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In a remarkable display of financial acumen and experiential learning, MBA students from TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Udupi, have outperformed the Nifty 200 index with their student-managed investment fund, Samnidhy. The fund, which operates with real money and is benchmarked against the Nifty 200, posted a post-tax return of 26 percent for the 2025 batch—surpassing market benchmarks and setting a new record in the fund’s history.
Samnidhy is not a simulation. It is a fully registered for-profit partnership firm, run entirely by students, and designed to provide hands-on experience in portfolio management, equity research, and financial literacy. Since its inception in 2014, the fund has consistently outperformed the market, and the latest results have drawn attention from both academia and industry.
Key Highlights of Samnidhy’s Performance
The 2025 batch achieved a 26 percent post-tax return, the highest since the fund’s inception.
The fund is benchmarked against the Nifty 200 and has outperformed it every year.
Operates with Rs 48 lakh in real capital, contributed by students with a cap of Rs 15,000 per investor.
361 out of 520 students participated this year, spanning finance, marketing, HR, and AI specializations.
Structure and Governance of the Fund
Student-Driven Operations Samnidhy is managed by a student executive board comprising a CEO, CIO, CRO, and CMO. Equity analysts within the fund conduct research, pitch investment ideas, and execute trades after rigorous review. Daily operations are entirely student-led, with oversight from an advisory board of faculty and alumni.
Competitive Recruitment and Training Each year, 120 to 150 students compete for 30 roles within the fund. First-year students undergo intensive training in equity valuation, technical analysis, and macroeconomic monitoring. By their second year, they are equipped to lead investment decisions and manage portfolios.
Real-World Accountability Students must redeem their investments before graduation, ensuring a clear exit strategy. The fund operates under strict compliance norms, with SEBI consultations guiding its formation and governance.
Educational Impact and Financial Literacy
Samnidhy is more than a profit-generating vehicle; it is a platform for financial education.
Students publish monthly fact sheets, send investor updates, and conduct workshops on mutual funds, personal finance, and stock market basics.
These efforts extend beyond finance majors, reaching peers from diverse academic backgrounds.
Market Context and Strategic Insights
The fund’s 26 percent return comes in a year when the Nifty 200 posted more modest gains, highlighting the students’ ability to identify undervalued stocks and manage risk.
The performance reflects disciplined asset allocation, sectoral rotation, and timely exits—skills that mirror professional fund management.
TAPMI’s initiative stands out in India, where student-managed funds are rare and typically operate in simulated environments.
Leadership Commentary and Future Vision
Faculty advisor Krishna Prasad emphasized the importance of experiential learning, noting that management education often lacks the hands-on rigor found in engineering or medical fields.
CEO Nikhil Jyothi Radhesh stated that the fund’s mission is not just to grow portfolios but to build responsible investors.
The team aims to expand outreach, deepen research capabilities, and explore ESG investing in future cohorts.
Conclusion
Samnidhy is redefining the boundaries of classroom learning by placing real capital in the hands of students and trusting them to make informed, strategic decisions. With a 26 percent return and a growing reputation, TAPMI’s student-managed fund is not just outperforming the market—it is reshaping how financial education is delivered in India. As more institutions look to replicate this model, Samnidhy stands as a benchmark for innovation, discipline, and impact.
Sources: Times of India
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