Small Savings Rates For January - March 2026: PPF, NSC, SCSS, SSY And More

The Ministry of Finance has announced that the interest rates on all small savings schemes will remain the same for the January–March 2026 quarter as they were in the previous quarter. This marks another quarter of unchanged rates, providing stability for conservative investors.

What Are Small Savings Schemes?

Small savings schemes are government-backed investment options that offer fixed returns and a sovereign guarantee, making them popular among risk-averse savers. Returns are reviewed every quarter, normally based on government bond yields.

Key Interest Rates For January - March 2026

Here are the current interest rates on major small savings schemes that will be effective from 1 January to 31 March 2026:

(Rates remain unchanged from the previous quarter)

Top Schemes And What They Offer

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF continues at 7.1% interest, making it a core long-term savings option with tax-free returns under the EEE (Exempt–Exempt–Exempt) framework.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)

NSC offers 7.7%, with investments eligible for deduction under Section 80C. Interest is taxable on maturity.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

At 8.2%, SCSS provides one of the highest rates for individuals aged 60 and above with regular income potential.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

Also at 8.2%, SSY remains attractive for saving long-term for a girl child, with tax benefits and tax-free maturity proceeds.

Post Office And Other Schemes

Other schemes like the Monthly Income Scheme (7.4%), Kisan Vikas Patra (7.5%), and various Time Deposits offer competitive returns compared with many bank fixed deposits, though tax treatment varies.

Why This Matters For Investors

With rates unchanged, savers can plan confidently knowing that returns will stay stable through March 2026. These government-backed instruments are ideal for those seeking predictable, low-risk returns, especially when market-linked investments are volatile.

Read More:8th CPC, DA Hikes and Pension Reforms: 10 Big Changes for Central Govt Employees in 2025!

Conclusion

For the January–March 2026 quarter, the government has maintained interest rates across all major small savings schemes. Stable returns on PPF, NSC, SCSS and SSY provide conservative investors with reliable options for long-term and retirement planning, while other post office products offer good alternatives to bank deposits. Continued rate stability helps savers manage expectations amid uncertain market-linked returns.

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.