Sukanya Samridhi Yojana

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): A Complete Guide to Secure Your Daughter's Future (2025)

Planning for your daughter's future is one of the most important financial goals for any parent in India. To support this objective, the Government of India launched the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY). This small savings scheme, part of the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, is designed to provide financial security for a girl child's education and marriage expenses.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the SSY scheme in 2025, including its features, benefits, and application process.

What is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme launched on 22nd January 2015. It encourages parents or legal guardians to build a substantial fund for their girl child. The scheme offers a high interest rate, significant tax benefits, and guaranteed returns, making it one of the most popular investment options for a daughter's future.

Key Features of the SSY Scheme (as of October 2025)

• High Interest Rate: The scheme currently offers an attractive interest rate of 8.2% per annum (for the quarter of October-December 2025), which is reviewed quarterly by the government. The interest is compounded annually.
• Account Holder: The account is opened and operated in the name of the girl child.
• Deposit Period: Contributions need to be made for the first 15 years from the date of account opening.
• Maturity Period: The account matures after 21 years from the date of opening or at the time of the girl's marriage after she turns 18.
• Flexible Deposits: You can start with a minimum deposit of just ₹250 per year and go up to a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year.
• Tax Benefits: SSY enjoys an Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) status, which means the investment, the interest earned, and the maturity amount are all tax-free.

Eligibility Criteria for Opening an SSY Account

To open an SSY account, the following conditions must be met:

• The account can only be opened by the parents or legal guardians of a girl child.
• The girl child must be 10 years of age or younger at the time of account opening.
• Only one account can be opened per girl child.
• A family can open a maximum of two SSY accounts for two different girl children. (An exception is made for twins or triplets).
• The girl child must be an Indian resident.

How to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account

Opening an SSY account is a straightforward process.

Where to Open the Account?

You can open an SSY account at any authorized public sector bank, private sector bank, or any post office branch in India.

Required Documents

You will need to submit the following documents at the bank or post office:

• The SSY Account Opening Form.
• Birth certificate of the girl child.
• Identity proof of the parent or legal guardian (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport).
• Address proof of the parent or legal guardian (Aadhaar card, Utility bill, Passport).
• Initial deposit amount (minimum ₹250).

Tax Benefits Under Section 80C

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a highly tax-efficient investment. Here’s a breakdown of its EEE benefits:

1. Contribution is Tax-Deductible: The amount you invest in the SSY account each year (up to ₹1.5 lakh) is eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
2. Interest Earned is Tax-Free: The interest that accrues in the account each year is completely exempt from tax.
3. Maturity Amount is Tax-Free: The entire maturity amount, including the principal and the accumulated interest, is non-taxable upon withdrawal.

Rules for Withdrawal and Premature Closure

Partial Withdrawal

A partial withdrawal of up to 50% of the account balance is allowed for the purpose of the girl child's higher education. This withdrawal can be made only after she attains the age of 18 or has passed the 10th standard, whichever is earlier.

Premature Closure

The SSY account can be closed prematurely under certain compassionate grounds, such as:

• In the unfortunate event of the account holder's death.
• On medical grounds, in case of a life-threatening disease of the account holder.
• In the event of the death of the guardian who was operating the account.

Is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana the Right Choice for You?

If you are a parent of a young girl and looking for a safe, long-term, and tax-efficient investment to secure her future, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is an excellent choice. Its government backing ensures the safety of your capital, while the high, tax-free interest rate helps in building a significant corpus for her education and marriage. Starting early is key to maximizing the power of compounding and achieving your financial goals for your daughter.