Sukanya Samriddhi Account interest rate: Has government changed SSA rate from 8.2% for October-December 2026 quarter?

The Ministry of Finance reviews interest rates of small savings schemes every quarter. In its latest notification dated September 30, 2026, the government announced small savings scheme rates applicable for the October-December quarter. The Sukanya Samriddhi Account rate and rates of other small savings schemes have been retained.

Has the government changed the Sukanya Samriddhi Account interest rate from 8.2%?

No. The government has kept the Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) interest rate unchanged at 8.2% for the October-December 2026 quarter.

The government revises small savings rates every three months. However, a quarterly review does not necessarily mean that the interest rate will change every quarter. The last time the government changed the interest rate of any small savings scheme was in its December 2024 quarterly review.


Also read: Has government increased SSY, PPF, NSC, other small savings schemes' interest rates for October-December 2026 quarter?

What is a Sukanya Samriddhi Account?

A Sukanya Samriddhi Account is a government-backed small savings scheme designed specifically for the financial needs of a girl child. The account can be opened for a girl child who is below 10 years of age.

According to India Post, the account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 250. Deposits can be made in multiples of Rs 50, with the total deposit in a financial year capped at Rs 1.5 lakh. The account matures after 21 years from the date of opening.

The scheme also offers tax benefits on investment under Section 123 of the Income tax-Act, 1925, subject to the applicable income tax rules under the old tax regime.

How is interest calculated in Sukanya Samriddhi Account?

The interest on Sukanya Samriddhi is calculated for the calendar month on the lowest balance in the account between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account: How much can you deposit?

A minimum of Rs 250 has to be deposited in an SSA account during a financial year, while the maximum deposit in a financial year is Rs 1.5 lakh. Monthly deposits are not compulsory.

The SSA account is intended as a long-term savings product. Deposits can be made for 15 years from the date of account opening, while the account matures 21 years after opening.

What happens if you miss the instalment in your SSA account?

Missed instalment can be regularised any time till the completion of a period of 15 years with a penalty of Rs 50 for each year of default along with the minimum annual deposit in respect of the defaulted years.

Sukanya Samriddhi withdrawal rules

Partial withdrawals of up to 50% of the balance (as of the end of the previous financial year) are allowed for education purposes after the girl child attains 18 years of age or passes Class 10, whichever is earlier.

Withdrawals can be made in lump sum or instalments (once a year, up to 5 years), and are limited to actual educational expenses.

Premature closure conditions of SSA

An SSA account can be closed prematurely 5 years after opening only under specific conditions such as:

Life-threatening illness of the account holder

Death of the guardian operating the account

Situations causing undue hardship to the account holder

Rules in case of SSA account holder’s death

If the account holder is dead, the account is closed immediately upon the submission of the death certificate. The balance, along with interest accrued up to the date of death, is paid to the guardian.

For the period between the date of death and account closure, interest is paid at the Post Office savings account rate on the remaining balance.