The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has announced a fresh revision in profit rates on a wide range of National Savings Schemes, with the updated returns taking effect from January 23, 2026. The move reflects ongoing adjustments to align government-backed savings instruments with prevailing monetary conditions, market expectations, and broader economic trends. Notably, this is the second revision announced by CDNS within January, underscoring the rapidly evolving interest rate environment.
According to the latest notification, returns on long-term conventional savings instruments have been recalibrated to reflect current yield dynamics. Defence Savings Certificates (DSC), which carry a 10-year maturity, will now offer a profit rate of 10.44 percent per annum. This instrument remains a popular option among investors seeking stable, long-term returns backed by the government, particularly in periods of economic uncertainty.
Profit rates on welfare-focused schemes have also been reaffirmed at relatively higher levels. Behbood Savings Certificates (BSC), Pensioners Benefit Accounts (PBA), and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts (SFWA) will now provide returns of 12.00 percent per annum for a 10-year tenure. These schemes are specifically designed to support senior citizens, pensioners, and families of martyrs, and the maintained premium over other instruments reflects the government’s continued emphasis on social protection through targeted savings products.
For investors seeking regular income streams, the Regular Income Certificates (RIC) have been set at a profit rate of 9.96 percent per annum, applicable for a five-year tenure. This scheme is typically favoured by individuals looking for predictable periodic returns rather than long-term capital accumulation.
Medium-term savings instruments have also seen revised rates. Special Savings Certificates (SSC) and Special Savings Accounts (SSA), both with a three-year tenure, will now offer returns of 10.40 percent per annum. These products cater to savers with a moderate investment horizon who seek a balance between liquidity and yield.
Shorter-term instruments have been adjusted as well. Short Term Savings Certificates (STSC) will yield 9.64 percent per annum for a three-month duration, while six-month and twelve-month tenures will offer returns of 9.58 percent per annum each. These instruments provide flexibility for investors who prefer shorter lock-in periods amid uncertain interest rate expectations.
The standard Savings Account has also been revised, now offering a return of 9.00 percent per annum on a running account basis. This option remains one of the most accessible savings avenues for retail investors, providing daily liquidity along with government-backed security.
In the Islamic savings segment, CDNS has adjusted returns in line with Shariah-compliant investment principles. The Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA) will now provide a return of 9.96 percent per annum on a running basis. Meanwhile, the Sarwa Islamic Term Account (SITA) offers tiered returns based on maturity, with 9.96 percent per annum for one year, 10.20 percent per annum for three years, and 10.44 percent per annum for a five-year tenure. These products cater to investors seeking faith-compliant alternatives without compromising on competitive returns.
Additionally, Premium Prize Bonds (Registered) will continue to offer a return of 2.92 percent per annum, with profit distributed on a bi-annual basis. While the return on prize bonds is comparatively lower, they remain attractive for investors seeking a combination of periodic returns and prize draw incentives.
The latest revision highlights CDNS’s ongoing effort to recalibrate returns in response to shifts in policy rates, inflation trends, and broader macroeconomic conditions. As interest rate expectations continue to evolve, National Savings Schemes remain a key channel through which the government manages domestic borrowing while offering households a relatively secure savings avenue.
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