Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Sukanya Samriddhi Account) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Finance, Govt of India (run through India Post) |
| Benefit | Government-backed savings with 8.2% interest for October to December 2026, plus tax benefits |
| Who can apply | Biological parents or legal guardians of a girl child below 10 years |
| How it is paid | Parents deposit money into the account; the balance grows with interest and is paid at maturity |
| Apply at | Any India Post office or an authorised commercial bank branch |
| Cost to apply | No application fee; a minimum deposit of Rs 250 is needed in the first year |
Key points
- Open the account for a girl child before she turns 10.
- Deposit at least Rs 250 each year, up to Rs 1.5 lakh a year.
- Deposits run for 15 years, and the account matures after 21 years.
- The account can be partly withdrawn at 18 for higher education.
So what does a family actually get?
The account earns interest set by the government. The rate was 8.2 per cent for the October to December 2026 quarter.
The government reviews the rate every three months, so it can change. Always check the latest rate on the official site before you plan.
Interest from the account and the money received at maturity are tax-free under the current rules. The deposit itself can be claimed under Section 80C, but only in the old tax regime.
At 18, the girl can withdraw up to half the balance for higher education. The account can be closed normally once she is 18 and married.
Who can open this account, and who cannot?
The account is only for a girl child. A boy cannot be the account holder.
The child must be below 10 years old when the account is opened. A grace period of one year is given.
Only biological parents or legal guardians can open the account for the child.
One parent or guardian can open up to two accounts for their girl children. For twins or triplets, up to three accounts are allowed.
The account holder must be an Indian citizen and live in India when the account is opened, and remain so until maturity or closure.
A little background on the scheme
The scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
Its aim is to help families build a fund for a girl child's future education and needs.
The rules were replaced by the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme, 2019, which is the rulebook in force now.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep the birth certificate of the girl child ready.
Keep your own identity proof, such as Aadhaar, PAN or passport, and your address proof.
Keep two passport-size photographs of the girl child and of the parent or guardian.
Keep your PAN number if you have one. Check with the post office or bank for the full list before you go.
How do you open the account, step by step?
Visit any India Post office or an authorised commercial bank branch.
Ask for the Sukanya Samriddhi Account opening form and fill in the details of the child and the parent.
Submit the form with your documents and the first deposit, which is at least Rs 250.
Keep the passbook safe. It shows every deposit and the interest credited.
How do deposits and withdrawals work?
You can deposit any amount from Rs 250 up to Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year, in multiples of Rs 50.
You can deposit in one lump sum or in several instalments during the year.
Deposits must continue for 15 years from the day the account was opened.
If you miss the minimum Rs 250 in a year, the account goes into default. You can revive it by paying Rs 50 as a penalty for each missed year, plus the missed minimum amounts.
The girl can operate the account from age 10. At 18, up to half the balance can be withdrawn for higher education.
The account matures 21 years after opening, and the full balance can then be taken out.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Where to get help, and how to avoid fraud?
For India Post queries, call the helpline 1800 266 6868, between 8 AM and 8 PM. IVRS is available round the clock.
India Post warns people about fake links. Use only www.indiapost.gov.in and never share your OTP, card or UPI details with anyone.
Never pay an agent who promises a higher return or a faster account. Open the account only at a post office or an authorised bank.
Frequently asked questions
Can both parents open an account for the same girl child?
Only one account is allowed per child. The parents should decide together which account to open.
What if the girl child is older than 10?
Normally the account must be opened before she turns 10. A one-year grace period is given, so check with the post office for the exact position.
Is there a last date to deposit?
Deposits can be made for 15 years from the date the account was opened. After that, the account earns interest but no new deposits are allowed.
Can the account be transferred to another city?
Yes, the account can be transferred anywhere in India, through the post office or bank where it is held.
Is the interest rate fixed for the whole period?
No, the rate is reviewed every quarter by the government. Check the current rate on the official India Post site.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
