National Savings Certificate

The NSC interest rate for 2026 remains unchanged for the April to June quarter, offering higher returns than many fixed deposit schemes, thereby reinforcing its appeal as a stable, government-backed small savings scheme with fixed returns and tax benefits.

Small savings schemes like PPF, SSY, and NSC are relevant even for the taxpayers who have opted for the new tax regime. These schemes are being changed and recast as tools for long-term, tax-resistant, purposeful saving. They are not out of date; their role in Indian household finance is changing.

The government has kept interest rates for popular small savings schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and the National Savings Certificate (NSC) unchanged for the eighth consecutive quarter.

Small savings schemes offer reliable long-term investment returns, appealing to conservative investors. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has the highest interest rate at 8.2%.

Small savings schemes: The interest rates for small savings schemes have remained unchanged for the last four quarters. The government last made changes for some schemes in the fourth quarter of last fiscal.

HDFC Bank offers interest rate on its fixed deposits in the range of 3 percent to 7.25 percent per annum. The highest interest rate of 7.25 percent is offered on term deposits that are of tenure between 18 months and 21 months.

ELSS vs NSC: The suitability of an investment product depends on factors like risk tolerance, time horizon, and future fund needs

It is a post office saving scheme that offers an interest rates of 7.7 percent compounded annually.

The government has kept interest rates for popular small savings schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and the National Savings Certificate (NSC) unchanged for the eighth consecutive quarter.

Small savings schemes offer reliable long-term investment returns, appealing to conservative investors. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has the highest interest rate at 8.2%.