Planning for your daughter's future education and financial security? Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings scheme that helps parents and legal guardians build a long-term financial corpus for their girl child. Launched by the Government of India, the Sukanya Samriddhi Account encourages systematic savings while offering attractive returns and tax benefits.

Operated through India Post and authorised banks, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. It offers one of the highest interest rates among government-backed small savings schemes, along with tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Recognised as one of the flagship initiatives in the Government Schemes List, the SSY scheme provides families with a reliable way to save for a girl child's future.

For the July to September 2026 quarter, the Government of India has retained the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate at 8.2% per annum. The Ministry of Finance reviews the interest rate every quarter and may revise it based on prevailing market conditions. In this article, you'll learn about the latest interest rate, eligibility, account opening process, deposit rules, maturity period, tax benefits, and other important details.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana 2026 Overview

ParticularDetails
Scheme NameSukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Launched ByGovernment of India
Implemented ThroughIndia Post and Authorised Banks
Scheme TypeSmall Savings Scheme
BeneficiariesGirl Child
Current Interest Rate8.2% per annum (July–September 2026)
Minimum Deposit₹250 per financial year
Maximum Deposit₹1.5 lakh per financial year
Deposit Period15 years from account opening
Maturity Period21 years from account opening
Partial WithdrawalUp to 50% for higher education (subject to rules)
Tax BenefitsEligible under Section 80C

What is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme introduced to encourage parents and legal guardians to save for the future of their daughters. The account can be opened in the name of a girl child before she turns 10 years of age and remains one of the highest interest-earning small savings schemes offered by the Government of India.

The account allows regular deposits for 15 years, while the investment continues to earn interest until maturity after 21 years, subject to the scheme rules. Because of its attractive returns and tax advantages, SSY has become a preferred long-term investment option for many families.

Read full SSY Scheme Details in the Guidelines - Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana 2019 Guidelines PDF

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate (July-September 2026)

The Ministry of Finance reviews the interest rates of small savings schemes every quarter. For the July to September 2026 quarter, the interest rate for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is: 8.2% p.a.

Current SSY Interest Rate: 8.2% per annum

Interest is calculated on the lowest balance available in the account between the close of the fifth day and the end of each month. The accumulated interest is credited to the account at the end of every financial year.
Since the interest rate is notified by the Government from time to time, investors should check the latest notification before making long-term investment decisions.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate History (2014-2026)

The Government of India reviews the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) interest rate every quarter. While the rate may change depending on market conditions, SSY has consistently remained one of the highest-yielding small savings schemes. As of the July–September 2026 quarter, the interest rate continues at 8.2% per annum.

Period (2014-2026)Interest Rate (p.a.)
Dec 2014 - Mar 20159.1%
Apr 2015 - Mar 20169.2%
Apr 2016 - Sep 20168.6%
Oct 2016 - Mar 20178.5%
Apr 2017 - Jun 20178.4%
Jul 2017 - Dec 20178.3%
Jan 2018 - Sep 20188.1%
Oct 2018 - Jun 20198.5%
Jul 2019 - Mar 20208.4%
Apr 2020 - Mar 20237.6%
Apr 2023 - Dec 20238.0%
Jan 2024 - Sep 20268.2%

Source: National Savings Institute (NSI) and Ministry of Finance notifications.

Estimated Returns on Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Investment

The maturity amount depends on factors such as the annual deposit, the applicable interest rate over the years, and any future revisions announced by the Government. The figures below are illustrative estimates assuming an annual interest rate of 8.2% remains unchanged throughout the investment period. Actual maturity proceeds may differ if the government revises the interest rate in future quarters.

Annual InvestmentTotal Investment (15 Years)Estimated Maturity Value*
₹25,000₹3,75,000Around ₹11 - ₹12 lakh
₹50,000₹7,50,000Around ₹22 - ₹24 lakh
₹1,00,000₹15,00,000Around ₹45 - ₹48 lakh
₹1,50,000₹22,50,000Around ₹68 - ₹72 lakh

Note: These are approximate values provided only for illustration. Since the SSY interest rate is reviewed every quarter by the Government of India, the final maturity amount may be higher or lower depending on the applicable rates during the investment period.

Tip to Earn Maximum Interest under SSY

Interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th day and the last day of each month. Therefore, if you plan to make monthly contributions, depositing the amount on or before the 5th of the month helps ensure that month's contribution is considered for interest calculation.

How to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account

Parents or legal guardians can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account at any India Post office or an authorised bank offering the scheme. The account must be opened in the name of an eligible girl child before she attains the age of 10 years.

Steps to Open an SSY Account

  • Visit the nearest post office or authorised bank branch.
  • Obtain and fill out the Sukanya Samriddhi Account application form which will appear as shown below:
  • Submit the completed form along with the required documents.
  • Deposit the minimum opening amount of ₹250 or any higher amount within the annual investment limit.
  • After verification, the account will be opened, and you will receive the account details or passbook.
Online Link to Download SSY Form - Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Form PDF 

Eligibility Criteria for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

To open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
  • The beneficiary must be a resident Indian girl child.
  • The account can be opened only before the girl attains 10 years of age.
  • A parent or legal guardian can open and operate the account on behalf of the girl child until she turns 18 years old.
  • After attaining the age of 18 years, the account holder can operate the account herself after completing the required formalities.
  • Only one SSY account can be opened in the name of each eligible girl child.
  • A family can normally open accounts for up to two girl children.

Exception for Multiple Births

More than two accounts may be permitted if multiple girl children are born during the first or second childbirth, such as twins or triplets. In such cases, the guardian must provide the prescribed documents, including birth certificates and any other documents required under the scheme rules.

For eligibility criteria, please refer Para 2 (1) (d) in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Guidelines PDF.

Documents Required for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Applicants generally need the following documents while opening a Sukanya Samriddhi Account:
  • Birth certificate of the girl child.
  • Identity proof of the parent or guardian.
  • Address proof of the parent or guardian.
  • Passport-size photographs, if required by the bank or post office.
  • Any additional documents requested by the account-opening authority.
Applicants should carry original documents for verification along with self-attested copies wherever applicable.

Deposit Rules under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Understanding the deposit rules is important to keep the account active and continue earning interest.
  • The account can be opened with a minimum initial deposit of ₹250.
  • A minimum of ₹250 must be deposited every financial year to keep the account active.
  • The maximum investment allowed is ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year.
  • Deposits can be made in multiples of ₹50.
  • Contributions can be made either in a single payment or through multiple deposits during the financial year.
  • Deposits are accepted only for the first 15 years from the date of opening the account. After that, no further contribution is required, but the account continues to earn interest until maturity, subject to the applicable rules.

What happens if the minimum deposit is not made?

If the required minimum deposit is not made during a financial year, the account becomes inactive (defaulted). However, it can be revived within the prescribed period by paying the applicable default penalty along with the required minimum deposit for the defaulted year(s).

How to Deposit Money into an SSY Account

After opening the account, deposits can be made using any of the following methods, depending on the facilities available at the bank or post office:
  • Cash deposit at the branch or post office.
  • Cheque or demand draft.
  • Online fund transfer through NEFT or RTGS, where available.
  • Through the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) mobile application for eligible post office accounts.
To avoid account default, ensure that at least ₹250 is deposited every financial year.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Withdrawal Rules

The scheme permits partial withdrawal to support the girl's higher education. SSY account holder can withdraw up to 50% of the balance available at the end of the financial year preceding the year of withdrawal, subject to the scheme rules. Partial withdrawal is allowed after the account holder:
  • Attains 18 years of age, or
  • Has passed the 10th standard, whichever is earlier.
The withdrawn amount must be used for eligible educational expenses, such as admission fees or tuition fees. Supporting documents, including the admission offer or fee receipt issued by the educational institution, may be required. Withdrawals can be made either in one lump sum, or in instalments, subject to the conditions specified under the scheme.

For withdrawal rules, please refer Para No. 8 in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Guidelines PDF.

Premature Closure of the SSY Account

Although the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme is intended as a long-term investment, premature closure is allowed in certain situations permitted under the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Rules. Premature closure may be permitted in cases such as:
  • Death of the account holder.
  • Serious medical condition requiring financial assistance.
  • Death of the guardian operating the account.
  • Other exceptional cases where continuing the account causes undue hardship, as permitted by the competent authority.
The request must be supported by the prescribed documents and is subject to approval under the applicable rules.

For premature closure, please refer Para No. 7 in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Guidelines PDF.

SSY Maturity Rules

A Sukanya Samriddhi Account matures 21 years from the date of opening. Once the account reaches maturity, the account holder can apply for closure and receive the entire balance, including the interest earned, after completing the required formalities.

Closure for Marriage

The account may also be closed before the completion of 21 years if the account holder intends to marry after attaining the prescribed age under the scheme.

The request for closure should be made within the time period specified under the scheme rules and must be accompanied by the required declaration and proof of age.

For closure on maturity, please refer Para No. 9 in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Guidelines PDF.

Tax Benefits under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers attractive tax benefits to investors.
  • Deposits made in the account qualify for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, subject to the applicable limit.
  • Interest earned on the account is tax-exempt under the prevailing tax provisions.
  • The maturity amount is also exempt from income tax, making SSY one of the most tax-efficient long-term savings schemes.
Tax laws may change from time to time, so investors should refer to the latest Income Tax provisions or consult a tax professional if required.

Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers several advantages that make it one of the most attractive savings schemes for a girl child.
  • Government-backed investment - The scheme is backed by the Government of India, making it a safe investment option with minimal risk.
  • Attractive interest rate - SSY generally offers one of the highest interest rates among government small savings schemes, helping parents build a substantial corpus over the long term.
  • Tax benefits - Deposits made in the account qualify for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, subject to the applicable limits. The interest earned and the maturity amount are also tax-exempt under the prevailing tax rules.
  • Low minimum investment - The account can be maintained with a minimum annual deposit of just ₹250, making it affordable for families from different income groups.
  • Flexible deposits - Depositors can contribute in one lump sum or through multiple deposits during the financial year, provided the total annual investment does not exceed ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Support for education and marriage - The scheme allows partial withdrawal for higher education after the prescribed conditions are met, while the maturity amount can be used to meet future educational or marriage-related expenses.

Important Points to Remember for SSY Account

  • Sukanya Samriddhi Account can be opened only before the girl child turns 10 years old.
  • Only one account is allowed in the name of each eligible girl child.
  • A family can normally open accounts for up to two daughters, subject to the exceptions provided under the scheme rules.
  • The minimum annual deposit is ₹250.
  • The maximum investment permitted in a financial year is ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Deposits can be made for 15 years, while the account matures after 21 years.
  • Partial withdrawal is allowed only under the prescribed conditions.
  • The interest rate is notified by the Government of India every quarter and may change from time to time.

Official Resources

For the latest rules, interest rates, and notifications, refer to the official government sources:
Important: Depositors are advised to refer the scheme rules notified by Government from time to time available at www.egazette.gov.in and www.nsiindia.gov.in or available on www.indiapost@gov.in in the form of SB Orders under the tab Employee Corner or Right to information.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Q1. What is the current Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate?
For the July to September 2026 quarter, the interest rate is 8.2% per annum.

Q2. Who can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account?
A parent or legal guardian can open the account for a resident Indian girl child before she completes 10 years of age.

Q3. What is the minimum amount required to maintain the account?
A minimum deposit of ₹250 must be made every financial year to keep the account active.

Q4. What is the maximum investment allowed?
You can deposit up to ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year.

Q5. Can I withdraw money before maturity?
Yes. Partial withdrawal of up to 50% of the eligible balance is allowed for higher education, subject to the scheme rules.

Q6. When does the account mature?
The account matures 21 years from the date of opening.

Q7. Is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana tax-free?
Deposits qualify for deduction under Section 80C, while the interest earned and maturity amount are tax-exempt under the applicable tax provisions.

Q8. Can the account be opened in a bank instead of a post office?
Yes. Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts can be opened at India Post offices as well as authorised banks offering the scheme.

Conclusion - Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is one of the most reliable long-term savings schemes for securing a girl child's financial future. With a government-backed guarantee, attractive interest rate, tax benefits, and flexible deposit options, the scheme helps parents build a substantial corpus for higher education and marriage expenses. Before opening an account, applicants should carefully read the latest scheme rules and ensure they meet the eligibility conditions.