How Sukanya Samriddhi works
You deposit for the first 15 years; the government adds interest every year, and the money keeps growing for six more years until the account matures 21 years after opening. Depositing ₹1.5 lakh a year from when your daughter is 3 gives about ₹71.82 lakh when she turns 24, from ₹22.5 lakh of deposits.
Compare it with other schemes on our small savings rates page.
Questions people ask
Who can open a Sukanya Samriddhi account?
A parent or legal guardian, for a girl child below 10 years of age. One account per girl, and up to two girls per family (three in the case of twins or triplets).
How long do I deposit and when does it mature?
You deposit for 15 years from opening. The account matures 21 years after opening; in the last six years, the balance keeps earning interest without new deposits.
Can I withdraw early?
Up to 50% of the balance can be withdrawn after the girl turns 18 for higher education. The account can be closed for her marriage after she turns 18.
Is it tax-free?
Yes. Interest and maturity are fully tax-free, and deposits qualify for the 80C deduction in the old tax regime.
Method and sources
Deposits by 5 April each year for 15 years; interest compounded yearly at 8.2% (rate for October – December 2026, assumed unchanged); maturity 21 years after opening. Deposits are limited to ₹250–₹1.5 lakh a year. How we calculate.
Last reviewed 22 Oct 2026 by the WealthFeedz team.