A Study On Awareness Of Mutual Funds Among Students

Abstract

The study titled "Awareness of Mutual Funds Among Students" examines the level of knowledge, awareness, and perception of mutual funds among undergraduate and postgraduate students at Visvesvaraya Technological University. Mutual funds have emerged as one of the most preferred investment instruments due to their inherent advantages of professional management, portfolio diversification, affordability, and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). The present study employs a descriptive research design, with primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 62 students and secondary data derived from peer-reviewed journals, SEBI reports, AMFI publications, books, and institutional reports. The study analyses students' understanding of mutual fund concepts, investment preferences, primary sources of awareness, and determinants of investment decision-making. Findings indicate that while a significant majority of students demonstrate basic awareness of mutual funds, only a limited proportion possesses detailed knowledge of investment procedures, risk assessment, Net Asset Value (NAV), and SIP mechanisms. Social media, the internet, family networks, and peer groups emerge as the predominant sources of financial awareness. The study concludes that financial literacy occupies a pivotal role in augmenting investment awareness among the student population and underscores the urgent need for structured financial education programmes to bridge the existing knowledge–behaviour gap.