Free Check · SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-I/DF9/P/CIR/2021/620 · Updated 2023
SEBI Accredited Investor Checker
Check if you meet the SEBI threshold to access AIF investments without the ₹1 Cr minimum. The most common error: including your principal residence in net worth. This tool applies the correct SEBI exclusion.
Reviewed by Harun Raaj, CA — ICAI Membership No. 238303 · Firm Reg. 19027S · Updated July 2026
Track A — Net Worth
Threshold: Net worth ≥ ₹7.5 Cr (principal residence excluded per SEBI Circular 2021/620)
Bank balances, FDs, equity portfolio (market value), MF NAV, PPF, bonds, NPS corpus
All immovable property at market value, excluding your primary home
Entered for reference only — EXCLUDED from SEBI net worth calculation
Gold (market value), vehicles (depreciated value), business capital account
All loans, credit card dues, other debts
Track B — Income
Threshold: Annual gross income ≥ ₹2 Cr in BOTH of the 2 preceding financial years
Enter your assets/income above and click Check Eligibility to see your SEBI accredited investor status.
Statutory Basis
SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-I/DF9/P/CIR/2021/620 — Accredited Investor Framework
SEBI introduced the Accredited Investor (AI) framework on 13 August 2021. An individual qualifies if: (a) annual income ≥ ₹2 Cr in each of the 2 preceding financial years, OR (b) net worth ≥ ₹7.5 Cr (with at least ₹3.75 Cr in financial assets). The circular explicitly excludes the value of the principal residence from net worth calculation.
SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/AFD/PoD1/CIR/2023/189 — Updated Thresholds (Nov 2023)
SEBI updated and streamlined the Accredited Investor framework in November 2023. The threshold for net worth remains ₹7.5 Cr excluding principal residence. Accreditation is valid for one year and must be renewed.
SEBI (AIF) Regulations 2012 — Regulation 2(1)(b)
Alternative Investment Funds require a minimum investment of ₹1 Cr per investor. SEBI Accredited Investors may invest below this minimum in schemes specifically designed for accredited investors, per amendments to AIF Regulations.
CVL Accreditation Portal — aia.cvlindia.com
Accreditation is processed through CDSL Ventures Limited (CVL) at aia.cvlindia.com. Required documents: CA net worth certificate with UDIN (for net worth track) or CA income certificate with UDIN (for income track), PAN, and ₹5,000 accreditation fee. Certificate valid for 1 year from issuance.
Principal Residence Exclusion — Critical Requirement
The most common error in accreditation applications: including the value of the principal residence in net worth. SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/IMD/IMD-I/DF9/P/CIR/2021/620 explicitly mandates exclusion. A CA certificate that includes principal residence value will be rejected by CVL. The certificate must state the exclusion explicitly.
Before you decide
What accreditation opens — and what it costs you.
Advantages
AIF access below ₹1 crore
Invest in Category I/II AIFs at ticket sizes below the standard ₹1 crore minimum, subject to fund terms.
PMS below ₹50 lakh
Access portfolio management services below the standard ₹50 lakh minimum, subject to disclosure documents.
Bilateral adviser fees
Negotiate investment adviser fees directly without the fee caps and modes that apply to retail investors.
Angel fund participation
From 8 September 2026, angel funds may raise only from Accredited Investors. Accreditation is the gateway.
AI-only products
Access structured products and unlisted instruments designed exclusively for accredited investors.
Disadvantages
Non-refundable CVL fee
CVL charges a processing fee plus a certificate fee (and GST) regardless of outcome. Renewal incurs the same charges.
Annual or biennial renewal
Accreditation lapses after 1 year (2 years for non-individual entities). Fresh documents and full CVL fees apply each time.
Detailed financial disclosure
Income statements, net-worth details, and identity documents are disclosed to the Accreditation Agency as part of every application.
Reduced regulatory safeguards
AI-only products may receive lighter regulatory oversight. Investor protection rules that apply to retail investors may not apply.
Access is not automatic
Accreditation confirms eligibility — each AIF or PMS still decides independently whether to admit you at reduced minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Accredited Investor in India?+
An Accredited Investor (AI) is a SEBI designation for investors with sufficient financial sophistication — allowing access to unregistered investment products. Individual AI criteria: annual income > ₹2 Cr, OR net worth > ₹7.5 Cr (with ₹3.75 Cr in financial assets), OR income > ₹1 Cr + net worth > ₹5 Cr. Source: SEBI (Accredited Investors) Regulations, 2021.
What investment products are available only to Accredited Investors?+
AIs can invest in: (a) AIF Category I/II with lower minimum ticket size (₹25 lakh vs ₹1 Cr for others), (b) portfolio management services below ₹50 lakh minimum, (c) unlisted bonds and securitisation instruments. They get regulatory relaxations not available to retail investors. Source: SEBI AI Regulations, 2021.
How do I get Accredited Investor certification in India?+
Apply to a SEBI-recognised Accreditation Agency (CDSL/NSDL or stock exchanges) with proof of income (CA-certified net worth certificate) and identity documents. Accreditation is valid for 1 year for non-corporations and 2 years for others. Source: SEBI (Accredited Investors) Regulations, 2021, Regulation 6.
Can an NRI be an Accredited Investor?+
Yes. NRIs meeting the financial criteria can apply for Accredited Investor status. The net worth and income thresholds apply to worldwide assets and income. NRI-specific investment restrictions under FEMA still apply even with AI status. Source: SEBI AI Regulations, 2021.
Who issues the net worth certificate for Accredited Investor application?+
A CA-certified net worth certificate is required as part of the Accredited Investor application — covering all financial assets, immovable property, and liabilities. The CA must be a practising member with a valid UDIN-linked certificate. Source: SEBI AI Regulations, 2021, Schedule II.
Need a CA net worth certificate for CVL accreditation?
Our CAs issue SEBI-compliant net worth certificates with UDIN, explicitly excluding principal residence as required by SEBI Circular 2021/620. We understand what CVL looks for and issue certificates that clear accreditation on first submission.