Benefit Amount
Interest rate varies by tenure (5-year or 10-year); currently 7.7% p.a. for 5-year and 6.8% p.a. for 10-year (rates subject to change quarterly)Certificate
✓ Government Verified✓ Direct Bank Transfer
ℹAbout National Savings Certificate
The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a safe and secure investment scheme offered by the Government of India through India Post. It is designed to encourage savings among Indian citizens and provides fixed returns with the safety of government backing. NSC offers competitive interest rates that are compounded half-yearly and paid at maturity. The scheme is ideal for conservative investors seeking steady, guaranteed returns without market risk. Any Indian resident can invest in NSC through post offices across the country. The certificate can be purchased in denominations starting from Rs.100 and multiples thereof, with no upper limit. NSC has a maturity period of 5 years or 10 years depending on the variant chosen. The returns are fully taxable income but provide a reliable means to build savings over time.
Ministry
Ministry of Finance
✓Who Is Eligible?
The National Savings Certificate scheme is open to any Indian resident regardless of age. You do not need to meet any specific income requirement to invest in NSC, making it accessible to people from all economic backgrounds. There are no restrictions based on caste, category, or gender. Both men and women of any age can open NSC accounts. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian can open the account on your behalf. You can open accounts in your individual name or jointly with another person. There are no occupation-based restrictions, so whether you are a student, homemaker, employee, business owner, or retired person, you can invest in NSC. The scheme is available across all of India at post offices in every corner of the country. You simply need to be an Indian resident and have valid identification proof. Non-resident Indians may have different rules, so it is recommended to check with your nearest post office or visit the official India Post website for specific guidance if you fall outside the resident category.
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Gender: Male, Female, Other✓
Category: General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS📝How to Apply for National Savings Certificate
To invest in National Savings Certificate, follow these simple steps. First, visit your nearest post office in your area or go online to www.indiapost.gov.in to get complete information about current interest rates and certificate options. Second, gather all required documents including your Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, a valid Identity Proof, Address Proof, and your Bank Account Details. Third, decide how much you want to invest remembering that the minimum investment is Rs.100 and you can invest any amount in multiples of Rs.100 with no upper limit. Fourth, choose your preferred maturity period either 5 years or 10 years based on your financial goals. Fifth, visit your nearest post office and fill out the application form completely with your personal information and investment details. Sixth, submit all your documents along with the filled form and your investment amount to the post office staff. Finally, keep your certificate safe as it is your proof of investment and will be needed when you claim your money at maturity along with the earned interest.
Visit Official Portal →📄Documents Required5 required
?Frequently Asked Questions
1Who can open a National Savings Certificate account?
Any Indian resident can open an NSC account. Minors can open accounts through guardians, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) cannot open new accounts. The investment amount has no upper limit, with denominations starting from Rs.100.
2What are the current interest rates and maturity options for NSC?
NSC offers two maturity options: 5-year tenure with approximately 7.7% p.a. and 10-year tenure with approximately 6.8% p.a. (rates are reviewed and revised quarterly by the government). Interest is compounded half-yearly and paid at maturity.
3Can I withdraw money before the maturity period ends?
Partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th financial year onwards. However, premature closure is not permitted before 5 years. Early withdrawal (after 1 year for 10-year NSC and after 2 years for 5-year NSC) is allowed with a penalty equal to forfeiture of the last one year's interest.
4What documents are required to open an NSC account?
You need to provide an identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID), address proof, and complete the application form available at post offices. Minor accounts require guardian's identity and address proof along with the child's birth certificate.
5Are the returns from NSC taxable?
Yes, the interest earned from NSC is fully taxable as per your income tax slab. However, NSC qualifies for Section 80C deduction under the Income Tax Act up to Rs.1.5 lakh per financial year, making it a tax-advantaged investment option.
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Get a detailed step-by-step walkthrough with tips, common mistakes to avoid, and expert guidance for National Savings Certificate.
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