National Savings Scheme (NSS) Withdrawals Now Tax-Free for Senior Citizens: What You Need to Know

Good news for senior citizens! The government has officially exempted withdrawals from the National Savings Scheme (NSS) from tax deduction at source (TDS). This step ensures that seniors can access their savings without facing unexpected tax cuts.

What Is NSS?

The National Savings Scheme (NSS) is a government-supported savings plan aimed at encouraging long-term savings among senior citizens. It offers safe investments with assured returns, helping retired individuals manage their finances securely.

How Were NSS Withdrawals Taxed Before?

Until now, any money withdrawn from an NSS account was considered taxable income under “income from other sources.” Additionally, TDS was deducted on these withdrawals—something not applicable to other savings options like PPF. This meant senior citizens were often unable to access their full savings.

Budget 2025: Major Relief for Seniors

In Budget 2025, the government announced that no TDS would be deducted on NSS withdrawals made on or after August 29, 2024. This change mainly benefits those with old NSS accounts that are no longer earning interest.

New CBDT Notification Brings More Clarity

A fresh notification from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) dated April 4, 2025, confirmed that no TDS will be applied to NSS withdrawals from that date onwards. This clears up confusion and ensures smoother access to funds for retirees.

Who Will Benefit?

This tax relief is aimed at senior and super-senior citizens with old NSS accounts. Many of these accounts no longer earn interest, and now, withdrawals from such accounts won’t face extra tax deductions.

Extra Tax Relief in Budget 2025

Apart from NSS withdrawal exemption, Budget 2025 also raised the tax deduction limit on interest income for seniors from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. This means more tax savings on bank, post office, or other interest earnings.

SCSS: Another Key Option Under NSS

The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), part of NSS, offers attractive interest rates and quarterly payouts. It’s a great source of regular income for retired individuals looking for safe investments.

NSS vs. Other Investment Options

NSS stands out because:

  • Investments qualify for Section 80C tax benefits. 
  • Offers government-backed safety. 
  • Provides more security than FDs or PPF due to guaranteed returns.

Final Thoughts

The TDS exemption on NSS withdrawals is a big relief for senior citizens. It reduces their tax burden and allows full access to their own savings. Along with higher tax deduction limits, this move supports financial independence and stability in retirement.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.      

     

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.      

EPF Withdrawal: What You Need to Know About Taxes, Deductions, and Delays

For many salaried employees, the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) feels like a financial safety net. Managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), it grows steadily through monthly contributions from both the employee and the employer.

However, when some employees go to withdraw their EPF, they get less money than expected. Here’s why that happens and how you can avoid these surprises.

Tax Deductions for Early Withdrawals

If you withdraw your EPF before completing 5 years of continuous service, the amount becomes taxable.

  • With PAN Card: 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applied. 
  • Without PAN Card: TDS can go as high as 34.608%. 
  • Good news: Withdrawals of less than ₹50,000 are not taxed.

Pension Contributions Are Not Included

Not all your EPF contributions come back to you in a lump sum. A part of the monthly deposit goes to the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), which is not included in the final EPF withdrawal. This often causes confusion about the total amount.

Old PF Transfers and Tech Glitches

If you’ve switched jobs, it’s important to transfer your old PF balance to your current account. Delays in this process can result in mismatched balances. Also, technical errors may delay the passbook updates, making you think you have more money than you actually do.

EPF Withdrawals During Unemployment

You cannot withdraw EPF while still employed. But during unemployment:

  • After 1 month, you can withdraw up to 75% of your EPF balance. 
  • After 2 months, you can withdraw the remaining 25%. 
  • Even in these cases, TDS may apply, reducing your final payout.

How to Avoid These Issues

To make sure you get what you’re entitled to:

  • Regularly update your passbook. 
  • Submit the correct forms, especially Form-19 and Form-10C. 
  • Use the Umang app, EPFO’s missed call service, or SMS service to check your balance. 

Conclusion

Knowing how EPF withdrawals work—especially the tax rules and potential issues—can help you make smart decisions. Keep your records up-to-date and follow the correct process to avoid surprises when you need your funds the most.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.    

   

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.    

Weekly Market Recap on April 17, 2025: Markets Rally Strong on BSE’s 150th Anniversary; OYO Faces FIR, IREDA and Waaree Shine in Q4

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Indian stock markets continued their positive momentum for the fourth day in a row, with significant gains led by major banks and Reliance Industries. This strong domestic rally came despite uncertain global cues due to rising US-China trade tensions.

