The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is one of India’s most trusted and popular small savings schemes for securing the future of a girl child. Launched by the Government of India under the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative, this scheme aims to promote financial security for a daughter’s higher education and marriage expenses.
In recent years, a viral claim has circulated on social media stating that investing just ₹250 per month in the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme can yield ₹65 lakh on maturity. This sounds impressive — but is it true? Let’s break it down in detail, understand how the scheme actually works, and find out the real potential of your investment.
What is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)?
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a long-term, government-backed savings plan specifically designed for the welfare of girl children in India. It offers an attractive interest rate and tax-free returns, making it one of the most rewarding and secure investment options available.
Key Features of the Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Eligibility | Girl child below 10 years of age |
| Who can open | Parent or legal guardian |
| Minimum Deposit | ₹250 per year |
| Maximum Deposit | ₹1.5 lakh per year |
| Tenure | 21 years from the date of opening |
| Deposit Period | 15 years |
| Interest Rate (as of 2025) | 8.2% per annum (compounded yearly) |
| Tax Benefits | Available under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act |
| Maturity | After 21 years or at marriage (after age 18) |
The account can be opened in any post office or authorized bank across India. You can deposit money every month or in a lump sum at your convenience.
How the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Works
When you open an SSY account, you contribute a fixed amount each year for 15 years. Even though you stop depositing after 15 years, the balance continues to earn interest for the remaining 6 years, until the 21-year maturity period is completed.
For example, if you start the account when your daughter is 5 years old, the account will mature when she turns 26. You’ll deposit for the first 15 years (until she is 20), and the money will continue to grow with interest until maturity.
Interest Rate and Compounding Effect
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers one of the highest interest rates among small savings schemes in India. For the January–March 2025 quarter, the interest rate is 8.2% per annum, compounded annually.
This means that every year, the interest is added to the balance, and you start earning interest on the interest — creating a powerful compounding effect. Over 21 years, even moderate contributions can grow significantly.
Understanding the Viral Claim: ₹250 to ₹65 Lakh
Now let’s analyze the popular claim that investing ₹250 per month (₹3,000 per year) can turn into ₹65 lakh at maturity.
At first glance, this sounds too good to be true — and it is. The confusion comes from misunderstanding the minimum deposit limit and maximum maturity potential.
Let’s calculate step by step.
Case 1: Investing ₹250 per month
- Annual deposit: ₹3,000
- Deposit period: 15 years
- Total invested: ₹45,000
- Interest rate: 8.2% per annum
- Maturity period: 21 years
After applying compounding, the total maturity amount would be approximately ₹90,000 to ₹1,00,000 — not ₹65 lakh.
This proves that the viral message is false when applied to a ₹250/month investment. That amount is only the minimum required to keep the account active, not an example of expected returns.
Case 2: Maximum Investment of ₹1.5 Lakh per Year
Let’s see what happens when you invest the maximum allowed amount under SSY.
- Annual deposit: ₹1.5 lakh
- Deposit period: 15 years
- Total invested: ₹22.5 lakh
- Interest rate: 8.2% per annum
- Maturity after 21 years: Around ₹65–₹70 lakh
✅ This is the real scenario where the maturity amount can reach around ₹65 lakh.
So, yes — ₹65 lakh is possible, but only if you invest ₹1.5 lakh every year, not ₹250 per month.
Year-by-Year Growth Example (Approximate)
| Year | Annual Deposit | Total Deposits So Far | Balance with Interest (Approx.) |
| 1 | ₹1,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 | ₹1,62,300 |
| 5 | ₹1,50,000/year | ₹7,50,000 | ₹9,10,000 |
| 10 | ₹1,50,000/year | ₹15,00,000 | ₹21,00,000 |
| 15 | ₹1,50,000/year | ₹22,50,000 | ₹39,00,000 |
| 21 (Maturity) | Deposits stopped after 15 years | ₹22,50,000 | ₹65–₹70 lakh |
These numbers show the power of compounding when you invest consistently over time.
Tax Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The SSY scheme enjoys triple tax exemption status under the Income Tax Act, known as EEE (Exempt–Exempt–Exempt):
- Investment Exemption: Deposits up to ₹1.5 lakh qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C.
- Interest Exemption: Interest earned every year is completely tax-free.
- Maturity Exemption: The maturity amount is 100% tax-free.
This makes SSY one of the most tax-efficient savings plans available in India.
Eligibility and Rules You Should Know
- Age Limit: The girl must be under 10 years old when the account is opened.
- Number of Accounts: Only one SSY account can be opened per girl, and a maximum of two accounts per family.
- Premature Closure: Allowed in special cases like the death of the account holder or extreme hardship (with conditions).
- Partial Withdrawal: Up to 50% of the balance can be withdrawn for higher education once the girl turns 18.
- Maturity: Occurs after 21 years from opening or at marriage (after age 18), whichever is earlier.
Documents Required to Open an SSY Account
To open a Sukanya Samriddhi account, you’ll need the following:
- Birth certificate of the girl child
- Identity proof of the parent/guardian (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport)
- Address proof (Voter ID, utility bill, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs of the child and guardian
Once opened, you’ll receive a passbook showing all deposits, interest, and balance details.
How to Deposit in Sukanya Samriddhi Account
Deposits can be made:
- In cash, cheque, or online transfer (for banks offering this service)
- Monthly, quarterly, or yearly — as per your convenience
- Minimum of ₹250 and up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year
Many parents prefer setting up auto-debit from their bank account to ensure timely deposits and avoid penalties.
What Happens After 21 Years
At the end of the 21-year period, the full maturity amount (principal + interest) becomes payable. The girl child must be at least 18 years old to receive it.
If the account holder does not withdraw the money immediately after maturity, it continues to earn interest at the applicable SSY rate until it is closed.
Why You Should Invest in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
1. Government Guarantee
The scheme is backed by the Government of India, making it one of the safest long-term investment options. Your money is completely secure.
2. High and Stable Returns
With an interest rate of around 8%–8.5%, SSY consistently offers better returns than most fixed deposits and other small savings schemes.
3. Tax-Free Compounding Growth
Since both the interest and maturity amount are tax-free, the compounding benefit remains untouched by taxation — leading to faster growth.
4. Perfect for Long-Term Goals
SSY aligns perfectly with long-term goals like your daughter’s education and marriage. The 21-year tenure ensures disciplined, long-term savings.
5. Encourages Financial Planning
Starting early and investing regularly cultivates a habit of saving and ensures financial independence for your child’s future.
Common Myths About SSY
| Myth | Reality |
| Investing ₹250 per month gives ₹65 lakh maturity | ❌ False – ₹65 lakh is possible only with ₹1.5 lakh annual investment |
| You can withdraw anytime | ❌ Only partial withdrawal (50%) allowed after 18 years |
| Interest rate is fixed forever | ❌ It is reviewed quarterly by the government |
| Only available in post offices | ❌ Also available at authorized banks |
Comparison: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana vs Other Savings Schemes
| Scheme | Interest Rate | Lock-in Period | Tax Benefits | Risk Level |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | 8.2% | 21 years | EEE | Very Low |
| PPF (Public Provident Fund) | 7.1% | 15 years | EEE | Very Low |
| Fixed Deposit | 6.5%–7.5% | Flexible | Taxable | Low |
| Recurring Deposit | 6%–7% | 1–10 years | Taxable | Low |
| Mutual Funds (ELSS) | Variable | 3 years | 80C benefit | Moderate–High |
This comparison shows that SSY is one of the most secure and rewarding options for long-term, low-risk investmen
