Post Office Savings Schemes & Interest Rates 2026 - Full List
India Post offers some of the safest savings schemes in the country, backed by the Government of India. From PPF and NSC to the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi, these schemes offer guaranteed returns and many give tax benefits. This 2026 guide compares all major post office schemes - their interest rates, tenure, and which one suits your goal.
Why Post Office Schemes Are Popular
These are small savings schemes backed by a government guarantee, so your capital is safe. Interest rates are reviewed by the government every quarter. They are ideal for conservative savers, senior citizens, and parents saving for a girl child's future.
Interest Rates 2026 - Comparison Table
| Scheme | Approx Rate | Tenure | Tax Benefit (80C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Provident Fund (PPF) | 7.1% | 15 years | Yes |
| Senior Citizen Savings (SCSS) | 8.2% | 5 years | Yes |
| Sukanya Samriddhi (SSY) | 8.2% | 21 years | Yes |
| National Savings Certificate (NSC) | 7.7% | 5 years | Yes |
| Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) | 7.5% | ~115 months | No |
| Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) | 7.4% | 5 years | No |
| 5-Year Recurring Deposit (RD) | 6.7% | 5 years | No |
| Mahila Samman Savings | 7.5% | 2 years | No |
Best Scheme for Each Goal
- Long-term tax-free growth: PPF - 15-year lock-in, fully tax-free interest.
- Regular income for seniors: SCSS - high rate, quarterly interest payout.
- Girl child future: Sukanya Samriddhi - one of the highest rates, big maturity corpus.
- Safe lump-sum with tax benefit: NSC - 5-year fixed, qualifies under 80C.
- Monthly cash flow: MIS - fixed monthly interest for 5 years.
- Small monthly saving habit: Recurring Deposit - invest a fixed amount each month.
Tax Benefits Explained
PPF, SCSS, NSC and Sukanya Samriddhi qualify for deduction under Section 80C (up to Rs 1.5 lakh a year, under the old tax regime). PPF and Sukanya interest is fully tax-free. SCSS and NSC interest is taxable as per your slab, though NSC interest reinvested also counts under 80C.
How to Open a Post Office Account
- Visit your nearest post office (many schemes are also available through India Post internet banking).
- Fill the account opening form for the chosen scheme.
- Submit KYC documents - Aadhaar, PAN, photograph and address proof.
- Make the initial deposit (minimum amounts vary by scheme).
- Collect your passbook / certificate. For PPF, RD and SSY you can deposit regularly.
Post Office Schemes vs Bank FD
Post office schemes often offer higher rates than bank fixed deposits, with the same government-backed safety. Bank FDs are more flexible for short tenures and offer instant online booking, while schemes like SCSS, SSY and PPF give better long-term, tax-advantaged returns.