Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Post Office Schemes Carry Penalties for Premature Withdrawals
India Post offers several savings plans with government-backed returns.
Each plan keeps money invested for a set period called a lock-in period.
Taking money out early may mean losing interest or paying a deduction.
In SCSS, closing very early can result in no interest or a deduction from the deposit.
PPF usually lasts 15 years, but some withdrawals are possible after five years for specific reasons.
SSY mainly permits education withdrawals and a few compassionate exceptions.
MIS can be closed early after one year, but deductions may apply.
KVP usually cannot be closed early except in special situations, and its payout depends on how long it was held.
These rules mean investors should check the exit conditions before investing.
SCSS permits early closure with no interest before one year and deductions of 1.5% or 1% thereafter.
PPF generally locks money for 15 years, but partial withdrawals and limited premature closure are allowed after five years.
SSY allows education withdrawals of up to 50% after age 18 or passing Class 10, with restricted compassionate closures.
MIS has a five-year tenure, with 2% or 1% deductions for most early closures after the first year.
KVP matures in 115 months and can generally close early only in specified cases, with payout depending on holding period.
- Who
- India Post and individuals using the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, Public Provident Fund, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Monthly Income Scheme and Kisan Vikas Patra.
- What
- The article explains the lock-in periods, premature-withdrawal rules, penalties and potential loss of returns for five post office savings schemes.
- When
- The article provides no publication date; it lists the schemes’ stated interest rates, tenures and withdrawal timelines.
- Where
- India Post schemes in India.
- Why
- To explain how withdrawing money before maturity can reduce interest or the amount paid to investors.
- SCSS rate and tenure
- 8.20% interest; five-year tenure, extendable in three-year blocks; maximum investment of ₹30 lakh.
- PPF rate and tenure
- 7.10% interest; 15-year tenure; deposits of ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- SSY rate and tenure
- 8.20% interest; 21-year tenure; deposits of ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- MIS rate and limits
- 7.40% interest; five-year tenure; maximum deposits of ₹9 lakh for a single account and ₹15 lakh for a joint account.
- KVP rate and maturity
- 7.50% interest; maturity after 115 months, or nine years and seven months; no maximum limit specified.
- SCSS early-closure deductions
- No interest is payable if closed before one year; deductions are 1.5% after one year but before two years, and 1% after two years.
- MIS early-closure deductions
- A 2% deduction applies when closed on or before three years, and a 1% deduction applies after three years but before five years.
- KVP early-closure value
- For a ₹1,000 deposit, the stated payout ranges from ₹1,173 after two and a half years to ₹1,778 before maturity; maturity value is ₹2,000.