SSY And SCSS Savings Returns In May 2026: India’s small savings scheme rates for the April to June 2026 quarter stayed the same as before. The official note from the Department of Economic Affairs says the rates for the first quarter of FY 2026-27, starting from April 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2026, “shall remain unchanged” from the fourth quarter of FY 2025-26. That means the government did not make any fresh cut or hike this time.
These schemes are still popular with people who want steady and safe returns. That includes salaried workers, older people and careful investors who do not want stock market ups and downs. In a shaky global mood, with inflation worries and market swings, many people still prefer government-backed savings because the money is protected and the return is fixed.
Which scheme gives the highest return?
Among the schemes in your list, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme sit at the top with 8.2% interest each for this quarter. That makes them the best earning options among the major small savings plans named here. After that comes National Savings Certificate at 7.7%, Kisan Vikas Patra at 7.5%, the five-year fixed deposit at 7.5%, and the Monthly Income Scheme at 7.4%. Public Provident Fund gives 7.1%, while the three-year post office time deposit also gives 7.1%.
Lower down the ladder, the two-year fixed deposit offers 7.0%, the one-year fixed deposit gives 6.9%, and the five-year recurring deposit gives 6.7%. The post office savings account stays at 4.0%, which is much lower than the rest but still useful for cash you may need quickly.
What each scheme is best for
SSY is meant for long-term savings for a girl child. The National Savings Institute says the deposits qualify for deduction under Section 80C and the interest earned is free from income tax under Section 10. SCSS is built for senior citizens who want regular income, and the scheme pays interest every quarter. NSC is a five-year plan that gives fixed returns and tax-saving benefit under Section 80C, which is why many cautious investors still like it.
PPF also remains a steady favourite because it is backed by the government and gives tax-friendly long-term growth. KVP is for people who want guaranteed growth over time. The post office fixed deposits and recurring deposits are also common choices for those who want simple, low-risk saving tools.