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.
Hub Guide · Wealth Structuring
Go deeper — the Wealth Structuring hub
Accredited investor status unlocks AIF access — the hub covers what structuring looks like from there: trust vs HUF, FEMA compliance, Schedule FA reporting, and estate planning — statute-cited.
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.