The BSE Sensex started 76 points lower at 76,968 and dipped to a session low of 76,666. However, it bounced back impressively, soaring 1,951 points from the low to hit a high of 78,617, before settling with a solid gain of 1,509 points or 1.96%, closing at 78,553.

This bullish session held special importance as it coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Bombay Stock Exchange—Asia’s oldest stock exchange—with the Sensex delivering a celebratory rally.

The NSE Nifty 50 followed a similar trend, recovering from its intraday low of 23,299 and climbing to a peak of 23,872. It eventually ended the day up 414 points, or 1.8%, at 23,852.

Major News of This Week

OYO in Legal Trouble

OYO has landed in controversy after a Jaipur-based resort filed a criminal complaint against the company and its founder, Ritesh Aggarwal. The FIR alleges the use of fake bookings, which has now resulted in a hefty ₹2.66 crore GST notice against the company.

IDFC FIRST Bank’s Fundraising Move

IDFC FIRST Bank’s Board has approved a preferential equity issue worth approximately ₹7,500 crore. A significant portion—₹4,876 crore—will come from Currant Sea Investments B.V., a Warburg Pincus affiliate, signalling strong backing from global investors.

Major Q4FY25 Earnings This Week

IREDA

IREDA posted a robust financial performance in Q4 FY25, with Profit After Tax (PAT) surging 49% to ₹502 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) rising 31% to ₹630 crore on a year-on-year basis.

Wipro

Wipro reported gross revenue of ₹225 billion ($2.63 billion), up 0.8% from the previous quarter and 1.3% YoY. However, its core IT services revenue slipped 1.2% sequentially and 2.3% YoY, indicating pressure in its main business segment.

Waaree Renewable Technologies

Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd posted an impressive 83% YoY growth in consolidated net profit, which rose to ₹93.76 crore in Q4 FY25, up from ₹51.31 crore in the same quarter last year.

Conclusion

This week marked a significant boost for Indian equities, buoyed by positive domestic sentiment and key earnings. While legal troubles for OYO raised eyebrows, solid Q4 results from IREDA and Waaree Renewable Technologies showcased resilience in India’s clean energy space. Investors will now closely watch global developments and earnings from other large-cap players in the coming sessions.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

 

Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Top Gainers and Losers on April 17, 2025: ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel Lead Gainers

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Indian benchmark indices surged for the fourth consecutive session, driven by strong performances in banking stocks and Reliance Industries, even as global markets showed mixed trends due to escalating US-China trade tensions. 

The BSE Sensex started the day 76 points lower at 76,968 and dropped further to an intraday low of 76,666. However, the index staged a remarkable recovery, climbing as much as 1,951 points from the day’s low to hit a high of 78,617. It eventually closed with a robust gain of 1,509 points, or 1.96%, at 78,553. 

Notably, this strong rally coincided with the 150th anniversary celebration of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the oldest stock exchange in Asia, of which the Sensex is the benchmark index. 

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 fell to an intraday low of 23,299 before bouncing back sharply to a high of 23,872. It ended the session up by 414 points, or 1.8%, at 23,852. 

Here are the top gainers and losers of the day:  

Top Gainers of the Day 

Symbol  Open  High  Low  LTP  %chng 
ETERNAL  220.6  236.14  220.38  232  4.47 
SUNPHARMA  1,695.00  1,758.00  1,687.40  1,757.00  3.77 
ICICIBANK  1,362.00  1,408.90  1,360.10  1,407.00  3.73 
BHARTIARTL  1,834.00  1,897.70  1,825.70  1,882.90  3.31 
BAJAJFINSV  1,961.50  2,039.70  1,955.00  2,031.00  3.14 

Eternal

Eternal led the gainers’ list with a 4.47% jump, ending the session at ₹232.00. The stock surged after hitting an intraday high of ₹236.14, driven by strong investor interest. 

Sun Pharma

Sun Pharma climbed 3.77%, closing at ₹1,757.00. The pharmaceutical major saw a strong uptrend throughout the day amid renewed buying in the healthcare sector. 

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank gained 3.73% to end at ₹1,407.00. Positive sentiment around the banking space helped the private lender register significant gains. 

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel advanced 3.31%, finishing at ₹1,882.90. Robust buying in telecom stocks and favorable sector developments supported the upmove. 

Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv ended the day 3.14% higher at ₹2,031.00, following a strong performance in the financial services space. 

Top Losers of the Day 

Symbol  Open  High  Low  LTP  %chng 
WIPRO  235  237.8  232.15  237.4  -4.14 
HINDALCO  608.9  616  604  608  -0.31 
TECHM  1,295.10  1,308.90  1,275.90  1,304.80  -0.3 
HEROMOTOCO  3,781.90  3,797.60  3,664.30  3,772.00  -0.26 
JSWSTEEL  996  1,008.60  987.1  1,008.00  -0.14 

Wipro

Wipro was the biggest laggard of the day, slipping 4.14% to close at ₹237.40. The stock faced selling pressure despite broader market strength. 

Hindalco

Hindalco dipped 0.31%, settling at ₹608.00. Weakness in metal stocks dragged the counter lower. 

Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra edged down 0.30% to ₹1,304.80 amid a muted outlook in the IT segment. 

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp declined 0.26%, ending at ₹3,772.00, weighed down by broader sector consolidation. 

JSW Steel

JSW Steel marginally fell 0.14%, closing at ₹1,008.00. The stock remained range-bound through the session. 

Conclusion 

Overall, bulls remained firmly in control, with banking and pharma leading the rally on the BSE’s 150th anniversary. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.         

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.        

 

 

 

 

Sensex Surges 1,500 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,800 on April 17, 2025: 5 Reasons Why the Indian Stock Market Is Rising?

The Indian stock market is showing strong momentum and seems to be in a bullish phase. On Thursday, April 17, equity benchmark indices—the Sensex and the Nifty 50—recorded sharp intraday gains and looked set to end in the green for the fourth session in a row.

The 30-stock Sensex opened at 76,968, slightly lower than its previous close of 77,044, but quickly jumped more than 1,400 points to touch an intraday high of 78,457. The Nifty 50 began at 23,402, compared to its previous close of 23,437, and surged nearly 2 per cent to reach an intraday high of 23,831.

With this rally, the Sensex has gained more than 4,500 points in just 4 days, and the Nifty 50 has risen by over 1,400 points—translating to a gain of more than 6 per cent.

Optimism About India-US Trade Agreement

One major reason for the stock market rally is the growing optimism around a positive trade agreement between India and the United States. Earlier reports suggested that US President Donald Trump might offer more tariff exemptions following a temporary 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs.

Experts believe that things are likely to stabilise soon and that a favourable trade deal between India and the US is possible. Some experts say that even if the US implements new tariffs, their impact on India will be much less compared to countries like China.

Also Read, Nifty Weekly Expiry Today: IREDA, Manappuram Finance, and 3 Others Under F&O Ban on April 17.  

Support from Positive Macroeconomic Data

India’s latest economic indicators have been encouraging, boosting investor sentiment. The country’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by only 3.34 per cent in March on a year-on-year basis. This is lower than the 3.61 per cent recorded in February and much lower than the 4.85 per cent recorded in the same month last year. This marks the slowest pace of inflation in more than six years, since August 2019.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects inflation to remain close to 4% in the financial year 2025–26. At the same time, GDP growth is also expected to stay strong, with the RBI projecting growth of 6.5 per cent for FY26.

Normal Monsoon Forecast

The market is also being supported by the forecast of a healthy monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal cumulative rainfall during this year’s monsoon season. This forecast is echoed by private weather agency Skymet, which has also predicted a normal monsoon for India.

Monsoons play a key role in India’s economy. A good monsoon supports the rural economy by improving agricultural income. It also helps keep food inflation in check. If inflation remains low, the RBI may consider cutting interest rates, which is usually favourable for stock markets.

Return of Foreign Portfolio Investors

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have resumed buying Indian stocks, which has helped lift the markets. Data from recent trading sessions show that FPIs have purchased Indian equities worth ₹10,000 crore in the cash segment over just two consecutive sessions.

The return of foreign investors is being attributed to the pause in US tariff changes and the possibility of a trade deal with the US. Additionally, India’s strong economic outlook seems to have attracted foreign investors back into the domestic equity markets.

Rally in Banking Stocks

Banking sector stocks have seen strong gains, further pushing the markets higher. Some of the major banking stocks—such as ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank—were among the top gainers in the Sensex, each rising by 2 to 3 per cent.

