Post Office NSC Scheme: How Couples Can Build ₹13 Lakh in 5 Years with Guaranteed Returns

Are you and your spouse looking for a safe and risk-free investment option to build wealth for the future? The Post Office National Savings Certificate (NSC) scheme might be the perfect solution. Backed by the Government of India, this investment plan offers assured returns, tax benefits, and capital security, making it ideal for couples, salaried individuals, or retirees with a lump sum amount in hand.

What Is the NSC Scheme?

The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a fixed-income savings plan offered by India Post. It comes with a 5-year maturity period and guarantees returns at a fixed rate. Being a government-backed scheme, NSC is considered extremely safe for conservative investors looking for stable, low-risk returns.

It is especially useful for those who receive lump sums — such as retirement benefits, property sale proceeds, or bonuses — and want to invest without worrying about market fluctuations.

Who Can Invest in NSC?

The scheme is open to all Indian citizens. You can open:

• A single-holder account

• A joint account with up to three adults

• An account on behalf of a minor or a mentally challenged person (via guardian)

Even children aged 10 years or above can operate their own NSC accounts. There is no cap on the number of accounts a person can open. Plus, you can nominate a family member for each account.

Minimum and Maximum Investment Limits

The NSC is designed for flexibility and inclusivity:

• Minimum investment: ₹1,000

• No upper limit: You can invest any amount in multiples of ₹100

• Tax benefits: Up to ₹1.5 lakh invested in NSC annually qualifies for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act

This means you not only earn safe returns but also reduce your taxable income.

Interest Rate and Returns

As of now, NSC offers an interest rate of 7.7% per annum, compounded annually. The interest is reinvested each year and paid out along with the principal after 5 years.

• Interest earned in the first 4 years is tax-exempt

• Interest earned in the 5th year is taxable

Let’s break it down with an example:

If a couple jointly invests ₹9 lakh, they will receive approximately ₹13,04,130 at maturity after 5 years. That’s a total return of ₹4,04,130 — all with zero risk and full capital protection.

Liquidity and Loan Option

While the NSC has a lock-in period of 5 years, premature closure is allowed only in special cases:

• Death of the investor

• Court orders

However, if you need funds urgently, you can use your NSC as collateral to get a loan from banks or NBFCs, allowing you to meet financial needs without breaking your investment.

Why NSC Is a Smart Choice for Couples

If both husband and wife are earning, jointly investing in NSC multiplies the benefits:

• Larger investment = Higher returns

• Dual tax benefits (if filed separately)

• Ideal for planning medium-term goals like children’s education, home renovation, or travel plans

By simply combining their resources, couples can generate over ₹13 lakh in a safe, predictable manner.

Key Highlights of the Post Office NSC Scheme

Feature	Details
Tenure	5 years
Interest Rate	7.7% per annum (compounded annually)
Minimum Investment	₹1,000
Maximum Investment	No limit
Tax Benefit	Up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C
Premature Withdrawal	Not allowed (except special conditions)
Loan Facility	Available against NSC as collateral

Final Thoughts

The Post Office NSC scheme is a low-risk, high-assurance investment that not only helps you grow your money but also provides tax savings and financial discipline. Whether you’re planning for a medium-term goal or simply want to secure your surplus funds, NSC is a reliable choice.

And for couples looking to build wealth jointly, this government-backed plan could be your ticket to ₹13 lakh in just 5 years — safely and smartly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Investment in government schemes is subject to policy changes. Always consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Times Bull is not liable for any financial loss or decision based on this content.