Don’t just
get an ARN.
Build a business.
Becoming a Mutual Fund Distributor is the easy part. Dhan Saarthi gives you the system to find clients, run better meetings and grow real, recurring income.
An ARN gives you permission to begin.
It does not give you clients.
Clearing NISM and getting registered is a defined, finite process. Building a practice is not. This is exactly where most newly-minted MFDs stall — with a certificate, maybe transaction access, and no system for what comes next.
Dhan Saarthi is built for everything after the exam.
One system, from
first exam to full practice.
Learn
Understand the role and the products.
Prepare
Walk into meetings with clarity.
Acquire
Turn relationships into conversations.
Serve
Onboard, transact and review — digitally.
Grow
Track AUM and business activity over time.
From “I have an ARN” to
“I run a real practice.”
See it in a demo Every tool does one of
three things: acquire, serve, grow.
One dashboard for the whole practice.
Clients, investments, AUM, transactions, pending actions and commission information — no disconnected spreadsheets.
Client-ready proposals in minutes.
Enter amount, mode and horizon; generate a structured proposal you can present, download or print in the meeting.
See the portfolio, not just the transaction.
Asset allocation, fund exposure and concentration surfaced as review areas — so conversations go deeper.
Saarthi IQ preps you before you speak.
Fund insights, key facts, risk considerations and plain-language explanations. You stay responsible for accuracy and suitability.
A real experience for your investors.
Clients view and track holdings, transactions and performance through the Dhan Saarthi investor app.
Income that compounds with your book.
MFDs generally earn commission on regular-plan investments — largely as trail commission, linked to the assets that stay invested through you. Retain more, longer, and the recurring base grows.
Schematic only — not a projection. Trail is not passive: retaining assets takes ongoing acquisition, servicing and reviews. Income is not guaranteed and can vary.
Everything you’re wondering, answered.
Figures checked against NISM and AMFI on 1 October 2026. Requirements and charges can change — verify before applying.Frequently asked questions.
Still unsure? A demo is the fastest way to get specifics for your situation.
What is a Mutual Fund Distributor?
A Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) is an individual or firm registered with AMFI to distribute mutual fund schemes. An MFD helps investors choose and transact in mutual funds, completes KYC and paperwork, and services the portfolio over time, and earns commission from the AMC on investments in regular plans.
How do I become a Mutual Fund Distributor in India?
Pass the NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination, apply online for an ARN (AMFI Registration Number) with your PAN and Aadhaar and complete Aadhaar-based KYD, then empanel with the AMCs whose schemes you will distribute or join a distribution platform. You must be at least 18.
Is the NISM Series V-A examination compulsory?
Yes, for distributing mutual funds you need a valid NISM Series V-A certificate (or Series V-D, which also covers Specialized Investment Funds). Series V-A has 100 multiple-choice questions, 1 mark each, takes 2 hours, needs 50% to pass with no negative marking, can be taken in English or Hindi, and the certificate is valid for 3 years.
How much does it cost to become an MFD?
The two fixed costs are the NISM Series V-A exam fee of ₹1,500 + GST (payment gateway charges extra) and the individual ARN registration fee of ₹3,000 + GST. ARN renewal costs ₹1,500 + GST every 3 years. Study material, travel or training are extra if you choose them. Fees change, so confirm on the NISM and AMFI websites before paying.
How does an MFD earn?
An MFD earns commission from AMCs on client investments in regular mutual fund plans. It is mostly trail commission: a percentage of the client's invested amount, paid for as long as the money stays invested. Rates differ by AMC and scheme, and there is no fixed or guaranteed income.
Do I need a different exam to distribute SIFs?
Yes. Specialized Investment Funds need the NISM Series V-D certificate (fee ₹3,000 + taxes). V-D holders can distribute both mutual funds and SIFs, with a combined ARN for ₹5,000 + GST. If you only distribute mutual funds, Series V-A is enough.
What does Dhan Saarthi help with?
Structured guidance for NISM concepts, understanding the ARN process, and tools including partner and investor experiences, onboarding, transactions, portfolio tracking, proposals, fund insights, Saarthi AI, Saarthi IQ and business support. Certification and registration remain subject to the relevant authorities.
Your ARN is the
starting line.
Booking doesn’t commit you to anything. It’s a proper look at the business and the platform, so you can decide with real information.