Small savings rates unchanged for October-December 2026 quarter
Why in the news
The Finance Ministry announced on 30 September 2026 that interest rates on small savings schemes will not change for the third quarter of FY 2026-27, covering 1 October to 31 December 2026. The rates have been held flat for a long stretch, since the January-March 2024 quarter.
Key facts
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): 8.2% each.
- National Savings Certificate (NSC): 7.7%.
- Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): 7.5%, with a maturity of 115 months.
- Monthly Income Scheme (MIS): 7.4%.
- Public Provident Fund (PPF): 7.1%.
- Post office savings account: 4.0%.
Post office term deposits and recurring deposit
| Instrument | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1-year time deposit | 6.9% |
| 2-year time deposit | 7.0% |
| 3-year time deposit | 7.1% |
| 5-year time deposit | 7.5% |
| 5-year recurring deposit | 6.7% |
About small savings schemes
These are government-backed savings options, mostly sold through post offices and banks. Their rates are notified every quarter by the Finance Ministry, so each quarter begins with a fresh announcement even when nothing changes.
Exam angle
- Remember the ranking: SSY = SCSS (8.2%) > NSC > KVP > MIS > PPF.
- Rates are reset quarterly and notified by the Finance Ministry.
- The 5-year post office time deposit (7.5%) matches the KVP rate.
- The current rates apply for Q3 of FY 2026-27, that is October-December 2026.