As a result, the Nifty Bank index jumped more than 2 per cent during Thursday’s session and moved closer to its all-time high of 54,467. Since banking stocks carry significant weight in the Sensex and Nifty indices, their strong performance has a major impact on overall market direction.

With positive developments on both the global and domestic fronts—including strong economic indicators, a possible India-US trade deal, foreign investor support, and a rally in key sectors like banking—the Indian stock market continues to gain ground and shows signs of further strength in the near term.

Conclusion

The Indian stock market is currently witnessing a strong upward trend, driven by both global and domestic positives. Investor confidence is high due to optimism around an India-US trade deal, easing inflation, robust GDP projections, positive FPI inflows, and a strong performance by banking stocks. If these factors continue to hold, the Sensex and Nifty may scale new highs in the coming weeks, making this rally a promising phase for market participants.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.         

    

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.        

Prestige Estates Q4 Sales Surge 48% to ₹7,000 Crore; FY25 Bookings Down 19% Due to Approval Delays

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd reported a 48% year-on-year (YoY) jump in sales bookings during the January–March quarter of FY25, reaching ₹6,957.4 crore. The company sold 4.49 million square feet of space in the quarter, which included 2,301 units, marking a 9% rise in volume.

Higher Prices Across Projects

The average price for apartments, villas, and commercial properties increased 25% YoY to ₹15,524 per square foot. For plotted developments, average realisation rose by 27% to ₹6,975 per square foot.

Also Read, NBCC Share Price Rises 3.75% on April 17; Eyes ₹25,000 Cr Revenue by FY29.   

Full-Year Sales Fall Short of Target

Despite a strong finish to the fiscal year, total FY25 sales bookings dropped by 19% YoY to ₹17,023.1 crore, falling short of the company’s target of ₹24,000 crore. The reason: delays in getting project approvals, which led to fewer new launches.

Sales volume for the full year was 12.58 million square feet, down 38% YoY, with 5,919 units sold. However, average prices jumped significantly:

  • ₹14,113 per sq ft for apartments, villas, and commercial properties (up 36%)

  • ₹7,167 per sq ft for plots (up 50%)

Chairman and Managing Director Irfan Razack acknowledged that FY25 had both wins and setbacks. While approval delays impacted new launches, the company saw strong sales momentum and higher pricing in the final quarter.

He noted that demand for quality real estate remains strong and praised the positive response to recent launches. Looking ahead, Razack expects FY26 to be a milestone year with launches in new markets like NCR and Mumbai, along with the company’s first residential completions in Mumbai.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

Prestige Estates remains optimistic about the future, with project approvals progressing and steady market demand. The company aims to grow further and strengthen its presence in major cities across India.

About Prestige Group

Prestige Group is a real estate development company headquartered in Bangalore, India. Established in 1986 by Razack Sattar, the company has built residential and commercial projects across several major cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Calicut, Mumbai, Mangalore, Goa, and Mysore.

On April 17, 2025, Prestige Estates Projects share price was trading at ₹1,228.00, up ₹20.60 or 1.71%. The stock opened at ₹1,205.00, touched a high of ₹1,232.00 and a low of ₹1,185.00 during the day. The company’s market capitalisation stood at ₹52,890 crore, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 85.25 and a dividend yield of 0.15%. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹2,074.80, while the 52-week low is ₹1,048.05.

Conclusion

Prestige Estates saw strong Q4 growth with ₹7,000 crore in sales, despite a 19% FY25 decline due to delayed approvals. FY26 to see key launches in Mumbai and NCR.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.         

    

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.        

360 One Wam Share Price Jumps Nearly 5% Ahead of Key Board Meeting on Fundraising

360 One Wam shares rose by 4.7% during early trade on Thursday, hitting an intraday high of ₹990 on the BSE. The stock gained momentum as investors responded to news about the company’s upcoming board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Board to Discuss Fundraising Plans

The company announced that its board will consider issuing equity shares and/or warrants through a preferential issue. The pricing and other details of this issuance will also be discussed in the meeting.

Also Read, NBCC Share Price Rises 3.75% on April 17; Eyes ₹25,000 Cr Revenue by FY29.  

Stock Update and Market Comparison

Around 11:15 AM, 360 One Wam share price was trading slightly lower at ₹987.6, still up 4.52% for the day. In contrast, the BSE Sensex saw only a minor gain of 0.03%, reaching 77,064.37. 360 One Wam’s market capitalisation stood at ₹38,819.98 crore. The stock’s 52-week high is ₹1,317.25, and the 52-week low is ₹695.

