NSC interest rate: 7.7% for October-December 2026
Valid 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. Last checked 29 October 2026. Next review: on or around 31 December 2026, for January-March 2027.
The National Savings Certificate pays 7.7% a year for certificates bought in October-December 2026, compounded yearly and paid at maturity. Unchanged from July-September 2026. Rates have now been held for ten consecutive quarters.
What NSC pays after 5 years at 7.7%
| Invested | Interest | Maturity value |
|---|---|---|
| ₹10,000 | ₹4,490 | ₹14,490 |
| ₹50,000 | ₹22,452 | ₹72,452 |
| ₹1,00,000 | ₹44,903 | ₹1,44,903 |
| ₹5,00,000 | ₹2,24,517 | ₹7,24,517 |
The rate is locked for 5 years on the day you buy the certificate. Try your own figures in the NSC calculator.
Key rules
- Minimum ₹1,000, in multiples of ₹100. No maximum.
- Matures in 5 years. Interest compounds yearly and is paid at maturity.
- Interest is taxable. In the old regime, interest for years 1 to 4 can be claimed again under 80C as reinvested.
- The rate is fixed for the full term.
Compare with every other scheme on the small savings rates page, or read which scheme suits whom.
Questions people ask
What is the NSC interest rate now?
7.7% a year for October-December 2026. Unchanged from July-September 2026. Rates have now been held for ten consecutive quarters.
Is NSC better than a bank FD?
NSC carries a sovereign guarantee and locks the rate for 5 years. Its interest is taxed like FD interest. Compare the rate with 5-year FDs from your bank at the time you invest.
Sources: Ministry of Finance notification on small savings rates for Q3 FY 2026-27, reported 30 September 2026; Business Today: Small savings rates unchanged for Q3 FY27.