If you want to invest your hard-earned money in a place where the money is completely safe and you get steady returns, the Post Office National Savings Certificate (NSC) is an excellent option for you. This scheme, run by the Government of India, is a boon for investors who want to earn guaranteed profits while avoiding market fluctuations. Even in 2026, this scheme not only offers high interest rates but also offers the benefit of a significant tax exemption under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Interest on NSC and Major Tax Relief
The biggest strength of the National Savings Certificate (NSC) is its fixed interest rate. Currently, the government is offering interest at the rate of 7.7% per annum on this scheme. This interest is calculated annually but is paid directly at the time of maturity, i.e., after 5 years.
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Once invested, the interest rate is locked in and remains constant for the entire 5-year tenure. From a tax perspective, this is a foolproof scheme because the interest earned each year is considered reinvested. This means you can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C in all years except the last year.
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How much will you earn if you deposit ₹2,50,000
The returns on NSC are calculated using the compounding interest formula. The foolproof formula is as follows:
        Maturity Amount = P (1 + r/n)^nt
Where P is your original investment amount, r is the interest rate, t is the investment period, and n represents the frequency at which interest is added.
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If you deposit a lump sum of ₹2,50,000 in this scheme today, you will receive a fixed interest of ₹1,16,062 after 5 years at an annual rate of 7.7%. This means that at maturity, you will have a total of ₹3,66,062 in your hand. This return is completely fixed and is not affected by stock market downturns.
Who can invest
The eligibility criteria for investing in this Post Office scheme are very simple and clear. Any adult Indian citizen can invest in their own name or as a guardian of a minor. If the child is over 10 years of age, they can also purchase the certificate in their own name.
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Although Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) cannot open a new NSC account, if a resident Indian becomes an NRI after purchasing the certificate, they can retain the Steel Certificate until maturity. Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and trusts cannot invest directly in this scheme, but the ‘karta’ of a HUF is free to invest in his or her own name.
Some Features of the NSC Scheme
The biggest advantage of this scheme is its government security, as it is backed by the sovereign guarantee of the Government of India. You can start investing with just ₹1,000, and there is no fixed maximum investment limit.
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Another major advantage is that you can also take a loan against NSC by pledging your NSC certificate with a bank. Furthermore, nomination is available at the time of opening the account or later, ensuring your money is safe for your loved ones.