NEW DELHI – The Government of India has officially announced the interest rates for various Post Office Small Savings Schemes for the first quarter of the financial year 2026-27, spanning from April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. This announcement, issued by the Ministry of Finance, outlines the rates applicable to popular schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificates (NSC), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), and the Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS), among others. These rates are crucial for millions of small investors and savers across the country who utilize these government-backed instruments for secure financial planning.

The interest rates on small savings schemes are subject to quarterly review by the government, a practice established to align these rates with prevailing market conditions and government bond yields. For the upcoming April-June 2026 quarter, the Ministry of Finance has maintained the rates for several key schemes while making minor adjustments to others, reflecting the government's approach to balancing returns for savers with broader economic factors. These schemes form a vital component of India's social security net, encouraging disciplined savings among different demographic segments, from children to senior citizens.

The rates announced for the first quarter of FY 2026-27 are as follows:

  • Public Provident Fund (PPF): The interest rate for PPF remains unchanged at 7.1% per annum. This widely used long-term savings cum tax-saving instrument continues to offer stable returns.
  • National Savings Certificates (NSC): The interest rate for NSC, a popular five-year savings product, has been set at 7.7% per annum, compounded annually but payable at maturity.
  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Aimed at securing the financial future of the girl child, the SSY scheme will continue to offer an interest rate of 8.2% per annum.
  • Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS): Senior citizens investing in this scheme will receive an interest rate of 8.2% per annum, paid quarterly.
  • Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): The KVP will carry an interest rate of 7.5% per annum, with investments maturing in 115 months.
  • Monthly Income Account Scheme (MIS): This scheme, providing regular monthly income, will offer an interest rate of 7.4% per annum.
  • Five-Year Time Deposit: The interest rate for the five-year time deposit has been fixed at 7.5% per annum.
  • Three-Year Time Deposit: The interest rate for the three-year time deposit stands at 7.1% per annum.
  • Two-Year Time Deposit: The interest rate for the two-year time deposit is 7.0% per annum.
  • One-Year Time Deposit: The one-year time deposit will yield an interest rate of 6.9% per annum.

These interest rates will be applicable to all new deposits and existing deposits within their respective lock-in periods, effective from April 1, 2026. The consistent review and announcement of these rates provide clarity and predictability for individuals planning their financial investments through the Post Office network and designated bank branches across the country. The next review of these interest rates by the Ministry of Finance is anticipated at the end of June 2026, for the subsequent quarter of July-September 2026.