When it comes to choosing between index funds and active funds, both options have their merits depending on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Here's a brief comparison of both, followed by a list of top strategic index funds available on the NSE (National Stock Exchange of India):

Index Funds vs. Active Funds
Index Funds:

Passive Management: These funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific index (like Nifty 50, Sensex, etc.), rather than trying to outperform it.
Lower Costs: Since they don't require active management or extensive research, their expense ratios are generally lower.
Diversification: Index funds offer broad market exposure across various sectors, which reduces the risk compared to individual stock investments.
Long-term Investment: Ideal for long-term investors who want steady returns in line with market growth.
Returns: Historically, over the long term, many index funds have delivered competitive returns compared to actively managed funds, especially after accounting for lower fees.
Active Funds:

Active Management: Fund managers use research, analysis, and judgment to pick stocks with the aim of outperforming the benchmark index.
Higher Costs: Active funds typically have higher expense ratios because of the research and management involved.
Potential for Outperformance: While some active funds may outperform their benchmark in certain periods, the majority fail to do so over the long term after fees.
Higher Risk: These funds might be more volatile depending on the manager's stock-picking strategy.
Why Invest in Index Funds?
Index funds are often considered a good choice for passive investors due to their low cost, diversification, and consistent market returns. They are particularly useful for long-term investors who want exposure to the overall market growth rather than trying to time the market or pick individual stocks.

Top Strategic Index Funds on the NSE (National Stock Exchange of India)
India has several prominent index funds, especially those that track popular indices like the Nifty 50, Sensex, and others. Some of the best strategic index funds to consider are:

Nippon India Nifty 50 BeES ETF (NIFTYBEES)

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50 Index
Expense Ratio: ~0.05%
Description: One of the most popular ETFs that track the Nifty 50. It offers low cost, broad exposure to large-cap Indian companies and has been one of the top performers among index funds in India.
ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty Next 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.15%
Description: This fund tracks the Nifty Next 50 index, which represents the next set of 50 companies after the Nifty 50. It is a good option for investors who want exposure to mid-cap stocks with growth potential.
HDFC Nifty 50 Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Description: Another prominent fund that tracks the Nifty 50, this fund is known for its liquidity and low cost, making it suitable for long-term investors.
SBI Nifty 50 Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.05%
Description: Managed by SBI Mutual Fund, this is one of the lowest-cost index funds available in India, offering a way to invest in India's top 50 companies with excellent liquidity.
UTI Nifty Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Description: UTI is a well-established fund house, and this Nifty-based index fund provides broad exposure to large-cap companies with a relatively low cost.
Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty 50 Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Description: This fund provides exposure to 50 top Indian companies, and it has performed relatively well, offering investors a low-cost way to invest in the Nifty 50 index.
Motilal Oswal Nifty 50 Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Description: A great option for investors who are looking for exposure to the Nifty 50 index with low management fees. It’s one of the most popular index funds in India.
Franklin India Index Fund - Nifty 50 Plan

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Description: This fund aims to closely track the performance of the Nifty 50 index and is suitable for those looking for a low-cost and passive investment option.
Kotak Nifty 50 Index Fund

Benchmark Index: Nifty 50
Expense Ratio: ~0.10%
Description: Offers exposure to large-cap Indian companies while maintaining a very low cost, making it a great choice for investors who want to align with India’s economic growth.
Conclusion: Index Funds or Active Funds?
For a Long-Term Investor: If you're looking for consistent returns and a low-cost option, index funds are likely the better choice. Over time, they tend to deliver returns in line with the overall market and often outperform actively managed funds after factoring in higher fees.
For an Investor Seeking Higher Risk/Reward: If you’re willing to take on more risk for the potential of higher returns and are willing to pay higher fees, active funds might be worth considering.
If you want to align your investment with market performance, Nifty 50 index funds like NIFTYBEES, ICICI Nifty Next 50, and others are good options to consider.

Lastly, make sure to check the expense ratio, historical performance, and fund house reputation when choosing the right fund.