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By Ashutosh Joshi, PGDM (Finance), B.Com · Page last reviewed:
Post Office schemes for 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026 are unchanged: Time Deposits pay 6.9%–7.5%, RD pays 6.7%, MIS pays 7.4%, and the Savings Account pays 4.0%. The Monthly Income Scheme pays ₹5,550 a month on ₹9 lakh.
Key Highlights
- Oct–Dec 2026: Time Deposit 6.9% / 7.0% / 7.1% / 7.5% for 1/2/3/5 years, RD 6.7%, MIS 7.4%, savings 4.0%. All unchanged.
- These rates have not changed since January–March 2024, when the 3-year TD went from 7.0% to 7.1%.
- Your TD, MIS and RD rate is locked on the day you open the account; later changes don’t affect it.
- The quarterly history from April 2016 comes straight from the National Savings Institute. Older yearly tables go back to 1990-91.
Post Office deposits are backed by the Government of India. Rates are set every quarter by the Finance Ministry. Once you open a Time Deposit, RD or MIS, its rate stays fixed until maturity. Compare with bank FDs
Calculate with Post Office rates
Plug these rates into our deposit calculators.
Your next questions, answered
How much monthly income will I get from MIS?
At 7.4%: ₹9 lakh (single-account limit) pays ₹5,550 a month; ₹15 lakh (joint limit) pays ₹9,250. After tax in the 30% slab, that is ₹3,818 and ₹6,364.
Is a 5-year Post Office TD better than a bank FD?
At 7.5% the 5-year TD beats an illustrative 7% bank FD by 0.5 percentage points. After tax in the 30% slab it gives 5.16% against 4.82%.
Will rates change in January?
The government resets them every quarter. The next decision for January–March 2027 is usually announced near the end of December.
Diving Finance view: expert take by Ashutosh Joshi
- For a 3–5 year goal, choose a Post Office RD if you want certainty, or a debt-fund SIP if you can take a little risk. Let your budget and risk appetite decide.
- FDs and Post Office deposits are the right home for your emergency fund and for protection from market swings.
This is general guidance, not personal advice. Check your own goals, tax slab and risk appetite.
How it compares after tax and inflation
| Option | Pre-tax | Post-tax (30% slab) | Post-tax (20% slab) | Real return after 6% inflation (30% slab) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO TD 5-yr | 7.5% | 5.16% | 5.94% | -0.79% |
| PO MIS | 7.4% | 5.09% | 5.86% | -0.86% |
| PO RD | 6.7% | 4.61% | 5.31% | -1.31% |
| Bank FD (illustrative) | 7.0% | 4.82% | 5.54% | -1.12% |
Assumptions in the comparisons: income-tax slabs of 30% and 20% plus 4% cess (31.2% and 20.8%), an illustrative bank FD at 7%, long-run inflation of 6% and equity SIP returns of 10–12%, as used by our author. These are planning assumptions, not forecasts.
Current rates (1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026)
| Scheme | Rate | Interest | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings account | 4.0% | Yearly | — |
| Time Deposit 1-yr | 6.9% | Compounded quarterly, paid yearly | FD calculator |
| Time Deposit 2-yr | 7.0% | Compounded quarterly, paid yearly | FD calculator |
| Time Deposit 3-yr | 7.1% | Compounded quarterly, paid yearly | FD calculator |
| Time Deposit 5-yr | 7.5% | Compounded quarterly, paid yearly | FD calculator |
| Recurring Deposit 5-yr | 6.7% | Compounded quarterly | RD calculator |
| Monthly Income Scheme | 7.4% | Paid monthly | Safe options guide |
Worked examples
Time Deposit: ₹1 lakh in a 5-year TD at 7.5% earns about ₹7,714 a year (quarterly compounding, paid out yearly), or about ₹38,570 over five years. For 1, 2 and 3-year TDs, the yearly interest on ₹1 lakh is about ₹7,081, ₹7,186 and ₹7,291.
