Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Rules, Interest Rate and Maturity Value

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government savings scheme for a girl child. It pays one of the highest guaranteed rates of any small savings scheme, currently 8.2% (October–December 2026), and the interest is tax-free. In exchange, the money is locked in until she grows up. Here are the rules and what your deposits can grow to.

The rules at a glance

What will it grow to?

You deposit for 15 years; the balance keeps earning interest for 6 more years with nothing added. At today's rate:

At the maximum ₹1,50,000 a year, ₹22,50,000 of deposits become about ₹71,82,119 (71.82 lakh).

Withdrawals and closing the account

• For higher education: once she turns 18 or passes Class 10, up to 50% of the balance at the end of the previous year can be withdrawn, as a lump sum or in instalments, against an admission or fee document. With maximum deposits, the balance at 18 years is about ₹56,69,840.
• For marriage: the account can be closed after she turns 18, from one month before to three months after the wedding.
• Early closure is also allowed on the girl's death, or on compassionate grounds such as a life-threatening illness. Otherwise the money stays until 21 years.

After she turns 18, the girl operates the account herself.

SSY or PPF?

Both are tax-free and government-backed. SSY pays more (8.2% against 7.1% for PPF) but only for a daughter, with money locked until she's 18 to 21. PPF suits anyone, runs 15 years and allows partial withdrawals from year 7. Many parents use both. See PPF interest rate and rules.