Small Savings

The government has maintained unchanged interest rates for various small savings schemes for the October-December quarter. Here's how the rates are determined and why the govt did not revise them for 11 straight quarters.

The Centre has maintained interest rates across a dozen small savings schemes for an 11th consecutive quarter, relying on steady collections to help fund its fiscal deficit despite rising bond yields.

Small savings schemes and bank FDs differ in investment limits, liquidity, payouts, taxation and tenure. Here are five factors investors should consider beyond interest rates before choosing where to invest.

Most investors do not need to hold PPF, NSC, KVP and SSY together, experts say. Choosing one or two schemes based on goals, tax benefits, returns and liquidity can make a portfolio more efficient.

NSC and 5-year Post Office Time Deposit offer Section 80C tax benefits without an investment ceiling. Know their tenure, tax rules and how they compare with PPF, SSY and KVP. Having a clear understanding of investment limits and basic tax-related concepts can help in meaningful investment planning.

If a Post Office MIS account holder dies, the registered nominee can claim the deposit with a death certificate, KYC, and a claim form. Without a nomination, legal heirs can claim up to ₹5 lakh via an affidavit and indemnity, while higher amounts require a succession certificate.

Want to turn ₹50,000 into ₹1 lakh? Compare KVP, PPF, SCSS, Sukanya Samriddhi and NSC interest rates, doubling periods, eligibility, tax treatment and lock-ins to identify which small savings scheme best suits your financial goal.

PPF investment calculator: See how ₹1,000, ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 monthly investments could grow over 15 years at 7.1%. Check the PPF returns, tax benefits, contribution limits and long-term savings.

The government has maintained interest rates on small savings schemes for the July-September 2026 quarter, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of unchanged rates.

Small Savings Scheme Interest Rates July-September 2026 are expected today, with investors awaiting updates on PPF, SCSS, SSY, NSC and other government-backed schemes.