MIS: ₹9 lakh (the single-account maximum) at 7.4% pays ₹5,550 a month; ₹15 lakh in a joint account pays ₹9,250 a month.
RD: ₹5,000 a month for 5 years at 6.7%, compounded quarterly, grows to about ₹3.57 lakh (₹3 lakh deposited). This is our calculation; India Post’s ready-reckoner may differ by a few rupees because of rounding. Try the RD calculator
Quarterly rate history (Apr 2016 – Dec 2026)
| Quarter | Savings | TD 1-yr | TD 2-yr | TD 3-yr | TD 5-yr | RD 5-yr | MIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 · Oct–Dec * | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2026-27 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2026-27 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2025-26 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2025-26 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2025-26 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2025-26 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2024-25 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2024-25 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2024-25 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2024-25 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2023-24 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2023-24 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.0% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 2023-24 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.0% | 7.5% | 6.5% | 7.4% |
| 2023-24 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 6.8% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.5% | 6.2% | 7.4% |
| 2022-23 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.6% | 6.8% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 5.8% | 7.1% |
| 2022-23 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.7% | 5.8% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.7% |
| 2022-23 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2022-23 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2021-22 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2021-22 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2021-22 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2021-22 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2020-21 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2020-21 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2020-21 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2020-21 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| 2019-20 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 7.7% | 7.2% | 7.6% |
| 2019-20 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 7.7% | 7.2% | 7.6% |
| 2019-20 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 6.9% | 7.7% | 7.2% | 7.6% |
| 2019-20 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 7.0% | 7.0% | 7.0% | 7.8% | 7.3% | 7.7% |
| 2018-19 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 7.0% | 7.0% | 7.0% | 7.8% | 7.3% | 7.7% |
| 2018-19 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 7.2% | 7.8% | 7.3% | 7.7% |
| 2018-19 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.6% | 6.7% | 6.9% | 7.4% | 6.9% | 7.3% |
| 2018-19 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 6.6% | 6.7% | 6.9% | 7.4% | 6.9% | 7.3% |
| 2017-18 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.6% | 6.7% | 6.9% | 7.4% | 6.9% | 7.3% |
| 2017-18 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.8% | 6.9% | 7.1% | 7.6% | 7.1% | 7.5% |
| 2017-18 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 6.8% | 6.9% | 7.1% | 7.6% | 7.1% | 7.5% |
| 2017-18 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7% | 7.2% | 7.7% | 7.2% | 7.6% |
| 2016-17 · Jan–Mar | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.1% | 7.3% | 7.8% | 7.3% | 7.7% |
| 2016-17 · Oct–Dec | 4.0% | 6.9% | 7.1% | 7.3% | 7.8% | 7.3% | 7.7% |
| 2016-17 · Jul–Sep | 4.0% | 7.1% | 7.2% | 7.4% | 7.9% | 7.4% | 7.8% |
| 2016-17 · Apr–Jun | 4.0% | 7.1% | 7.2% | 7.4% | 7.9% | 7.4% | 7.8% |
Yearly rates, 2011-12 to 2015-16
| Year | Savings | TD 1-yr | TD 2-yr | TD 3-yr | TD 5-yr | RD 5-yr | MIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 4.0% | 8.4% | 8.4% | 8.4% | 8.5% | 8.4% | 8.4% |
