Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) 2026
Closed for new deposits after 31 March 2025.
Closed for new investment · Updated 30 September 2026What is Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC)?
MSSC was a one-time, two-year scheme for women and girls announced in Budget 2023. It was open for deposits till 31 March 2025 and is no longer available for fresh investment; existing certificates run to maturity.
MSSC at a glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Closed for new deposits (31 March 2025) |
| Rate | 7.5% |
| Tenure | 2 years |
| Max | ₹2 lakh |
Government-notified terms for July–September 2026 (Q2 FY 2026-27). Verify the latest notification before investing.
Features & benefits of MSSC
40% after 1 year (for existing holders)
Eligibility — who can invest?
- Was for women and girls (guardian)
How does MSSC work?
- Existing accounts mature 2 years from deposit.
Tax benefits of MSSC
| Stage | Tax treatment |
|---|---|
| Interest | Taxable; no deduction |
Section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 is Section 123 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 from tax year 2026-27. Deductions apply only in the old tax regime.
Withdrawal, premature closure & maturity rules
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| After 1 year | 40% partial |
At maturity
| Option | What happens |
|---|---|
| On maturity | Claim at post office / bank |
MSSC returns — worked examples
| Deposit | Maturity (2 yrs) |
|---|---|
| ₹2,00,000 | ≈ ₹2,32,044 |
How to open / invest in MSSC
- Not available for new investment
MSSC vs other saving schemes
| Scheme | Rate | Tenure | Minimum | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSSC | 7.5% p.a. (for existing holders) | 2 years | ₹1,000 | Interest taxable |
| SSY | 8.2% p.a. | 21 years from opening (deposits for 15 years) | ₹250 per financial year | EEE |
| PO TD | 6.9% – 7.5% p.a. | 1, 2, 3 or 5 years | ₹1,000 | 5-year TD qualifies for deduction; interest taxable |
| NSC | 7.7% p.a. | 5 years | ₹1,000 | EET (reinvested interest deductible) |
| KVP | 7.5% p.a. (compounded) | 115 months (9 years 7 months) | ₹1,000 | Taxable — no deduction |
Frequently asked questions
Can I invest in MSSC now?
No. Consider SSY, NSC, PO TD or KVP instead.
Information is for education and comparison. Interest rates are notified by the Government every quarter and scheme rules can change — confirm with India Post, your bank, EPFO or PFRDA before investing. FinancePortal is not a financial or tax adviser.