Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Get bumper benefits with 8.2% interest; know the new account rules
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate 2026: The interest rate for the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana remains unchanged at 8.2%. Learn about the new rules regarding deposits, penalties, and withdrawals.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate 2026: If you are investing in a Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) for your daughter's better future, here is some useful information for you. The Ministry of Finance announced the interest rates for small savings schemes on September 30, 2026. The government has not made any changes to the interest rates for small savings schemes, including the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, for the October-December quarter of the current financial year. This means you will continue to earn robust returns on your deposits, just as before.
Has there been any change in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate?
No, the government has maintained the interest rate for the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at 8.2% for the October-December 2026 quarter. The Ministry of Finance reviews the rates for small savings schemes every three months. However, a review does not necessarily mean that the rates will change every time. The government last revised the interest rates for small savings schemes during the review in December 2024.
What is the Sukanya Samriddhi Account, and how much can be invested in it?
This is a highly popular savings scheme launched by the central government to ensure a secure and financially strong future for daughters. The account can be opened in the name of a daughter who is under 10 years of age.
Interest Calculation: Interest on the account is calculated based on the lowest balance available between the 5th of the month and the last day of the month.
| Rule / Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | ₹250 per financial year |
| Maximum Deposit | ₹1.5 lakh per financial year |
| Deposit Period | Up to 15 years from the date of account opening |
| Maturity | 21 years from the date of account opening |
| Tax Exemption | Under Section 123 of the Income Tax Act (Old Tax Regime) |
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What are the rules if an installment is missed or if money needs to be withdrawn?
Failure to pay installments: If you fail to deposit the minimum ₹250 in any given year, the account can be regularized at any time before the 15-year tenure ends. To do this, you must pay the minimum ₹250 for each missed year along with a penalty of ₹50.
Withdrawal rules: Once the daughter turns 18 or passes the 10th standard, up to 50% of the balance available at the end of the preceding financial year can be withdrawn for educational purposes. This amount can be taken as a lump sum or in installments over five years.
Premature account closure: Premature closure is permitted only five years after opening the account, and solely under special circumstances such as a life-threatening illness, the death of the guardian, or extreme hardship.
Death of the account holder: In the event of the account holder's (daughter's) death, the account is closed upon submission of the death certificate, and the entire balance, including interest, is paid to the guardian. Interest is earned at the Post Office Savings Account rate for the period between the date of death and the date of account closure.