Over the past year, 360 One Wam’s share price has increased by 18%, significantly outperforming the Sensex, which gained about 6% during the same period.

Company Background

360 One Wam is a Mumbai-based wealth and asset management firm. It offers services such as portfolio management, corporate treasury solutions, lending, and other financial products to high-net-worth individuals and businesses.

Upcoming Q4 Results and Dividend Decision

The company will declare its financial results for Q4 FY25 on April 23, 2025. On the same day, the board will also consider announcing the first interim dividend for FY2025- 26 and raising up to ₹250 crore through the issue of non-convertible debt securities via private placement.

Conclusion

360 One Wam’s recent rally reflects investor optimism ahead of key announcements on fundraising, earnings, and dividends. With strong yearly gains and upcoming strategic moves, the stock remains one to watch in the wealth management space.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.        

   

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.       

 

Suzlon Powers Ahead with 100.8 MW Wind Project for Sunsure in Maharashtra

Suzlon Group has secured a 100.8 MW wind power project order from Sunsure Energy, an Independent Power Producer (IPP). This project will be built in Jath, Maharashtra, and marks Sunsure’s first step into wind energy. Suzlon will supply 48 advanced S120 wind turbines, each with a 2.1 MW capacity, using Hybrid Lattice Towers.

What Suzlon Will Do

Suzlon will not only supply the wind turbines but also take care of equipment installation, project execution, and commissioning. After the turbines are up and running, Suzlon will handle operations and maintenance as well.

Also Read, NBCC Share Price Rises 3.75% on April 17; Eyes ₹25,000 Cr Revenue by FY29. 

Boost to Clean Energy and RTC Power

This wind project will expand Sunsure Energy’s renewable energy portfolio and support its goal of delivering Round-The-Clock (RTC) renewable power to its customers in Maharashtra. It also supports India’s national target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

JP Chalasani, CEO, Suzlon Group, said that large companies adopting wind energy is key to reaching India’s clean energy goals. Wind power helps provide reliable, affordable, and quality electricity. It also supports economic growth and innovation in the industry.

About Sunsure Energy

Founded in 2014, Sunsure Energy is a leading clean energy solutions provider for Indian businesses. It offers long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), helping companies offset up to 70% of their electricity with green power from solar, wind, and battery storage. Backed by a $400 million investment from Partners Group AG, Sunsure aims to become the largest industrial decarbonisation company in India and Southeast Asia. It currently operates 500 MW, has 3.5 GW under development, and targets 10 GW by 2030.

About Suzlon Group

Suzlon is a renewable energy company in India, with about 20.9 GW of wind energy capacity installed in 17 countries. Headquartered in Pune, it has R&D centres in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and India, along with top-tier manufacturing units across India. With nearly 30 years of experience and over 7,800 employees, Suzlon manages ~15 GW of renewable energy assets in India and 6 GW globally. Its wind turbines range from 2.x MW to 3.x MW in capacity.

As of April 17 at 11:58 AM IST, Suzlon Energy share price (NSE: SUZLON) is trading at ₹55.08, up by ₹0.74 or 1.36% for the day. The stock opened at ₹54.33, touched an intraday high of ₹55.65, and a low of ₹54.01. Suzlon has a market capitalisation of ₹75,220 crore and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 65.77. The stock has a 52-week high of ₹86.04 and a 52-week low of ₹37.90. It does not currently offer a dividend yield.

Conclusion

This strategic partnership between Suzlon and Sunsure Energy highlights the growing momentum of wind power in India’s renewable energy journey. As India pushes toward a greener future, collaborations like this are crucial in meeting energy demands sustainably while advancing corporate decarbonisation goals.

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.       

  

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.      

 

What Is a Good Credit Score? A Guide for Indian Borrowers in 2025

As more Indians become financially aware, knowing what makes a good credit score is now more important than ever. Your credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900 that shows how trustworthy you are with credit. Banks and lenders use it to decide if they can approve your loan or credit card, and what interest rate they should offer.

Credit scores should be seen on a scale rather than as simply “good” or “bad.” A score ranging from 750 or higher can help you get better interest rates, special credit offers, and more financial options.

Even if your score is lower, you can still get credit—though it might cost more. However, the good news is that your score can be improved with smart money habits like pay timely and keeping your credit use low.

