Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA): Interest Rate, Limits and Withdrawal Rules
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
The Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) is a small savings scheme for the girl child, launched on 22 January 2015 under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. It offers one of the highest small savings rates with full tax exemption, to fund a girl's education and marriage.
In one line: a parent-run savings account for a daughter under 10, with deposits for 15 years, maturity at 21 and tax-free returns.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 22 January 2015 |
| Who | Resident girl child, opened before age 10 by a guardian |
| Accounts | One per girl, two per family (three for twins or triplets) |
| Deposit | ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh a year, for 15 years |
| Interest | 8.2% (Q1 2026-27), set quarterly, compounded yearly |
| Maturity | 21 years from opening |
| Tax | EEE: deduction under 80C, tax-free interest and maturity |
Withdrawals and closure
- Partial withdrawal up to 50% of the balance for higher education, after 18 or passing Class 10.
- Closure for marriage after 18.
- Early closure on death, life-threatening illness or a change of residency.
- A missed year's minimum deposit attracts a ₹50 penalty.
Possible exam questions
- Can financial incentives change social attitudes towards the girl child? Discuss with reference to SSA and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
- Why do small savings rates matter for monetary transmission?
Complete notes in our courses: this page gives the essentials. The Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with every update merged in, plus practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
More in Finance Ministry schemes
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- Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- PM Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
- PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
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