Govt Keeps Small Savings Interest Rates Unchanged for October-December Quarter

The Ministry of Finance said in a notification that the interest rates applicable from October 1 to December 31, 2026, will remain at the levels notified for the preceding July-September quarter.

Under the existing rate structure, investments in the Public Provident Fund (PPF) will continue to earn 7.1 per cent annual interest. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) will offer 8.2 per cent, while the National Savings Certificate (NSC) will continue to carry an interest rate of 7.7 per cent.

The unchanged rates mean investors in these popular schemes will continue to receive the same returns during the three-month period. Small savings instruments are widely used by retail investors looking for relatively predictable returns and form an important part of household savings and financial planning.

The quarterly review of small savings rates is closely monitored by investors as it determines the returns applicable to fresh investments during the upcoming quarter. Existing deposits continue to earn interest according to the terms and conditions governing the respective schemes.

By retaining the current rates for the October-December quarter, the government has maintained the existing return structure across the notified small savings instruments.

The Finance Ministry's notification confirmed that there would be no change in small savings interest rates for the third quarter of FY2026-27, although it did not provide a separate scheme-wise breakdown of all applicable rates.