All Post Office Savings Schemes - the full list
Monthly-income seekers
MIS pays interest monthly - pensions and retirees' staple. SCSS (seniors 60+) pays quarterly at a higher rate. See the MIS and SCSS calculators for exact payouts.
Growth / goal schemes
RD - monthly deposits, 5 years. TD - lump sum, 1-5 year terms. PPF - 15-year tax-free retirement build. NSC - 5-year 80C certificate. KVP - fixed doubling period. Compare all on the rate chart.
Child-linked schemes
SSY (Sukanya Samriddhi) - for a girl child under 10, highest small-savings rate, EEE tax, matures at her 21. PPF for minors - openable in a child's name with a guardian.
Why people still pick post office
Sovereign guarantee on the full deposit (no ₹5 lakh cap like banks), rates comparable to bank FDs, and physical access at ~1.55 lakh branches including rural areas banks skip.
Opening one today
Carry Aadhaar + PAN (KYC), photos, and deposit money. Most schemes open at any PO counter - ask for the AOF (account opening form); several schemes also work through the DakPay/IPPB app. Rates on this site are indicative - confirm the current quarter's notification at the counter.
Quick answers
Which post office scheme gives monthly income?
MIS (Monthly Income Scheme) pays interest monthly; SCSS pays quarterly for seniors.
What is the safest post office scheme?
All carry the same sovereign guarantee - 'safest' is a matter of lock-in fit, not credit risk.
Do post office schemes need PAN?
Yes, KYC requires Aadhaar and PAN (or Form 60) for account opening.