Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Calculator

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate for FY 2026-27 is 8.2% per annum, compounded annually. The rate is set by the Ministry of Finance and reviewed quarterly. SSY currently offers one of the highest guaranteed returns among government small savings schemes.

An SSY account can be opened by a parent or legal guardian for a girl child up to the age of 10 years. Only two accounts are allowed per family (one per girl child), except in the case of twins or triplets. The account can be opened at any post office or authorised bank.

The minimum annual deposit is ₹250 and the maximum is ₹1,50,000 per financial year. The account becomes inactive if the minimum ₹250 is not deposited, and can be revived by paying a ₹50 penalty per year along with the minimum deposit.

The SSY account matures 21 years from the date of opening. However, deposits are only required for the first 15 years — the account continues to earn interest for the remaining 6 years without any fresh deposits. Premature closure is allowed on the girl's marriage after age 18.

SSY has full EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status: (1) Deposits qualify for Section 80C deduction up to ₹1,50,000, (2) Interest earned is completely tax-free, (3) Maturity amount is fully exempt from income tax. This makes SSY one of the best tax-saving instruments for daughters.

Partial withdrawal of up to 50% of the balance at the end of the previous financial year is allowed once the girl turns 18, for higher education or marriage expenses. Full premature closure is allowed only in case of death, life-threatening illness, or marriage after age 18.

SSY offers a higher interest rate (8.2%) than PPF (7.1%) and the same EEE tax status, making it better for a girl child. However, SSY has a fixed 21-year tenure and is exclusively for daughters. PPF offers more flexibility with extensions and partial withdrawals. For a girl child under 10, SSY is the superior choice purely on returns.