SCSS vs MIS: Which offers higher interest on a Rs 5 lakh investment?

Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) interest rates and other features are frequently compared by senior citizens looking for low-risk, stable income options.

Although both are government-backed investment schemes their interest rates, investment caps, payout frequency and tax advantages are different. If you're planning to invest Rs 5 lakh, here's a comparison of how much approximate interest you can earn from each scheme.

Also read: Rs 20,000 SIP vs Rs 20,000 RD: Which monthly investment can generate higher returns in 5 years?

Latest interest rates of SCSS and MIS

Interest rates on the SCSS and the MIS are revised every quarter by the government. For this (July- September 2026) quarter, the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) interest rate is 8.2% per annum and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) is offering a 7.4% rate per annum.

SCSS vs MIS: Interest earned on a Rs 5 lakh investment

Particulars	SCSS	Post Office MIS
Investment amount	Rs 5,00,000	Rs 5,00,000
Interest rate	8.2% p.a.	7.4% p.a.
Annual interest	Rs 40,996	Rs 36,996

Interest rates shown here are just for comparison as SCSS interest is paid quarterly, while MIS interest is paid monthly.

Which scheme offers a higher return- SCSS or MIS?

For an investment of Rs 5 lakh, the SCSS generates nearly Rs 41,000 in annual interest, while the MIS provides nearly Rs 37,000. This means the SCSS offers Rs 4,000 more interest every year on the same investment compared to the MIS.

SCSS details

The SCSS is a government-backed, small savings scheme specifically designed for senior citizens seeking a stable income option in their old age. The minimum deposit in the SCSS is Rs 1,000, while the maximum limit is Rs 30 lakh in all SCSS accounts opened by an individual. Both the spouses can open a single account and joint accounts with each other with the maximum deposit of up to Rs 30 in each account provided both are individually eligible to open the account.

Tax benefits on SCSS deposit

In the SCSS, the principal investment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year qualifies for tax benefits under Section 80C (old tax regime only) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. However, the interest earned is fully taxable according to the applicable income tax slab.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) details

Under the current rules, an individual can invest up to Rs 9 lakh in a single MIS account and up to Rs 15 lakh in a joint account. The scheme currently offers an interest rate of 7.4% per annum, payable every month.
Deposits in all MIS accounts taken together for an individual should not exceed Rs 9 lakh in a single account and Rs 15 lakh in a joint account.

Tax treatment of MIS deposits

Investments made under the MIS are not tax deductible under the old tax regime, and the interest generated each month is fully taxed at income tax slab rates. However, the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is not deducted by the post office on the Monthly Income Scheme interest.