OVERVIEW
India’s market regulator, SEBI, has proposed a new system called GARUDA. It stands for Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement. This rule will help Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) launch their schemes faster. Right now, AIFs must wait 30 days after filing papers. Under GARUDA, eligible schemes can start in just 10 working days. This will make fundraising quicker and improve business ease. The public can share feedback on this proposal until 1 June 2026.
WHAT IS SEBI’S GARUDA MECHANISM?
SEBI is the Securities and Exchange Board of India. It watches over India’s financial markets. Recently, SEBI proposed a new framework called GARUDA . The full name is Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement .
This framework is made to simplify and speed up the launch of AIF schemes.
Current rule: AIFs must wait 30 days after filing their Placement Memorandum (PPM) with SEBI. Only then can they launch their schemes.
Proposed GARUDA rule: Eligible AIF schemes can launch within just 10 working days after filing. But there is a condition. If SEBI raises any objections during this review period, the launch may be delayed. Otherwise, it moves fast.
This change will help fund managers raise money more quickly. It will also make India’s investment ecosystem more efficient.
WHY DID SEBI INTRODUCE GARUDA?
The AIF industry in India has grown very fast in recent years. Here is the data from SEBI:
| Item |
Old (5 years ago) |
As of 31 March 2026 |
| Registered AIFs |
732 |
1,849 |
The regulator also shared more numbers (as of 31 December 2025):
With so much growth, SEBI felt the need to make the process faster. This will help money reach startups and businesses without long delays.
FASTER LAUNCH FOR ACCREDITED INVESTOR ONLY SCHEMES
One of the best parts of the proposal is for two types of schemes:
Under the new framework:
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These schemes may not need a merchant banker to file the papers.
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Fund managers can directly submit the PPM to SEBI.
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The filing must include an undertaking (a formal promise) from the CEO and compliance officer.
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Such schemes may be allowed to launch immediately after filing – no waiting days!
This change will reduce paperwork and save time for fund managers.
WHO ARE ACCREDITED INVESTORS?
Accredited investors are people or entities that meet certain income or net worth rules set by SEBI. They are considered financially smart. They can understand higher-risk investment products.
The number of accredited investors in India has grown sharply:
As per SEBI’s latest data, accredited investors held AIF investments worth about ₹1.91 lakh crore . This is nearly 30% of all AIF investments .
HOW GARUDA COULD BENEFIT INDIA’S INVESTMENT MARKET
The GARUDA framework will bring several good changes:
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Faster Capital Deployment – Money reaches businesses quicker.
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Ease of Doing Business – Less waiting and less paperwork.
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Support for Startup Ecosystem – Startups get funds faster.
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Increased Investor Confidence – Quick and clear rules build trust.
SEBI WILL CONTINUE RISK MONITORING
Even though the process becomes faster, SEBI will still keep a close watch. The regulator plans to do post facto scrutiny . This means checking scheme documents after they are launched, based on risk assessment.
If SEBI finds any disclosure violations or irregularities, it may take regulatory action against the concerned entities. So speed does not mean less safety.
ABOUT ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS (AIFs)
AIFs are private pools of money. They collect funds from investors and put them into assets other than regular stocks and bonds. In India, AIFs are divided into three categories:
| Category |
Includes |
| Category I AIFs |
Venture Capital Funds, Infrastructure Funds, Startup Funds |
| Category II AIFs |
Private Equity Funds, Debt Funds |
| Category III AIFs |
Hedge Funds, Complex trading strategies |
AIFs have become very important for financing startups, infrastructure, and new businesses in India.
PUBLIC FEEDBACK OPEN TILL JUNE 1
SEBI has invited public comments on the GARUDA proposal. The last date to send feedback is 1 June 2026 . After reviewing the feedback, SEBI may finalise and implement the framework. Market experts believe this could be one of the most important reforms for India’s alternative investment space in recent years.
FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Q1: What does GARUDA stand for in SEBI’s proposal?
A: Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement.
Q2: How many days do eligible AIF schemes need to wait under the proposed GARUDA rule?
A: 10