If you’re looking to invest your money in a place where the risk is absolutely zero and the returns are higher than bank FDs, Treasury Bills (T-Bills) could prove to be your most promising option for 2026. The Ministry of Finance has released the Treasury Bill auction calendar for January to March 2026, through which the government plans to raise a total of ₹3.84 lakh crore from the market. This presents a golden opportunity for investors seeking safe and guaranteed returns in a short period.
What are Treasury Bills
Treasury Bills are short-term debt instruments issued by the Government of India. When the government requires funds for its immediate needs, it issues them in the market through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Since they are directly backed by the central government, investing in them is considered the safest investment in the country.
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Their biggest advantage is that they are available for three different periods: 91 days, 182 days, and 364 days. This means you can earn excellent returns by investing for less than a year. Since the government issues them, they are also considered “risk-free” assets.
Why Treasury Bills Are More Beneficial Than Bank FDs
Indian investors generally rely on fixed deposits (FDs), but in changing economic times, Treasury Bills outperform FDs in many cases. Bank FDs have fixed interest rates and often require long-term investments, but Treasury Bills offer the potential for better returns even in the short term.
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While FDs pay interest on a quarterly or annual basis, Treasury Bills operate like zero-coupon bonds. This means they don’t earn any direct interest, but are sold at a discount. For example, if you get a ₹100 face value bill for ₹97, the government will return the full ₹100 upon maturity. This difference of ₹3 is your net profit. This method often provides investors with more effective returns than traditional interest.
When and how to invest
The government has prepared a detailed auction schedule for this quarter (January-March 2026). The auction will begin on January 7, 2026, and will continue until March 26, 2026. Small investors are also not left behind in participating in this competitive process.
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You can apply to invest through your bank or an authorized stockbroker. Additionally, the RBI’s ‘Retail Direct’ portal is the most accessible route for small investors. Here, you can purchase bills directly from the government. The minimum investment amount is not very high, so even a common citizen can benefit from government protection.
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Who is this investment best suited for
This option is excellent for anyone who is afraid of stock market risk but wants higher returns than a bank savings account or FD. It is ideal for investors who may need money within 3 months to 1 year and want 100% security of their capital. Furthermore, this is a golden opportunity for those looking for government-guaranteed options that are different from traditional investments.