Top Silver ETFs in India You Can Invest in Today

Silver ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are investment funds that track the price of silver. Each unit of a silver ETF represents a specific quantity of physical silver held by the fund. This allows investors to gain exposure to silver's price movements without having to buy, store, or secure physical silver themselves.

Difference Between Silver ETFs and Physical Silver

• Convenience: With physical silver, you need to worry about storage, security, and purity. Silver ETFs remove these hassles, as the metal is held safely by the fund.
• Liquidity: Silver ETFs can be bought and sold on stock exchanges anytime during market hours, whereas selling physical silver may take more effort and time.
• Small Investments: ETFs allow investors to start with a small amount, unlike silver bars or coins that require a larger upfront investment.
• Transparent Pricing: The price of Silver ETFs closely tracks the international silver price, avoiding premiums often charged on physical silver purchases.

How Silver ETFs Are Traded

Silver Exchange Traded Funds are listed on the NSE and BSE and can therefore be traded as easily as stocks. To purchase or sell these ETFs, investors require a Demat account. The price at the time of the trade is derived from the daily silver market price; hence, investors are provided with their silver holding value in real-time. Silver ETFs in India include the Nippon India Silver ETF, ICICI Prudential Silver ETF, and HDFC Silver ETF.

Silver Exchange Traded Funds combine the advantages of silver as a physical asset with the ease and comfort of stock market investing, thus making it a fashionable option for contemporary investors.

If you want to invest in silver but do not want to hold the metal physically, Silver ETFs provide a more convenient and less expensive way to do it. Here are some of the best Silver ETFs in India:

1. Nippon India Silver ETF (SILVERBEES)

The Nippon India Silver ETF remains the undisputed leader in the Indian market. With an approximate AUM of ₹28,944 crore, it has benefited significantly from rising domestic participation in silver during 2026. The ETF delivered an impressive one-month return of around 47.83%, reflecting the sharp surge in silver prices earlier in the year. Although its expense ratio of 0.56% is higher than some peers, its deep liquidity and scale make it the preferred choice for Indian investors seeking reliable silver exposure.

• Launch Date: February 2, 2022
• Expense Ratio: 0.56%
• AUM: ₹28,944 crore (approx.)
• 1-Month Return: 47.83%
• Benchmark: Domestic Price of Silver Index
• Risk Profile: Very High
• Minimum Investment: ₹1,000

2. iShares Silver Trust (SLV)

iShares Silver Trust is the largest silver ETF globally, managing assets worth approximately $56.07 billion. It closely tracks the international spot price of silver and is widely used by institutional investors worldwide. In 2026, SLV recorded a one-month return of about 60.84%, underlining the intensity of the silver rally in global markets. With an expense ratio of 0.50%, it offers efficient exposure for investors looking at international silver trends.

• Launch Date: April 21, 2006
• Expense Ratio: 0.50%
• AUM: $56.07 billion (approx.)
• 1-Month Return: 60.84%
• Benchmark: Spot Price of Silver (London Silver Fix)
• Risk Profile: Very High
• Minimum Investment: One unit (market price)

3. ICICI Prudential Silver ETF (SILVERIETF)

Among Indian ETFs, ICICI Prudential Silver ETF has emerged as a strong alternative to category leaders. With an AUM of roughly ₹14,828 crore, the fund has grown rapidly on the back of consistent tracking of domestic silver prices. Its one-month return of 45.48% in 2026 highlights its ability to capture sharp price movements. The relatively lower expense ratio of 0.40% makes it attractive for cost-conscious investors.

• Launch Date: January 24, 2022
• Expense Ratio: 0.40%
• AUM: ₹14,828 crore (approx.)
• 1-Month Return: 45.48%
• Benchmark: Domestic Price of Silver
• Risk Profile: Very High
• Minimum Investment: ₹5,000

4. Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV)

Sprott Physical Silver Trust is a globally recognised silver investment vehicle backed by physical silver holdings. Managing assets of around $21.08 billion, PSLV is favoured by investors who prefer physically backed structures over derivatives-based exposure. In the recent rally, the trust delivered a one-month return of approximately 49.81%. While its expense ratio is not disclosed in the same format as traditional ETFs, its structure and transparency have made it popular among long-term silver investors.

• Launch Date: October 29, 2010
• Expense Ratio: Not specified (Trust structure)
• AUM: $21.08 billion (approx.)
• 1-Month Return: 49.81%
• Benchmark: Physical Silver Price
• Risk Profile: Very High
• Minimum Investment: One unit (market price)

5. abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR)

The abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF stands out for its relatively low expense ratio of 0.30%, making it one of the most cost-efficient silver ETFs globally. With assets under management of about $8.38 billion, SIVR offers direct exposure to physical silver prices. In 2026, it generated a strong one-month return of around 60.77%, closely tracking the global surge in silver prices.

• Launch Date: July 24, 2009
• Expense Ratio: 0.30%
• AUM: $8.38 billion (approx.)
• 1-Month Return: 60.77%
• Benchmark: Spot Price of Silver
• Risk Profile: Very High
• Minimum Investment: One unit (market price)

6. HDFC Silver ETF

The HDFC Silver ETF provides investors with direct exposure to domestic silver prices without the need to hold physical metal. It tracks the Domestic Price of Silver Index and has benefited from the sharp rise in silver prices seen in early 2026. While smaller in size compared to category leaders, the fund remains a viable option for investors seeking diversification within precious metals through a trusted fund house.