| 2014-15 | 4.0% | 8.4% | 8.4% | 8.4% | 8.5% | 8.4% | 8.4% |
| 2013-14 | 4.0% | 8.2% | 8.2% | 8.3% | 8.4% | 8.3% | 8.4% |
| 2012-13 | 4.0% | 8.2% | 8.3% | 8.4% | 8.5% | 8.4% | 8.5% |
| 2011-12 (from 1 Dec 2011) | 4.0% | 7.7% | 7.8% | 8.0% | 8.3% | 8.0% | 8.2% |
Yearly rates, 1990-91 to 2010-11
| Year | Savings | TD 1-yr | TD 2-yr | TD 3-yr | TD 5-yr | RD | MIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2009-10 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2008-09 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2007-08 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2006-07 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2005-06 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2004-05 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2003-04 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2002-03 | 3.50% | 6.25% | 6.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| 2001-02 | 3.50% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 8.25% | 8.50% | 8.50% | 9.00% |
| 2000-01 | 3.50% | 7.50% | 8.00% | 9.00% | 9.00% | 9.00% | 9.50% |
| 1999-00 | 4.50% | 8.00% | 9.00% | 10.00% | 10.50% | 10.50% | 11.00% |
| 1998-99 | 4.50% | 9.00% | 10.00% | 11.00% | 11.50% | 11.50% | 12.00% |
| 1997-98 | 5.50% | 10.50% | 11.00% | 12.00% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 13.00% |
| 1996-97 | 5.50% | 10.50% | 11.00% | 12.00% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 13.00% |
| 1995-96 | 5.50% | 10.50% | 11.00% | 12.00% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 13.00% |
| 1994-95 | 5.50% | 10.50% | 11.00% | 12.00% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 13.00% |
| 1993-94 | 5.50% | 10.50% | 11.00% | 12.00% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 13.00% |
| 1992-93 | 5.50% | 12.00% | 12.00% | 13.00% | 13.50% | 13.50% | 14.00% |
| 1991-92 | 5.50% | 12.00% | 12.00% | 13.00% | 13.50% | 13.50% | 14.00% |
| 1990-91 | 5.50% | 12.00% | 12.00% | 13.00% | 13.50% | 13.50% | 14.00% |
Rate chart
Source: DivingFinance, Post Office Interest Rates (Oct–Dec 2026): TD, RD, MIS & Savings, https://divingfinance.com/rates/post-office-interest-rates/ (data: National Savings Institute & Ministry of Finance; updated 21 Oct 2026)FAQs
What is the Post Office 5-year TD rate now?
7.5% a year for deposits opened between 1 October and 31 December 2026.
Has the Post Office RD rate changed?
No. It has been 6.7% since October–December 2023.
How much does MIS pay per month?
At 7.4%, ₹1 lakh earns about ₹617 a month; the ₹9 lakh single-account maximum earns ₹5,550.
Does a rate cut affect my existing TD?
No. TD, RD and MIS rates are fixed for the full term from the day you open the account.
Is Post Office TD interest taxable?
Yes, at your slab rate. The 5-year TD qualifies for section 123 (old 80C) in the old regime.
Are Post Office deposits covered by DICGC?
No. They are backed by the Government of India itself.
How much monthly income will I get from MIS?
At 7.4%: ₹9 lakh (single-account limit) pays ₹5,550 a month; ₹15 lakh (joint limit) pays ₹9,250. After tax in the 30% slab, that is ₹3,818 and ₹6,364.
Is a 5-year Post Office TD better than a bank FD?
At 7.5% the 5-year TD beats an illustrative 7% bank FD by 0.5 percentage points. After tax in the 30% slab it gives 5.16% against 4.82%.
Will rates change in January?
The government resets them every quarter. The next decision for January–March 2027 is usually announced near the end of December.
Related rates
Read our guides
See every official rate in one place
Repo, small savings, EPF, CPI and tax slabs, each with its source and date.
Change log
- 21 Oct 2026 – Page created. History from NSI (1990-91 to Jul–Sep 2026); Oct–Dec 2026 from the DEA order of 30 Sep 2026.
How we collect this data
All rates come from the National Savings Institute (Ministry of Finance) and the Department of Economic Affairs quarterly orders. Scheme limits are cross-checked with RBI Handbook Table 111. Examples are our own calculations. Read our editorial policy and how we calculate. For information only, not investment advice.