Interest rates on India's small savings schemes will remain unchanged for the April-June 2026 quarter, with top rates reaching 8.2% per annum. Popular options like the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Account offer this rate, while others like NSC and PPF provide stable, tax-advantaged returns.
The decision to retain interest rates on small savings schemes provides stability and predictability for conservative investors, particularly senior citizens and those saving for a girl child's future, allowing them to continue earning attractive, government-backed returns.
Interest rates for India's small savings schemes have been retained for the April-June 2026 quarter, offering returns of up to 8.2% per annum. These schemes are favored by conservative investors seeking low-risk, stable returns, often with tax benefits.
The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) both offer the highest interest rate of 8.2% annually. The SCSS is particularly popular among retirees for post-retirement income, with interest credited quarterly. The SSA, designed for the girl child, requires a minimum annual deposit and has a 21-year maturity period.
Other popular schemes include the National Savings Certificate (NSC), which provides a 7.7% annual interest rate over a five-year maturity period with tax-saving benefits. The Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) offers a 7.4% annual interest rate, paid out monthly over a five-year lock-in period. The Public Provident Fund (PPF), a long-term investment option, offers 7.1% annually and benefits from an Exempt-Exempt-Exempt tax status on deposits, interest, and maturity proceeds.