BSE StAR MF API guide
How to Place SIF Orders Through BSE StAR MF APIs
Understand investor eligibility, minimum investment rules, SIF scheme identification, and the order flow required to process Specialized Investment Fund transactions.
Placing a Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) order through BSE StAR MF does not require a separate transaction API. The primary implementation differences are investor classification, minimum investment validation, and selecting a SIF-eligible scheme code from the scheme master.
What is a SIF order?
A SIF order is an investment transaction placed in a scheme offered under a Specialized Investment Fund. From an API integration perspective, it follows the established BSE StAR MF transaction workflow. Before creating the order, however, the application must determine the investor category and use a scheme code that is explicitly available under the SIF entry in the scheme master.
This means existing integrations can generally support SIF orders without introducing an entirely new order module. The same investor, transaction, payment, and status-tracking processes continue to apply.
Investor types and minimum investment amounts
SIF transactions support two investor categories, and the applicable minimum investment rule depends on the investor's accreditation status.
| Investor category | Minimum investment rule | Validation |
|---|---|---|
| Non-accredited investor | Minimum ₹10 lakh investment | The AMC and RTA validate the applicable threshold. |
| Accredited investor | Minimum amount defined for the selected scheme | Read the current minimum amount from the scheme master. |
For non-accredited investors, the order amount should be at least ₹10 lakh. Although the AMC and Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA) perform the final validation, validating the amount in your application before submission gives the investor faster feedback and reduces avoidable order rejections.
For accredited investors, do not apply the ₹10 lakh threshold as a fixed application rule. Use the minimum investment amount defined against the selected SIF scheme in the latest scheme master.
How to identify schemes eligible for SIF investment
The scheme master is the source of truth for identifying SIF-enabled schemes. In the AMC list, an AMC can appear through two separate entries:
- Normal AMC entry: contains the AMC's regular mutual fund schemes.
- SIF AMC entry: contains scheme codes made available for Specialized Investment Fund transactions.
Locate the SIF entry for the required AMC and read the scheme codes listed against that entry. Only those scheme codes should be used when creating a SIF investment order.
Do not infer SIF eligibility from a scheme name or reuse the corresponding regular mutual fund scheme code. Scheme-master data may change, so refresh and reconcile it at the same frequency used for the rest of your production scheme catalogue.
BSE StAR MF API order flow for SIF
After the correct SIF scheme code has been selected, the transaction and order-creation API flow remains the same as the existing BSE StAR MF process.
- Refresh the scheme master: Obtain the latest AMC and scheme information.
- Select the SIF AMC entry: Separate it from the normal AMC entry.
- Choose an eligible scheme code: Use a code listed under the SIF entry.
- Determine accreditation status: Identify whether the investor is accredited or non-accredited.
- Validate the amount: Apply the ₹10 lakh threshold for a non-accredited investor or the scheme-master minimum for an accredited investor.
- Create the order: Call the same BSE StAR MF transaction or order-creation API used for the equivalent standard transaction, passing the SIF scheme code.
- Track the response: Store the exchange reference and process status, payment, rejection, and reconciliation updates through the existing workflow.
Implementation checklist
- Store normal and SIF AMC entries as distinct records.
- Tag schemes according to the AMC entry under which they are received.
- Allow SIF selection only for scheme codes listed under a SIF AMC entry.
- Capture or retrieve the investor's accreditation status before order submission.
- Validate ₹10 lakh as the minimum for a non-accredited investor.
- Read the scheme-level minimum from the current scheme master for an accredited investor.
- Submit the selected SIF scheme code through the existing order API.
- Preserve exchange, AMC, and RTA rejection messages for support and reconciliation.
Validation and error handling
Application-side validation improves the order experience, but it should not replace downstream validation. The AMC and RTA remain responsible for validating eligibility and applicable investment rules.
Your integration should handle at least these rejection scenarios:
- The selected scheme code is not available under the SIF AMC entry.
- A non-accredited investor submits an amount below ₹10 lakh.
- An accredited investor submits an amount below the scheme-level minimum.
- The scheme-master record is inactive or no longer open for the requested transaction.
- The investor's accreditation information is missing, invalid, or no longer current.
Display the specific rejection reason returned by the exchange, AMC, or RTA rather than replacing it with a generic failure message. This makes operational review and investor support significantly easier.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum SIF investment for a non-accredited investor?
A non-accredited investor must invest at least ₹10 lakh. The AMC and RTA perform the applicable validation.
What is the minimum for an accredited investor?
Use the minimum investment amount defined for the selected scheme in the latest scheme master.
How do I know whether a scheme allows SIF investment?
Find the AMC's separate SIF entry in the scheme master. Scheme codes listed against that entry are the codes available for SIF transactions.
Is there a separate BSE StAR MF API for SIF orders?
The standard transaction and order-creation API flow remains the same. Use the eligible SIF scheme code and apply the correct investor-specific minimum amount rule.
Build reliable investment workflows
Integrate mutual fund transactions with confidence.
Discuss your BSE StAR MF API, transaction platform, or custom mutual fund application requirements with Finvesto.
Talk to Finvesto