Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) 2026-27
Everything you need to know about Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) in 2026 current interest rate of 8.2%, eligibility, deposit limits, tax benefits under 80C, and maturity rules for your daughter's future.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is one of India's most popular government-backed small savings schemes, specifically designed to secure the financial future of a girl child. Launched under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, SSY offers one of the highest interest rates among all small savings instruments along with complete tax exemption under the EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) category. Here is a complete guide to SSY in 2026.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate 2026
The Government of India revises SSY interest rates every quarter. For the quarter April–June 2026, the SSY interest rate is 8.2% per annum, compounded annually. This makes SSY significantly more attractive than a regular Fixed Deposit or PPF (currently at 7.1% p.a.).
| Scheme | Interest Rate (2026) | Tax on Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | 8.2% p.a. | Tax-Free |
| PPF | 7.1% p.a. | Tax-Free |
| NSC | 7.7% p.a. | Taxable |
| Bank FD (5-year) | 6.5–7.0% p.a. | Taxable |
SSY Eligibility Criteria
- The account can be opened by a parent or legal guardian in the name of a girl child.
- The girl child must be below 10 years of age at the time of account opening.
- A maximum of two SSY accounts can be opened per family one for each girl child. A third account is allowed only in the case of twin girls born in the second birth or if the first birth results in three girls.
- The account can be opened at any Post Office or authorised bank branch (SBI, HDFC, PNB, Bank of Baroda, etc.).
Deposit Rules: Minimum and Maximum
- Minimum deposit per year: ₹250
- Maximum deposit per year: ₹1,50,000
- Deposits must be made for 15 years from the date of account opening.
- After 15 years of deposits, no new contributions are required; the account continues to earn interest until maturity.
SSY Maturity and Tenure
The SSY account matures 21 years from the date of opening, or upon the marriage of the girl child after she turns 18, whichever is earlier. For example, if an account is opened when the girl is 5 years old, it matures when she turns 26 years of age.
- Partial withdrawal: Up to 50% of the balance can be withdrawn after the girl child turns 18 years of age, for the purpose of higher education or marriage expenses.
- Premature closure: Allowed after 5 years in specific cases death of the account holder, life-threatening illness, or marriage after age 18.
SSY Tax Benefits: Triple Exemption (EEE)
SSY enjoys the coveted EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status:
- Contribution is tax-exempt: Deposits up to ₹1.5 Lakh per year qualify for deduction under Section 80C.
- Interest is tax-exempt: The annual interest earned in the SSY account is completely tax-free.
- Maturity is tax-exempt: The entire maturity amount principal plus accumulated interest is tax-free in the hands of the account holder.
SSY Maturity Calculator: How Much Will You Get?
Assuming the maximum annual deposit of ₹1,50,000 at the current rate of 8.2% p.a.:
| Age at Account Opening | Total Deposited (15 years) | Estimated Maturity Amount | Total Tax-Free Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ₹22.5 Lakhs | ≈ ₹71.82 Lakhs | ≈ ₹49.32 Lakhs |
| 5 years | ₹22.5 Lakhs | ≈ ₹69.80 Lakhs | ≈ ₹47.30 Lakhs |
| 8 years | ₹22.5 Lakhs | ≈ ₹63.50 Lakhs | ≈ ₹41.00 Lakhs |
The earlier you open the account, the longer the interest compounds making it critical to start as soon as your daughter is born.
SSY vs PPF: Which is Better for a Girl Child?
For parents with a daughter below 10 years of age, SSY is clearly the better choice compared to PPF due to its higher interest rate (8.2% vs 7.1%) and the same EEE tax benefit. However, SSY has a fixed beneficiary (the girl child) and a longer lock-in. For general family savings, PPF remains useful alongside SSY.
"Opening an SSY account on the day your daughter is born and maximising contributions each year is one of the single best financial decisions an Indian parent can make. The compounding over 21 years at 8.2% is extraordinarily powerful."
How to Open an SSY Account in 2026
- Visit your nearest Post Office or an authorised bank (SBI, HDFC, PNB, ICICI, etc.).
- Submit the SSY account opening form along with the girl child's birth certificate, parent's ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN), and address proof.
- Make the initial deposit (minimum ₹250, maximum ₹1,50,000).
- Receive the passbook. Many banks also offer online access to SSY accounts via net banking.
Use our free SSY Calculator to calculate the exact maturity amount based on your daughter's age, annual deposit amount, and the current 8.2% interest rate. Plan her education and wedding corpus today.