What is the Sukanya Samriddhi?
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government scheme for a girl child under 10. You deposit for 15 years and the account matures when she turns 21, at a rate typically 0.4–0.8% above PPF.
It is EEE: deposits qualify under Section 80C, interest is tax-free, and maturity is tax-free — currently one of the best guaranteed returns available in India.
Formula & worked example
Balance = (Balance + deposit) × (1 + r)
Worked example: ₹1,50,000 a year from age 3 at 8.2%. You deposit ₹22.5 lakh over 15 years; the account then compounds untouched for three more years to maturity at 21, reaching roughly ₹56.7 lakh — about ₹34.2 lakh of it tax-free interest.
How to use this sukanya samriddhi calculator
- Enter your annual deposit (minimum ₹250, maximum ₹1.5 lakh).
- Enter your daughter's age when the account is opened — must be under 10.
- The rate is revised quarterly by the government; 8.2% applies to the July–September 2026 quarter.
- Deposits run 15 years; maturity is at age 21 regardless.
Smart tips
- Deposit early in the financial year — interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and month-end.
- A maximum of two accounts per family is allowed (three in the case of twins).
- Partial withdrawal of up to 50% is permitted after she turns 18, for higher education.
- The full ₹1.5 lakh also exhausts your 80C limit, so coordinate with EPF and other 80C investments.
- Missing the ₹250 annual minimum makes the account inactive; a ₹50 penalty per year revives it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current SSY interest rate?
It is revised quarterly by the Ministry of Finance. For the July–September 2026 quarter it is 8.2% — typically higher than PPF. Check the Department of Economic Affairs notification for the quarter you are in.
How much can I deposit in Sukanya Samriddhi?
Between ₹250 and ₹1,50,000 per financial year, across a maximum of 15 years from account opening.
When does the SSY account mature?
At 21 years from opening, or on the girl's marriage after she turns 18. Deposits are only required for the first 15 years.
Is SSY better than PPF for a daughter?
The rate is higher and both are EEE, so SSY generally wins for a girl child. PPF is more flexible and available to everyone.
Want the theory behind the numbers? Read our small savings guides on the Money Blog.
Written by Gurjeet Singh, Sharpen Solutions. Last reviewed 15 Oct 2026. Sources: Department of Posts — small-savings interest rates: PPF 7.1%, NSC 7.7%, KVP 7.5%, SSA and SCSS 8.2%, MIS 7.4% (page reviewed 12 Aug 2026), Income Tax Department — deduction limits for AY 2026-27: 80C ₹1,50,000, 80CCD(1B) ₹50,000, 80D ₹25,000/₹50,000, 80TTA ₹10,000, 80TTB ₹50,000, s.24(b) ₹2,00,000 (page updated 9 Jul 2026). How we check these numbers.