If you have a daughter under 10, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is one of the safest ways to save for her future. It is backed by the Government of India, offers one of the highest rates among small savings schemes, and the entire maturity amount is tax-free.
Key features at a glance
| Who can open | Parent or guardian of a girl below 10 years |
| Current interest rate | 8.2% a year (October–December 2026), reviewed every quarter |
| Deposit | ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh a year |
| Deposit period | 15 years from opening |
| Maturity | 21 years from opening |
| Tax | EEE: deposits qualify for 80C (old regime); interest and maturity are tax-free |
| Where to open | Any post office or authorised bank |
How much can it build?
If you open an account for a 2-year-old daughter and deposit ₹1.5 lakh every year at the start of the year, at an 8.2% rate:
- You deposit ₹22.5 lakh over 15 years.
- The account matures when she is 23.
- The maturity value would be about ₹71.8 lakh, completely tax-free.
Rates change every quarter, so treat this as an estimate. Try your own numbers in our Sukanya Samriddhi Calculator.
Withdrawal rules
- Education: up to 50% of the balance can be withdrawn after she turns 18 or passes Class 10.
- Marriage: the account can be closed early for her marriage after she turns 18.
- Other cases: early closure is allowed only in special situations such as serious illness or death of the account holder.
Tips to get the most from SSY
- Start early. The account earns for 21 years whatever her age at opening, but an earlier start means it matures sooner when she needs it.
- Deposit before the 5th of each month, or at the start of the financial year, to earn interest for the full period.
- Never miss the minimum ₹250 a year. Otherwise the account becomes inactive and needs a penalty to revive.
- Pair it with an equity SIP. SSY gives safety; an equity mutual fund SIP can add growth for a goal 15+ years away.
Remember: SSY money is locked for a long time. Use it for her education and marriage goals, and keep separate savings for emergencies.
We help parents open SSY accounts and build a complete plan for their daughter's future. Talk to our team.
