Published: 2 January 2026Economy
Small Savings Scheme Interest Rates Unchanged for Q4 FY2025-26; 8th Consecutive Quarter
The Department of Economic Affairs kept interest rates unchanged across all Small Savings Schemes for the 4th quarter of financial year 2025-26 (January 1 to March 31, 2026), marking the eighth consecutive quarter without any change. PPF continues at 7.1%, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme at 8.2%, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at 8.2%, and NSC at 7.7%.
Small savings rates are benchmarked to yields on government securities of comparable maturity. Despite the RBI rate cut cycle starting in early 2025, the government has chosen to maintain attractive rates to encourage household savings. These schemes serve as important investment instruments for middle-class families and senior citizens, with total deposits exceeding ₹18 lakh crore.
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For Q4 FY2025-26, the interest rate on PPF (Public Provident Fund) remains unchanged at:
Explanation · Correct answer BThe Department of Economic Affairs kept all Small Savings Schemes rates unchanged for Q4 FY2025-26, marking the 8th consecutive quarter without change. PPF remains at 7.1%, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme at 8.2%, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at 8.2%, and NSC at 7.7%.
Frequently asked questions
What are the current interest rates for PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme for Q4 FY2025-26?
For **Q4 FY2025-26 (January–March 2026)**, small savings rates remain unchanged: **PPF at 7.1%**, **Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) at 8.2%**, **Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at 8.2%**, and **NSC (National Savings Certificate) at 7.7%**. This is the **eighth consecutive quarter** without any rate change.
How many consecutive quarters have small savings scheme rates remained unchanged as of Q4 FY2025-26?
Small savings scheme rates have remained unchanged for **8 consecutive quarters** as of **Q4 FY2025-26 (January–March 2026)**. Despite the **RBI rate cut cycle starting in early 2025**, the government maintained attractive rates to **encourage household savings**.
How are small savings scheme interest rates benchmarked in India?
**Small savings rates** in India are benchmarked to **yields on government securities of comparable maturity**. The **Department of Economic Affairs** decides these rates quarterly. Despite RBI rate cuts from early 2025, rates for **PPF (7.1%), SCSS (8.2%), Sukanya Samriddhi (8.2%), and NSC (7.7%)** were kept unchanged for the **8th consecutive quarter** in Q4 FY26.
What is the total amount deposited in small savings schemes in India?
The checked DEA sources did not confirm a current total-deposit figure of ₹18 lakh crore for small savings schemes. These schemes include **PPF, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, NSC**, and others. Rates for Q4 FY2025-26 were kept unchanged for the **eighth consecutive quarter**.
Why did the government keep small savings interest rates unchanged for Q4 FY2025-26 despite RBI rate cuts?
Despite the **RBI rate cut cycle starting in early 2025**, the government kept **small savings rates unchanged** for the **8th consecutive quarter** in Q4 FY2025-26 to **encourage household savings**. Rates remain: **PPF 7.1%, SCSS 8.2%, Sukanya Samriddhi 8.2%, NSC 7.7%**, with total deposits exceeding **₹18 lakh crore**.