Credit Score Range: What Do The Numbers Mean?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what your credit score range says about you:

  • 750–900: Excellent score — helps in getting quick approvals and lower interest rates.

  • 700–749: Good score — eligible for most credit cards and loans with fair terms.

  • 650–699: Fair score — might get approval, but with higher interest or stricter terms.

  • 300–649: Poor score — low chances of approval; lenders see you as high-risk.

Also Read, Bank credit in India likely to grow at 12-13% in FY26: CRISIL Ratings. 

Why Is a Good Credit Score Important?

Having a high credit score (especially above 750) makes a big difference. With a better score, you may enjoy:

  • Lower interest rates on loans

  • Faster loan and credit card approvals

  • Higher credit limits

  • Pre-approved offers from lenders

With more digital lenders and RBI promoting wider credit access, your credit score matters more than ever before.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Here are some simple ways to build or improve your credit score:

  • Always pay your EMIs and credit card bills on time

  • Keep your credit usage under 30% of your total limit

  • Reduce your number of open loans

  • Check your credit report regularly for mistakes or fraud

You can check your credit score for free once a year with credit bureaus like CIBIL.

FAQs on Credit Scores

Q1. How often should I check my credit score?
 Once every 3 months is a good practice.

Q2. Does checking my score hurt it?
 No. It’s a soft check and doesn’t affect your score.

Q3. Is it free to check my score in India?
 Yes, most bureaus offer one free check per year.

Q4. Can I improve my score quickly?
 Yes. Pay dues on time and lower your credit use.

Q5. How can I build a credit score from scratch?
 Get a secured credit card and repay it regularly.

Final Words

A credit score above 750 helps you get loans and credit cards more easily and on better terms. If your score is low, don’t worry—you can improve it over time by following simple steps. A good credit score can make managing money and reaching financial goals much easier.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.      

 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.     

 

FDs vs Small Savings Schemes: Which One Offers Better Returns in 2025?

If you’re a conservative investor, chances are you’ve considered Fixed Deposits (FDs) for their safety and assured returns. However, government-backed small savings schemes, like those from the post office, often offer better interest rates, especially for long-term investments. Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare in terms of returns and tax benefits.

What Returns Do Bank FDs Offer?

Most leading banks currently offer interest rates between 6.6% and 7.1% per year on 1-year FDs. These rates have slightly decreased after the repo rate cut on April 9.

Also Read, Old vs New Tax Regime: Which One Should You Choose Before Filing Your ITR?

One-year FD interest rates:

  • SBI: 6.7%

  • HDFC Bank: 6.6%

  • ICICI Bank: 6.7%

  • Kotak Mahindra Bank: 7.1%

Keep in mind that interest rates may vary depending on tenure and market conditions.

How Much Do Small Savings Schemes Offer?

Post office schemes usually offer higher interest rates, especially for longer tenures. Here’s what different schemes offer currently:

Instrument Interest Rate (p.a.)
Kisan Vikas Patra 7.5%
National Savings Time Deposit (1 yr) 6.9%
National Savings Time Deposit (5 yr) 7.5%
National Savings Certificate (NSC) 7.7%
Public Provident Fund (PPF) 7.1%
Sukanya Samriddhi Account 8.2%
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme 8.2%
National Savings Recurring Deposit 6.7%

Clearly, some small savings schemes provide significantly better returns than regular bank FDs, especially for senior citizens and long-term savers.

What About Tax Benefits?

Fixed Deposits:

  • Interest is taxable and added to your total income.

  • No special tax benefits under the new tax regime.

  • Only 5-year tax-saving FDs qualify for deduction under Section 80C (old regime only).

Small Savings Schemes:

  • Many schemes like PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, and Senior Citizen Schemes offer Section 80C benefits (under old regime).

  • Interest from PPF is tax-free.

  • Under the new tax regime, 80C benefits do not apply, but interest remains more tax-friendly than FDs.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • If safety and short-term liquidity are your priorities, bank FDs may work better.

  • If you’re planning for long-term goals (like retirement or your child’s education), small savings schemes offer higher returns and better tax advantages.

  • Senior citizens can benefit more from schemes tailored for them, like the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme.

Final Thought

Both FDs and small savings schemes are reliable and safe investment options. Your choice should depend on your financial goals, time horizon, and whether you’re under the old or new tax regime. A mix of both can also help you balance returns and flexibility.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.     

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.