Should I choose index mutual funds to invest for 25 years?

Are index funds better in getting high returns for a period of 25 years than investing in actively managed large-, mid-, small-cap funds?
-- Rishabh Malik

Pankaaj Maalde, a certified financial planner, responds:

For time horizon of 10 years plus you should invest in multicap funds for better result. Multicap funds can invest the funds in large, mid and even small cap scrips depending on market condition. But avoid lump sum investment and prefer a monthly SIP route for minimizing the risk. I think India still is a developing country and you should invest in actively managed funds and avoid passively managed index funds.