1. Through IFA that is Individual Financial Advisors for mutual funds. IFAs are authorised Mutual fund distributors. They are individuals and registered with AMFI (Association of mutual funds in India). IFAs work with National distributors which are registered with SEBI. A person can approach IFA to get proper guidance and start their mutual fund investments. Here a small percentage usually around 1% or less (depending on type of fund) is deducted towards brokerage of National distributors and IFA in total. This fees is fixed by SEBI and is uniform for all AMCs . Mutual funds companies are known as AMCs that is Asset Management Companies. Such mutual fund investments, where IFA or any Financial organization acting as advisor is involved are known as regular mutual fund investments.
2. AMC website or office. AMCs are companies who’s mutual fund is offered. For example Aditya Birla Mutual fund, Reliance Mutual fund etc. This is the direct way of starting a mutual fund and can be done online. In direct way of mutual fund you don’t have to pay any brokerage.
3. Through Bank where bank has its own AMC, for example SBI mutual fund, Axis Mutual funds etc. You can also visit their website and start direct mutual fund.
4. There are many online financial websites offering both regular (with advice) and direct mutual fund options where a person can compare different mutual funds and start his own mutual fund online.
5. Mobile apps of Financial companies. There are a number of mobile apps where a person can start his mutual fund without additional fees. One can manage his complete mutual fund investment portfolio through this apps; Compare different mutual funds, start new mutual fund, close mutual fund and redeem amount, switch from one Mutual fund to other etc. for example, Kuvera app which I use personally.
6. CAMS and Karvey. They are authorised Registrar & Transfer Agents of Mutual funds. Their basic function is to help keep up the records for mutual funds. The mutual funds registered with SEBI are distributed between CAMS and Karvey. You can visit their website to invest online or you can approach the nearest CAMS or Karvey office, fill the necessary form and start your mutual fund. You have to verify the Mutual fund you have chosen to invest in, is registered with CAMS or Karvey and then visit the respective office to complete the formalities.