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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) — tax-free savings for girl child, 8.2% interest (2026)
8.2% tax-free interest (FY 2025-26). Triple-EEE tax exemption (deposit + interest + maturity).
Launched: 2014 · Issued by: Ministry of Finance / India Post + banks
Who is eligible
- Girl child below age 10 (one account per girl, max two girls per family)
- Account opened by parent / legal guardian
- Account matures when girl turns 21 OR upon marriage after 18
- Indian residency required
What you get
8.2% annual interest (revised quarterly). Triple-EEE tax-exempt: contribution under Section 80C, interest accrued tax-free, maturity tax-free. Minimum Rs 250/year; maximum Rs 1.5L/year. Tenure: 21 years from opening.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Visit nearest India Post or authorized bank — SBI, PNB, HDFC, ICICI, Axis etc. all support.
- Submit application + KYC — Birth certificate of girl + Aadhaar of parent + photo + Rs 250 minimum opening deposit.
- Account active immediately — Pass book issued.
- Annual deposits — Anytime in financial year. Minimum Rs 250 to keep active; max Rs 1.5L.
- Withdrawal at age 18 (50%) or 21 (full) — For higher education or marriage.
- Closure on marriage post-18 — Optional early closure on marriage.
Documents needed
- Birth certificate of girl
- Aadhaar of parent / guardian
- Photograph of girl
- Address proof
Timeline
Account active from same day. Maturity: 21 years from opening OR girl's marriage post-18.
Portal + helpline
- Official portal: indiapost.gov.in
- Helpline: India Post: 1924
Common issues
- Account inactive — no deposit for a year. Reactivate by paying Rs 50 penalty + min Rs 250.
- Maximum 2 SSY accounts per family — third girl gets account only on twin/triplet birth.
- Withdrawal denied — only on completion of 21 years OR marriage post-18 OR education at age 18 (50% withdrawal).
- Interest rate dropped — Q-rate revised quarterly; lock-in for 21 years means averaging effect.
Benefit delayed or rejected? File an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →
More schemes for you: All women schemes
Frequently asked questions
When can I withdraw?
50% at age 18 (for higher education). Full at 21 OR on marriage post-18.
Can I open SSY for grand-daughter?
Yes if you are legal guardian. Otherwise needs parent.
What if girl moves abroad?
Account continues to accrue interest. Withdrawal still at 21 or marriage.
Tax benefits really triple EEE?
Yes — deposit (80C deduction) + interest (tax-free) + maturity (tax-free). Best small-savings instrument.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: 8.2% tax-free interest (FY 2025-26). Triple-EEE tax exemption (deposit + interest + maturity). Apply at indiapost.gov.in. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
- Apply now: indiapost.gov.in
- If delayed — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Browse all 150 yojanas: Sarkari Yojana index
Related
Sources
- Official portal: indiapost.gov.in
- Issued by: Ministry of Finance / India Post + banks
- Launched: 2014
- Citizen feedback via %%AwaazRTI%% (composite, identifying details removed)
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

