PPF, NSC, SCSS And SSY Interest Rates Announced For October-December 2025

For the October to December 2025 quarter, the government has kept interest rates for major small savings schemes unchanged, providing continuity for investors seeking safe and reliable returns. According to experts, this decision benefits both individual savers and senior citizens who rely on schemes like the Public Provident Fund (PPF), Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY). With these stable rates, investors can plan their finances confidently, knowing that returns on these traditional instruments remain predictable and attractive.

Public Provident Fund Remains A Reliable Option

The Public Provident Fund continues to offer an interest rate of 7.1% for the third quarter of FY 2025-26. As per financial experts, PPF remains one of the most popular long-term savings avenues in India due to its tax benefits, safety, and stable returns. Investors seeking secure growth over a period of 15 years can continue to rely on this government-backed instrument to build a disciplined savings corpus.

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme And Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Both the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are offering 8.2% interest for the same period. According to experts, these schemes remain crucial for retirement planning and for securing a child’s future, respectively. SCSS provides senior citizens with a steady stream of income, while SSY supports the long-term financial goals of a girl child, combining safety with above-average returns.

National Savings Certificate And Kisan Vikas Patra

The National Savings Certificate continues to yield 7.7%, while the Kisan Vikas Patra provides 7.5% with a maturity period of around 115 months, roughly 9.7 years. Experts note that these schemes are particularly suitable for conservative investors looking for guaranteed returns over a fixed term. Both instruments have a longstanding reputation for reliability and are widely used across India for systematic savings.

Other Post Office Savings Options

Additional schemes managed by post offices also maintain steady returns. The Monthly Income Scheme offers 7.4% interest, while short-term Time Deposits provide slightly varied rates: 1-year TD at 6.9%, 2-year TD at 7%, 3-year TD at 7.1%, and 5-year TD at 7.5%. The 5-year Recurring Deposit stands at 6.7%. Experts recommend these instruments for those seeking regular income or a low-risk alternative to market-linked investments.

Why Stability Matters For Investors

Maintaining stable interest rates allows individuals to plan financial goals without worrying about abrupt fluctuations. According to financial analysts, consistent returns on small savings schemes help in retirement planning, child education funding, and wealth accumulation for risk-averse investors. By keeping rates unchanged, the government reinforces confidence in traditional savings instruments and encourages disciplined investing.

Long-Term Perspective On Small Savings

Interest rates for these schemes, managed primarily by post offices and certain banks, have remained largely unchanged for several quarters. The last modifications were observed in the fourth quarter of 2023-24. Experts advise that while market-linked instruments offer higher returns, small savings schemes provide unmatched safety and tax efficiency, making them ideal for conservative portfolios.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. According to experts, the details mentioned reflect government notifications and public information about small savings schemes for the October to December 2025 quarter and should not be considered as personalised financial advice.