NSC calculator
National Savings Certificate rate for October-December 2026: 7.7%. Last checked 29 October 2026.
See what a National Savings Certificate is worth at maturity, and the interest it earns each year. The rate is locked for 5 years on the day you buy.
Interest earned each year
| Year | Interest | Value at year end | Counts for 80C (old regime) |
|---|
When NSC makes sense
NSC suits money you will not need for five years and want to keep completely safe at a known rate. Unlike PPF, the rate does not change after you invest, so buying when rates are high locks in that rate. Unlike a bank FD, it carries a sovereign guarantee.
The catch is tax. NSC interest is taxable, so in the new tax regime it competes directly with bank FDs on the post-tax rate. Compare current rates on the small savings rates page.
Questions people ask
What is the NSC interest rate now?
7.7% a year for certificates bought in October-December 2026. The rate is fixed for the full 5 years on the day you invest. See the NSC interest rate page.
How much does ₹1 lakh in NSC become after 5 years?
At 7.7%, ₹1 lakh grows to ₹1,44,903 after 5 years, compounded yearly and paid at maturity.
Is NSC interest taxable?
Yes. The interest is taxable at your slab rate. In the old tax regime, interest earned in years 1 to 4 is treated as reinvested and can be claimed under 80C along with the original deposit. Year 5 interest is taxable without that benefit.
What is the minimum and maximum NSC investment?
The minimum is ₹1,000, in multiples of ₹100. There is no upper limit, though only ₹1.5 lakh a year counts for the 80C deduction.