Quick answer
For Oct–Dec 2026 (Q3 FY 2026-27), the government kept all small savings rates unchanged. SSY and SCSS pay the most at 8.2%, NSC pays 7.7%, KVP 7.5%, Post Office MIS 7.4%, PPF 7.1%, and the 5-year Post Office RD 6.7%. EPF pays 8.25% for FY 2025-26.
| Scheme | Interest rate | Compounding / payout | Tenure | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Provident Fund (PPF) | 7.1% | Yearly | 15 years | Calculate → |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) | 8.2% | Yearly | 21 years | Calculate → |
| Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) | 8.2% | Paid quarterly | 5 years | Calculate → |
| National Savings Certificate (NSC) | 7.7% | Yearly (paid at maturity) | 5 years | Calculate → |
| Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) | 7.5% | Yearly | 115 months (doubles) | — |
| Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) | 7.4% | Paid monthly | 5 years | Calculate → |
| Mahila Samman Savings Certificate | 7.5% | Quarterly | Closed for new deposits | — |
| Post Office Time Deposit (5 years) | 7.5% | Quarterly (paid yearly) | 5 years | — |
| Post Office Time Deposit (3 years) | 7.1% | Quarterly (paid yearly) | 3 years | — |
| Post Office Time Deposit (2 years) | 7% | Quarterly (paid yearly) | 2 years | — |
| Post Office Time Deposit (1 year) | 6.9% | Quarterly (paid yearly) | 1 year | — |
| Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD) | 6.7% | Quarterly | 5 years | Calculate → |
| Post Office Savings Account | 4% | Yearly | — | — |
Source: Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) quarterly notification; India Post.
Provident fund
| Scheme | Rate | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) | 8.25% | FY 2025-26 |
| Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) | 8.25% | FY 2025-26 |
Which scheme is right for you?
- Long-term, tax-free: PPF (15 years), or SSY if you have a daughter under 10.
- Regular income for retirees: SCSS (quarterly) and Post Office MIS (monthly).
- Fixed 5-year growth: NSC or a 5-year post office time deposit.
- Monthly saving habit: Recurring deposit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PPF interest rate today?
7.1% per year for Oct–Dec 2026 (Q3 FY 2026-27), compounded yearly and tax-free.
Which small savings scheme gives the highest interest?
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, both at 8.2% for Oct–Dec 2026 (Q3 FY 2026-27).
How often do small savings rates change?
The Ministry of Finance reviews them every quarter and announces the new rates just before each quarter begins (around 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December).
What is the EPF interest rate?
8.25% for FY 2025-26. Notified by EPFO in July 2026.