The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings scheme designed to help parents build a financial fund for their daughters’ education and future needs. Introduced under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, the scheme encourages families to save regularly and benefit from interest accumulated over the long term.
Parents can open an account with an annual deposit starting at just ₹250, while the maximum permitted investment is ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. With its long investment period and tax benefits, the scheme can help families plan for major expenses in their daughters’ lives.
Here is a detailed look at the SSY interest rate, eligibility requirements, deposit rules, withdrawal conditions and potential maturity amount.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate in 2026
According to the information provided, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers an annual interest rate of 8.2%. The Ministry of Finance reviews interest rates on small savings schemes periodically. For the October–December 2026 quarter, the rate has reportedly remained unchanged at 8.2%.
The scheme benefits from compound interest, which means that interest is added to the accumulated savings and subsequent interest is calculated on the growing balance. Over time, this can help increase the amount available at maturity.
However, the applicable interest rate may change following future government reviews.
Who Can Open an SSY Account?
The scheme has specific eligibility requirements for opening an account in a girl’s name.
- Age limit: The girl must be below 10 years of age when the account is opened.
- Account management: A parent or legal guardian opens and manages the account while the girl is a minor.
- Number of accounts: Generally, one account is permitted per eligible girl. Families with two daughters can open separate accounts for each.
- Special cases: Certain exceptions may apply to families with twins or triplets under the scheme’s rules.
Parents should verify the applicable eligibility conditions before submitting an account application.
Deposit Period, Withdrawal Rules and Tax Benefits
How long do you need to invest?
Deposits must be made for 15 years from the account-opening date. However, the account matures 21 years after it is opened.
Once the 15-year deposit period ends, the account can continue earning interest until maturity, subject to the applicable scheme rules.
When can money be withdrawn?
The entire balance cannot be withdrawn freely at any time. Partial withdrawals are permitted for eligible higher-education expenses, subject to the scheme’s conditions. The supplied rules specify that up to 50% of the accumulated balance may be withdrawn once the girl meets the applicable age and education requirements, including having attained 18 years of age and passed Class 10.
Premature account closure is also permitted in connection with the girl’s marriage after she turns 18, subject to the prescribed conditions and submission of documents confirming her age and marriage date. The application may be made within the permitted period, from one month before the wedding to three months after it.
Tax benefits under SSY
Eligible investments qualify for a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, subject to the applicable tax rules and the overall deduction limit.
The interest earned and the maturity proceeds are also tax-exempt under the scheme’s stated tax treatment.
Where to Open an SSY Account
Parents can apply for a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account at an eligible post office or bank branch.
The documents generally required include:
- The daughter’s birth certificate
- Identity proof of the parent or guardian, such as Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or passport
- Address proof
- A completed account-opening application form
Applicants should confirm the required documents with the selected bank or post office before visiting.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: How Much Will You Receive at Maturity?
The minimum annual deposit is ₹250, while the maximum is ₹1.5 lakh. Parents can choose an amount according to their financial circumstances, provided they follow the scheme’s deposit rules.
For example, depositing ₹12,500 every month would amount to ₹1.5 lakh annually. Over 15 years, the total contribution would be ₹22.5 lakh.
Based on the figures provided, at an assumed annual interest rate of 8.2%, the projected maturity amount would be approximately ₹69,27,578. Of this, around ₹46,77,578 would represent interest earnings.
These figures are estimates rather than guaranteed returns. The final maturity value depends on the applicable interest rates, deposit timing and scheme rules over the account’s tenure.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice. Interest rates, eligibility conditions, withdrawal provisions and tax treatment are subject to government rules and may change. The maturity amount shown is an estimate based on the figures supplied and the assumed interest rate. Before investing, confirm the latest terms with an authorised bank, post office or official government source.