Small savings interest rates, October-December 2026
Rates valid 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. Last checked 29 October 2026.
Unchanged from July-September 2026. Rates have now been held for ten consecutive quarters. SCSS and SSY pay the most at 8.2%. PPF stays at 7.1%.
| Scheme | Rate | Change | Tenure | Yearly interest on ₹1 lakh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme | 8.2% | No change | 5 years | ₹8,200 |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | 8.2% | No change | 21 years from opening | ₹8,200 |
| National Savings Certificate | 7.7% | No change | 5 years | ₹7,700 |
| Kisan Vikas Patra | 7.5% | No change | 115 months | ₹7,500 |
| Post Office Time Deposit, 5 years | 7.5% | No change | 5 years | ₹7,500 |
| Monthly Income Scheme | 7.4% | No change | 5 years | ₹7,400 |
| Public Provident Fund | 7.1% | No change | 15 years | ₹7,100 |
| Post Office Time Deposit, 3 years | 7.1% | No change | 3 years | ₹7,100 |
| Post Office Time Deposit, 2 years | 7.0% | No change | 2 years | ₹7,000 |
| Post Office Time Deposit, 1 year | 6.9% | No change | 1 year | ₹6,900 |
| Recurring Deposit, 5 years | 6.7% | No change | 5 years | ₹6,700 |
| Post Office Savings Account | 4.0% | No change | No lock-in | ₹4,000 |
Yearly interest shown at the simple annual rate, before tax and compounding. Next review: On or around 31 December 2026, for January-March 2027.
Which scheme fits whom
Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme: 8.2%
Interest is taxable. Maximum deposit ₹30 lakh. Interest: paid quarterly. Qualifies for a deduction under 80C in the old tax regime.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: 8.2%
For a girl child under 10. Interest and maturity are tax-free. Interest: yearly. Qualifies for a deduction under 80C in the old tax regime.
National Savings Certificate: 7.7%
Rate is locked for the full 5 years at purchase. Interest: yearly, paid at maturity. Qualifies for a deduction under 80C in the old tax regime.
Kisan Vikas Patra: 7.5%
Money doubles in 115 months at this rate. Interest: yearly. No 80C deduction.
Post Office Time Deposit, 5 years: 7.5%
Only the 5-year deposit qualifies under 80C (old regime). Interest: quarterly, paid yearly. Qualifies for a deduction under 80C in the old tax regime.
Monthly Income Scheme: 7.4%
Maximum ₹9 lakh single, ₹15 lakh joint. Interest: paid monthly. No 80C deduction.
Public Provident Fund: 7.1%
Interest and maturity are tax-free. Rate floats every quarter on your whole balance. Interest: yearly. Qualifies for a deduction under 80C in the old tax regime.
Questions people ask
What is the PPF interest rate for October-December 2026?
The PPF rate for October-December 2026 is 7.1% a year, compounded yearly. Unchanged from July-September 2026. Rates have now been held for ten consecutive quarters.
Which small savings scheme pays the most right now?
Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS) pays the highest rate at 8.2%. The Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are tied at the top, but each is open only to specific people: SCSS to those 60 and above (with some exceptions), and SSY to a girl child under 10.
How often do small savings rates change?
The Ministry of Finance reviews the rates every quarter and announces them on or around the last working day before the new quarter begins. Rates can rise, fall or stay the same.
Does a rate change affect my existing deposit?
It depends on the scheme. NSC, KVP, SCSS, time deposits and MIS lock in the rate on the day you invest. PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi are different: the new rate applies to your entire balance for that quarter.
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.