October 31, 2025 is a welcome relief for businesses and professionals. It provides extra time to reconcile accounts, prepare accurate reports, and avoid penalties.

Taxpayers are advised to engage their CAs early, maintain accurate records, and file reports well before the extended deadline to ensure compliance. Proper planning and adherence to the rules will reduce stress, avoid penalties, and maintain a smooth tax filing process.

With the right approach, businesses and professionals can leverage this extension to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant audit reporting for FY 2024-25.

“CBDT Extends Income Tax Audit Report Filing Deadline for FY 2024-25 to October 31, 2025”

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