how to check whether my mutual fund units are in demat or SOA?

Ans: Knowing how your mutual fund units are held is a key step in managing your portfolio.
Many investors do not check this. You are already one step ahead.
Let us now understand clearly how to identify whether your mutual fund units are in Demat form or SOA (Statement of Account) mode.

Two Ways Mutual Fund Units Can Be Held
There are only two holding modes:

Demat Mode

SOA or Non-Demat Mode

Demat Mode means units are held like shares, in a demat account.

SOA Mode means units are held directly with the fund house.
You receive a Statement of Account from AMC.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Holding Type
You can confirm how your units are held in the following ways:

1. Check With Your Mutual Fund Distributor
If you are investing through a Certified Financial Planner

Or a mutual fund distributor

Just ask them

They can tell you instantly

They can check all your folios and confirm the mode

2. Login to CAMS or KFintech Website
These are mutual fund registrar platforms.

Go to CAMS (www.camsonline.com)

Or KFintech (www.kfintech.com)

Use PAN and email to login

Download your consolidated mutual fund statement

It will show each scheme and holding type

Look for these signs:

If it shows DP ID and Client ID, it is in Demat

If it shows Folio Number only, it is in SOA mode

3. Login to Your Demat Account
If you are using any demat account:

Login to your demat account portal

Go to holdings section

See if mutual fund units are visible

If yes, those units are held in demat mode

If not visible, they are most likely in SOA mode

4. Check Email for Account Statements
Check your mailbox for past AMC statements

Statements from CAMS or KFintech show folio-wise details

Look for any reference to NSDL/CDSL

If not there, units are in SOA mode

5. Contact Mutual Fund AMC Directly
Call or email the AMC (fund house)

Share your folio number or PAN

Ask them if your units are in demat or SOA

They will confirm accurately

Understanding the Difference – Demat vs SOA
It’s important to know how each mode works.

Demat Mode
Units are held with your stock broker

You can see them with your shares

One statement for shares and MFs

You can buy or sell through broker platform

But selling takes more steps

Costs include demat charges

SOA Mode
Units are held with AMC registrar

You get folio statements directly

Easier to track SIPs and do STP/SWP

No demat charges

Redemption is simple through AMC or distributor

You get full control and flexibility

Disadvantages of Demat Mode
Some investors think demat is modern. But there are some real issues.

Cannot do switch between funds easily

Cannot set STP or SWP easily

Difficult to invest in SIP across AMCs

You pay AMC + demat platform charges

Redemption may take more time

No dedicated Certified Financial Planner guidance

Demat mode is only good for stock investors.
For long-term wealth building through mutual funds, SOA is better.

Why SOA Mode Is More Effective for Mutual Fund Investors
As a Certified Financial Planner, I always suggest SOA mode.
Mutual funds in SOA mode are simpler and more powerful.

Key benefits:
Works perfectly for SIP, SWP, STP

Easier to manage goal-based planning

More flexible with fund house changes

No demat maintenance cost

Redemptions are faster and smoother

Better reporting through Certified Financial Planner

If you are investing through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD,
SOA mode ensures personalisation and clarity.

Extra Care: Avoid Holding in Both Modes
Some investors have part units in demat and part in SOA.
This causes confusion during tracking and redemption.

Keep all units in one mode. Prefer SOA.

If you have any units in demat, shift them to SOA mode.

How to shift:
Submit rematerialisation request through DP (broker).
AMC will convert demat units into SOA folio.

Your Certified Financial Planner can help in this process.

Final Insights
You asked a sharp question.
It shows you are serious about your investments.
Tracking where and how your funds are held is very important.
Use CAMS, KFintech, AMC, or demat login to find this info.
Always prefer SOA mode for better flexibility and control.
Avoid demat if you are only focused on mutual funds.
Demat adds charges and reduces planning options.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner to track holdings better.
They give you structured reports and timely reviews.
They help in switching funds, starting new SIPs, and rebalancing.
For long-term goals like retirement or child education, SOA is ideal.
Make sure all your investments are consolidated under one clear plan.
Avoid mix-up across modes or platforms.
This will help your wealth grow without confusion or leakage.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment