NEW DELHI: Millions of citizens who park their hard-earned savings in government-backed instruments can breathe a sigh of relief. The Union Ministry of Finance has announced that interest rates for various small savings schemes will remain completely unchanged for the third quarter of the 2026–27 fiscal year, covering the period from October 1, 2026, to December 30, 2026.

This marks the tenth consecutive quarter that the government has maintained status quo on these rates, keeping returns steady for popular avenues like the Public Provident Fund (PPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), and National Savings Certificates (NSC).

According to an official notification released by the Ministry of Finance, the rates for the upcoming quarter will mirror those enforced during the second quarter (July 1 to September 30, 2026).

Breakdown of Scheme-Wise Interest Rates:

  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Designed specifically to secure the financial future of the girl child, this flagship scheme continues to offer the highest return among small savings options at 8.2 percent per annum.

  • Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS): Investors relying on regular monthly payouts through the Post Office MIS will continue to earn 7.4 percent interest.

  • Public Provident Fund (PPF): A favorite among long-term investors seeking tax-saving benefits, the PPF interest rate holds firm at 7.1 percent.

  • Post Office Time Deposits: The three-year Post Office Time Deposit maintains an interest rate of 7.1 percent. Meanwhile, basic Post Office savings accounts will continue to fetch 4 percent interest annually.

  • National Savings Certificate (NSC): Investors parking their funds in the NSC will continue to enjoy a steady return of 7.7 percent.

  • Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): The interest rate on the Kisan Vikas Patra remains locked at 7.5 percent, with investments maturing in a tenure of 115 months.

By keeping these rates steady, the government aims to provide stability and predictable returns to conservative retail investors amid evolving global economic landscapes and domestic financial shifts.