National Saving Certificate (NSC) Interest Rate 2026: Rules & Maturity

The National Saving Certificate (NSC) is a popular fixed-income small savings scheme backed by the Government of India through India Post. Designed to encourage risk-free savings while offering income tax benefits, the scheme continues to be a reliable choice for individual investors across the country.

National Saving Certificate Overview

The National Saving Certificate (VIII Issue) offers a guaranteed and fixed interest rate of 7.7% per annum, compounded annually and payable at maturity. The investment tenure, or maturity period, is fixed at 5 years. There is no maximum investment limit under the scheme, making it flexible for small and large savers alike, while the minimum investment is set at Rs. 1000 with additional investments in multiples of Rs. 100. Deposits made into the NSC qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Key Details Table

Feature	Details
Organization	India Post, Government of India
Scheme Name	National Saving Certificate (NSC) VIII Issue
Current Interest Rate	7.7% per annum (compounded annually)
Maturity Period	5 Years
Minimum Investment	Rs. 1000 (in multiples of Rs. 100 thereafter)
Maximum Investment	No Maximum Limit
Tax Benefit	Qualifies for Section 80C deduction up to Rs. 1.5 lakh
Eligible Investors	Resident Individuals (Adults, Minors above 10, Guardians)

Important Dates and Rates

The interest rate for the National Saving Certificate is reviewed and notified by the Ministry of Finance on a quarterly basis. For the October to December 2026 quarter, the interest rate has been maintained unchanged at 7.7% per annum.

Event / Period	Date / Details
Interest Rate Review	October to December 2026 Quarter
Rate Notification Date	30 September 2026
Scheme Tenure	5 Years Lock-in Period

Eligibility Criteria

To open an NSC account, specific guidelines established by India Post must be met:

• Resident Individuals: Single adults can purchase certificates for themselves or on behalf of a minor.
• Joint Accounts: Up to three adults can hold a joint account under Joint A or Joint B categories.
• Minors: Minors above 10 years of age can open and operate an account in their own name.
• Guardians: A guardian can open an account on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind.
• Exclusions: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Hindu Undivided Families (HUF), Trusts, Firms, and Institutions are not eligible to invest in National Savings Certificates.

Fee and Service Charges

While opening an account is free of service charges, specific administrative requests at post office branches incur standard fees. Transferring an account from one post office to another requires a fee of Rs. 100, and pledging an account costs Rs. 100. Issuing a duplicate passbook is charged at Rs. 50, whereas issuing a statement of account or deposit receipt costs Rs. 20 per case.

Step-by-Step How to Apply

Investing in the National Saving Certificate is a straightforward process managed entirely through physical post office branches:

1. Visit the official India Post website to access and download Form A (Application Form For Purchase of Certificate).
2. Fill out the application form with accurate personal and nominee details.
3. Attach mandatory KYC documents, including a PAN card, Aadhaar card, and valid identity proofs.
4. Submit the filled form along with payment via cash, cheque, pay order, or demand draft drawn in favor of the Postmaster at the nearest post office branch.
5. Upon verification and approval, the post office will issue the NSC certificate or a provisional purchase slip.