ExplainedSavings
PPF, Sukanya, SCSS, NSC interest rates for October to December 2026, and how each scheme works
The government has kept interest on all post office savings schemes unchanged for the quarter. The full rate table, deposit limits, lock-ins and tax treatment for each scheme, and when the next revision is due.
The short answer
For October to December 2026, the government left small savings rates unchanged: Sukanya Samriddhi and the Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme pay 8.2%, the National Savings Certificate 7.7%, Kisan Vikas Patra and the 5-year time deposit 7.5%, the Monthly Income Scheme 7.4%, PPF 7.1% and the post office savings account 4%. Rates are reviewed every quarter by the Finance Ministry's Department of Economic Affairs; the next decision, for January to March 2027, is due by the end of December. PPF and Sukanya accept up to ₹1.5 lakh a year, SCSS up to ₹30 lakh, and the Monthly Income Scheme up to ₹9 lakh single or ₹15 lakh joint.
Small savings rates are unchanged again. On September 30, 2026, the Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs kept interest rates on every post office small savings scheme the same for the quarter from October 1 to December 31, 2026. These rates apply whether you open the account at a post office or at a bank that offers the schemes.
What are the rates for October to December 2026?
From 4% on a savings account to 8.2% on Sukanya Samriddhi and the senior citizens’ scheme.
How do the main schemes work?
Each has its own lock-in, limit and purpose.
The schemes compared
The Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme pays interest every quarter and the Monthly Income Scheme every month, which makes them popular with retired people who need a regular income. NSC compounds its interest every year and pays it all at maturity. Kisan Vikas Patra simply doubles your money: at 7.5%, a deposit doubles in 115 months, or nine years and seven months.
How are these schemes taxed?
Some give a deduction, and PPF and Sukanya interest is tax-free. Deposits in PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, NSC, the Senior Citizens’ scheme and the 5-year time deposit qualify for the investment deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh a year, but only for taxpayers who choose the old tax regime. Interest on PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi is tax-free; interest on the others is added to your income and taxed at your slab rate.
Since April 1, 2026, India’s income tax has run under the new Income-tax Act, 2025, which renumbered the sections. The old-regime deduction remains available under the new law.
Which scheme for which goal?
- A daughter's futureSukanya Samriddhi: 8.2%, tax-free interest, 21-year tenure
- Regular income after 60Senior Citizens' scheme: 8.2%, paid every quarter
- Long-term, tax-free savingPPF: 7.1%, 15 years, tax-free interest
- Monthly income at any ageMonthly Income Scheme: 7.4%, paid every month
How often do the rates change?
They are reviewed every quarter. The government announces the rates for each quarter before it begins. The rates have been held steady through 2025 and 2026. The last changes came in 2024, when the 3-year time deposit went up from 7% to 7.1% and Sukanya Samriddhi from 8% to 8.2%. The rates for January to March 2027 are due to be announced by December 31, 2026.
Rates at a glance
- 8.2%Sukanya Samriddhi and Senior Citizens' scheme
- 7.7%National Savings Certificate
- 7.1%Public Provident Fund
- 115 monthsfor Kisan Vikas Patra to double your money
Is the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate still available?
No. The two-year Mahila Samman Savings Certificate for women and girls, which accepted up to ₹2 lakh, was discontinued from April 1, 2025. Existing certificates run to maturity, but new ones cannot be bought.
The documents
- Small Savings SchemesIndian Overseas Bank, November 10, 2026