Mutual funds have become one of the most important vehicles for retail participation in financial markets in India, offering diversification, professional management, and accessibility to small and large investors alike. The growth of systematic investment plans (SIPs), digital investment platforms, and investor-awareness campaigns has drawn large numbers of investors into mutual funds. This study examines investor awareness and investment preferences towards mutual funds. Adopting a descriptive and analytical research design supported by a structured questionnaire survey of investors, the study measures the level of awareness about mutual funds and relates it to investment preferences, including the types of schemes chosen, mode of investment, investment, objectives, and the factors influencing scheme selection. The findings indicate that while awareness of mutual funds has risen substantially, it remains uneven, with many investors aware of the concept but less familiar with scheme categories, risk, and costs.Investment preferences are tilted towards equity and hybrid schemes and towards SIPs, driven by goals of wealth creation and tax saving, and are strongly influenced by returns, risk, and advice.

Pawan Janardan Deshmukh, Dr Ujwala Narkhede, "A Study on Investor Awareness and Investment Preferences Towards Mutual Funds" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(5): Page(1616-1620) September - October 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.