Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Meaning, Eligibility, Benefits

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana was launched in 2015 under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to promote savings for education and marriage expenses.

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March 17, 2025

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings scheme launched under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative to promote savings for the education and marriage expenses of a girl child. This scheme offers high-interest rates, tax benefits, and a secure investment option for parents and guardians.

What is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a long-term savings scheme designed for the financial well-being of a girl child in India. The scheme allows parents or legal guardians to deposit money in the girl’s name, which will grow with government-assured interest rates.

The maturity period is 21 years from account opening, and the funds can be used for higher education or marriage expenses.

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Overview
Feature Details
Scheme Name Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Launched By Government of India
Implemented By Ministry of Women and Child Development
Objective Financial security for a girl child’s education and marriage
Minimum Deposit ₹250 per year
Maximum Deposit ₹1,50,000 per year
Interest Rate 7.6% per annum (as of 2024)
Maturity Period 21 years from account opening
Tax Benefits Exempt under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act
Eligibility Parents/guardians can open for a girl child below 10 years
Where to Open? Post offices and authorized banks

Eligibility Criteria for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is designed specifically for the financial security and empowerment of girl children in India. To ensure that the scheme benefits the right beneficiaries, the government has set specific eligibility criteria. Parents or legal guardians can open an account on behalf of their girl child, provided she meets the age and family-related conditions.

Below are the detailed eligibility requirements for opening an SSY account:

Eligibility Criteria for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Eligibility Criteria Details
Who Can Open? Parents or legal guardians of a girl child
Maximum Accounts 1 account per girl child (Maximum 2 per family)
Girl’s Age Limit Below 10 years at the time of account opening
Exception In case of twins or triplets, a third account is allowed
Account Holder The girl child in whose name the account is opened

Deposit Rules in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

There are some Deposit rules that parents must look while opening the account, such as the minimum initial deposit. Around two hundred and fifty rupees and in multiples of fifty rupees should be deposit when opening an account. Thereafter a minimum of two hundred and fifty rupees should be made as deposit in a financial year in one account. Here are Deposit Rules in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

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Deposit Particulars Details
Minimum Deposit ₹250 per year
Maximum Deposit ₹1,50,000 per year
Deposit Duration Up to 15 years from account opening
Deposit Mode Cash, cheque, demand draft, or online transfer
Penalty for Default ₹50 per year if the minimum deposit is not made

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate

The interest rate of SSY is 7.6% per annum (as of 2024). The interest is compounded annually, ensuring high returns compared to other savings schemes.

Period Interest Rate
2019-20 8.4%
2020-21 7.6%
2021-22 7.6%
2022-23 7.6%
2023-24 7.6%

Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers several financial benefits, including high-interest rates, tax exemptions, and long-term savings security. It also ensures financial stability for her future. Here are some of the benefits of SSY:

  1. High Interest Rate – SSY offers better returns than Fixed Deposits (FDs) and savings accounts.
  2. Tax Benefits – Investments, interest earned, and maturity amount are tax-free under Section 80C.
  3. Guaranteed Returns – Since it’s a government-backed scheme, there is no financial risk.
  4. Flexible Deposits – Can deposit any amount between ₹250 to ₹1,50,000 yearly.
  5. Long-Term Financial Security – Maturity benefits help in higher education or marriage expenses.
  6. Partial Withdrawal Facility – Up to 50% of the balance can be withdrawn after 18 years for education purposes.

Premature Closure and Withdrawal Rules

The SSY account matures after 21 years, but partial withdrawals are allowed after the girl turns 18 for higher education. In special cases like medical emergencies or the account holder’s demise, premature closure is permitted with applicable interest rates.

Withdrawal Condition Details
For Higher Education After the girl turns 18 years or passes 10th standard, up to 50% withdrawal allowed
For Marriage Expenses Full withdrawal allowed after 18 years, provided proof of marriage is submitted
Premature Closure Due to Death Allowed with interest payout
Other Premature Closures In case of life-threatening medical conditions or guardian’s death

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Documents Required for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Post Office & Banks)

To open an SSY account, the following documents are required:

  1. Birth Certificate of the Girl Child
  2. Parent/Guardian’s Aadhaar Card & PAN Card
  3. Address Proof (Voter ID, Passport, or Utility Bill)
  4. Recent Passport-size Photographs
  5. Duly Filled SSY Application Form

How to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account in Post Office or Bank?

Parents or guardians can open an SSY account at any post office or authorized bank. After that, they have to fill the form and submitting the required documents, and an initial deposit of ₹250. Here are the step-by-step guide to open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account: 

  1. Visit the nearest Post Office or Authorized Bank.
  2. Collect and fill the SSY Application Form.
  3. Attach the required documents.
  4. Deposit a minimum of ₹250 to activate the account.
  5. Receive the Passbook for transaction records.

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana FAQs

A girl child below 10 years can have an account opened in her name by a parent or legal guardian.

The minimum deposit required is ₹250 per year, failing which a penalty of ₹50 is charged.

Yes, 50% of the balance can be withdrawn after 18 years for education. Full withdrawal is allowed for marriage after 18 years.

Yes, SSY offers higher interest rates (7.6%), tax benefits, and long-term savings security, making it a better option than FDs.

You can open an SSY account in any post office or authorized bank by submitting the necessary documents.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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