The central government has decided to keep interest rates unchanged for popular small savings schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC).
This decision will apply from January 1 to March 31, 2026, marking the seventh straight quarter with no change in rates.
This comes as a relief for millions of small savers who rely on these schemes for safe and stable returns, especially during uncertain market conditions.
Interest Rates to Remain the Same Till March 2026
In an official notification, the finance ministry confirmed that interest rates for the January–March quarter of FY 2025–26 will stay the same as the previous quarter.
This means investors will continue earning familiar returns despite fluctuations in the broader financial system.
These schemes are mainly operated through post offices and select banks and are considered low-risk investment options.
Key Small Savings Schemes and Their Current Rates
Some of the most widely used schemes will continue with the same interest rates:
The Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme will offer 8.2 percent interest.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) will remain at 7.1 percent.
National Savings Certificate (NSC) will continue at 7.7 percent.
Kisan Vikas Patra will offer 7.5 percent interest and mature in 115 months.
Post Office Savings Account deposits will earn 4 percent.
The Monthly Income Scheme will provide a return of 7.4 percent.
The three-year term deposit rate will stay at 7.1 percent.
Seventh Quarter Without Any Change
This is the seventh consecutive quarter where the government has maintained a status quo on small savings interest rates.
The last revision was made in the fourth quarter of FY 2023–24.
The government reviews these rates every quarter, but for now, small savers can plan their investments with confidence, knowing their returns will remain stable at least until the end of March 2026.
