Forget PPF and NSC, this savings scheme offers the highest interest rates; this is how you can accumulate lakhs..

If you're looking for a safe and reliable savings scheme that offers good interest rates and tax savings, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) could be the best option for you. While schemes like the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) are popular, this government scheme now offers a high annual interest rate of 8.2%, the highest among all small savings schemes.

What is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a savings scheme launched by the Government of India to ensure a brighter future for girls. The scheme aims to help meet the major needs related to a girl's education and marriage. An account can be opened under this scheme in the name of a girl under the age of 10. The account can be opened by her parents or legal guardians.

How much can you invest?
You can deposit between ₹250 and ₹1.5 lakh annually under this scheme. This means that this scheme is ideal for small- to large-scale savers. The investment yields an annual interest rate of 8.2%, which is higher than PPF (7.1%) and NSC (7.7%).

When and how will you receive your money?
The maturity period of this scheme is 21 years, calculated from the date of account opening. However, partial withdrawals are allowed for the daughter's higher education or marriage after she turns 18. If she marries after 18, the account can be closed prematurely.

Interest rate remains stable, but returns are excellent
Recently, the Ministry of Finance announced that the interest rate on this scheme has been kept stable at 8.2% for the third quarter (October-December) of the financial year 2025-26. This means that this scheme currently offers the highest interest rate among all government small savings schemes.

Number one in tax savings, too
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana falls under the EEE category. This means that the amount deposited, the interest earned, and the maturity amount are all completely tax-free. Under this scheme, you can avail a tax exemption of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C on the annual investment amount.

Where to open an account?
You can open this account at the post office, State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC, ICICI, and other authorized banks. It is also easily transferable from one state to another or from a bank to a post office.

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