A Load Fund is one that charges a percentage of NAV for entry or exit into the fund. The load structure of a scheme has to be disclosed in its offer documents. In accordance with the SEBI circular no. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.4/168230/09 dated 30 June 2009, there is no entry load for any/all mutual fund schemes.
Exit load is generally charged if the exit is made before a specified time. For example in most equity funds, the exit load is 1% if the exit is before 1 year. Assuming you bought the fund at a NAV of INR 10, after 6 months the NAV is ₹ 11 and you wish to exit from the fund, you will be charged 1% of 11 = 0.11 and your redemption proceeds would be ₹10.89 (₹11-₹0.11)
Currently, in India, the exit load charged is credited to the scheme. The investors should consider the loads while making investment as these affect their returns. However, the investors should also consider the performance track-record of accomplishment and service standards of the mutual fund which are more important. A no-load fund is one that does not charge for entry or exit load. It means the investors can enter the fund/scheme at NAV and no additional charges are payable on purchase or sale of units.