Government data
Small savings scheme interest rates, October to December 2026
The government kept all small savings rates unchanged for this quarter. PPF pays 7.1%, and SCSS and Sukanya Samriddhi pay 8.2%.
Interest rates, October to December 2026, %
Source: Finance Ministry, via Business Today
All small savings schemes
| Scheme | Rate | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizens Savings Scheme | 8.2% | 5 years |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | 8.2% | 21 years |
| National Savings Certificate | 7.7% | 5 years |
| Kisan Vikas Patra | 7.5% | Doubles your money |
| Post office 5-year time deposit | 7.5% | 5 years |
| Monthly Income Scheme | 7.4% | 5 years |
| Public Provident Fund | 7.1% | 15 years |
| Post office 3-year time deposit | 7.1% | 3 years |
| Post office 2-year time deposit | 7.0% | 2 years |
| Post office 1-year time deposit | 6.9% | 1 year |
| 5-year recurring deposit | 6.7% | 5 years |
| Post office savings account | 4.0% | No lock-in |
Source: Finance Ministry, via Business Today
Source: Finance Ministry, via Business Today
Questions people ask
How often do small savings rates change?
The Finance Ministry reviews them every quarter and announces the rates for the next quarter just before it starts.
Which scheme pays the most?
For October to December 2026, the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana pay the highest rate, 8.2% a year.
Are these better than bank FDs?
Most schemes pay more than large banks' FDs right now, and they are backed by the government. They do have fixed tenures and limits on how much you can invest.
Work out returns with the PPF calculator or RD calculator.