New Delhi: The government has kept interest rates on small savings schemes unchanged for the October–December quarter of FY2026–27, ensuring that popular instruments such as PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and NSC retain their existing rates.
The Finance Ministry announced the decision on Wednesday, September 30. Its notification said rates for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2026, would remain the same as those notified for the July–September quarter.
PPF, Sukanya Rates Steady
Public Provident Fund deposits will continue to earn 7.1 per cent annually under the existing rate structure. The scheme remains a familiar savings option for households looking to build funds over the longer term.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, designed to encourage savings for the girl child, will retain its annual interest rate of 8.2 per cent. This places it among the highest-yielding instruments within the small savings basket.
National Savings Certificate investments will continue to carry an annual interest rate of 7.7 per cent, according to the current rate structure cited in the report.
What The Decision Means
The unchanged rates offer continuity for households that use government-backed savings products as part of their financial planning. Savers will not see a change in the notified interest rates when the new quarter begins.
These schemes are widely used by retail investors seeking secure savings options and predictable returns. The quarterly announcement helps them assess the rates available before making fresh investments.
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However, the interest applicable to an existing investment depends on the rules of the particular scheme. The announcement should therefore be read alongside each product’s terms and conditions.
Quarterly Review Continues
Small savings interest rates are reviewed every quarter, making the Finance Ministry’s announcements important for depositors tracking returns on these instruments.
The latest official notification confirmed that rates would remain unchanged for the third quarter of FY2026–27. It did not include a separate scheme-wise breakdown, instead referring to the rates already notified for the previous quarter.