• Launch Date: September 2, 2022
• Expense Ratio: 0.45%
• AUM: ₹1,369 crore (approx.)
• 1-Month Return: ~46.10% (approx., reflecting Jan 2026 silver rally)
• Benchmark: Domestic Price of Silver Index
• Risk Profile: Very High
• Minimum Investment: ₹5,000

Purchasing Silver ETFs is a simple and accessible solution for users who want to follow the silver market without dealing with physical metal storage. There are two primary methods for investing: via Demat accounts for direct ETF purchases or through mutual fund platforms for Silver FoFs. Here's how to proceed:

1. Through a Demat Account (Direct ETF Purchase)

1. Open a Demat and Trading Account: Choose a broker like Zerodha, Groww, or ICICI Direct.
2. Link Your Bank Account: Ensure seamless fund transfers.
3. Select a Silver ETF: Consider options like:
   • Nippon India Silver ETF: Known for its significant AUM and strong performance.
   • ICICI Prudential Silver ETF: Offers competitive returns and liquidity.
   • HDFC Silver ETF: Provides exposure to silver with a reputable fund house.
4. Place Your Order: Buy units during market hours, similar to stocks.
5. Monitor Your Investment: Track performance via your trading platform.

2. Through Mutual Fund Platforms (Silver FoFs)

Investing in Silver Fund of Funds (FoFs) provides exposure to silver ETFs through a mutual fund structure, with benefits like SIPs and professional management.

1. Register on a Mutual Fund Platform: Platforms like Groww, Zerodha Coin, Paytm Money, and JezzMoney provide access to Silver FoFs.
2. Choose a Silver FoF: Consider:
   • Nippon India Silver ETF FoF: Invests in Nippon India Silver ETF, offering exposure to silver prices.
   • ICICI Silver FoF: Mirrors the ICICI Prudential Silver ETF, combining silver price tracking with mutual fund benefits.
3. Select Investment Mode: Opt for a lump sum or SIP (Systematic Investment Plan). SIPs allow you to invest small amounts regularly, starting from ₹500–₹1,000.
4. Complete KYC and Payment: Ensure KYC compliance and make the payment.
5. Track Your Investment: Monitor performance on the platform or app.

3. Where to Compare Silver ETFs in India Before Investing

Before investing, compare various Silver ETFs based on expense ratio, AUM, returns, and liquidity. Useful resources include:

• AMC Websites: Visit fund houses like Nippon India, ICICI Prudential, HDFC, SBI, or Kotak.
• Mutual Fund Platforms: Platforms like Groww, Coin, Paytm Money, and JezzMoney offer comparison tools.
• Financial Portals: Websites like Moneycontrol, Economic Times, and Value Research Online provide detailed comparisons.

Compare expense ratios, tracking error, and past performance to select the ETF that aligns with your investment goals.

Silver ETF investment is considered a direct route to accessing silver as a commodity without incurring the risks and costs associated with metal storage. However, understanding the taxes on these investments is essential for prudent financial planning.

GST on Silver

• Silver: All forms of silver, including bars, grains, and unwrought silver, are subject to a 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
• Silver Jewellery: Manufacturing fees for silver jewellery attract an additional 18% GST.

Capital Gains Tax on Silver ETFs

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)

• Applicable when units are sold within 24 months of purchase.
• Tax Rate: 20%

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG):

• Applicable when units are held for more than 24 months.
• Tax Rate: 12.5%
• Exemption Limit: Gains up to ₹1.25 lakh per financial year are exempt; any excess is taxable.

Taxation of Silver Fund of Funds (FoFs)

Silver FoFs invest in Silver ETFs and are taxed similarly:

• Short-Term Capital Gains: 20% if sold within 24 months
• Long-Term Capital Gains: 12.5% if held for more than 24 months
• Exemption Limit: ₹1.25 lakh per financial year applies to FoFs as well

Understanding these tax laws is essential to maximize returns and plan investments effectively. Investors may find it helpful to work with a tax expert or financial advisor to ensure their silver investments align with their personal financial objectives.

Investors often wonder whether to invest in gold or silver ETFs. While both track precious metals, they serve different purposes in a portfolio.

Performance Comparison

• Gold ETFs: Historically provide steady returns and are considered a haven during economic uncertainty.
• Silver ETFs: Tend to be more volatile, which can lead to higher short-term gains, especially during surges in industrial demand. Over the past three years, silver ETFs have sometimes outperformed gold ETFs, but they carry higher risk.

Roles in Portfolio Diversification

• Gold ETFs: Typically act as a hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and stock market volatility.
• Silver ETFs: Serve both as a hedge and as a growth-oriented investment due to industrial demand in electronics, solar panels, and electric vehicles.

When to Choose Silver Over Gold

• If you are seeking higher growth potential and are comfortable with short-term price swings.
• If you want to diversify beyond gold, adding silver can reduce risk while offering exposure to industrial demand trends.
• Silver can complement gold in a portfolio, balancing stability with growth opportunities.

Gold remains the go-to for conservative investors, while silver offers higher upside potential with slightly higher risk. The choice depends on your investment goals, risk appetite, and portfolio diversification strategy.