Kisan Vikas Patra: the post office scheme that doubles your money
Put money in once, and it doubles in a fixed number of months
Kisan Vikas Patra is a savings certificate from the post office that doubles a one-time deposit. You put money in once. After a fixed period, you get twice that back. It’s often called KVP, and it’s one of the government’s small savings schemes.
The rate now. India Post lists 7.5% a year, compounded yearly, for October to December 2026. At that rate, the money doubles in 115 months, or 9 years and 7 months. The Ministry of Finance kept the rate unchanged for this quarter. The 115 months applies at today’s 7.5% rate. A different rate means a different doubling period.
An illustration. Put in 50,000 rupees today at 7.5%. In 115 months, you get 1 lakh rupees back. That’s 50,000 rupees of interest over about nine and a half years. India Post’s own example uses 10,000 rupees doubling to 20,000.
Who can buy it. Any adult, alone or jointly, can buy a KVP at any post office. A parent or guardian can buy one for a minor. The minimum is 1,000 rupees and there’s no upper limit, per India Post. You can add a nominee.
How it’s taxed. KVP gives no deduction on the amount you put in. The interest counts as income from other sources, per the Income Tax Department, so it’s taxed at your income tax slab. That’s the big difference from NSC, which does give a deduction on the old regime.
Getting out early. You can close a KVP after 2 years and 6 months from the date of deposit. You get back less than the doubled amount, because it hasn’t run its full term. It can also be closed early if the holder dies, with the money going to the nominee or legal heir.
What it suits. KVP suits money you won’t need for close to ten years and want to keep away from the market. The catch is tax: after tax at your slab, your real return is lower than 7.5%. Compare it with a fixed deposit for the same period, after tax.
A doubling scam check. KVP takes 115 months to double your money. Anyone promising to double it in months is not selling KVP. Read how to spot a Ponzi scheme, and if you’ve already paid, file a cyber crime complaint.
More to read: all post office schemes side by side, NSC explained and PPF explained.
Questions people ask
What is the Kisan Vikas Patra interest rate now?
7.5% a year, compounded yearly, for October to December 2026, per India Post. At that rate, the money doubles in 115 months, which is 9 years and 7 months. The rate is reviewed every quarter, so check indiapost.gov.in.
Is Kisan Vikas Patra tax-free?
No. There's no tax deduction on the amount you put in, and the interest counts as income from other sources, per the Income Tax Department. It's taxed at your slab.
Can I withdraw Kisan Vikas Patra before maturity?
Yes, after 2 years and 6 months from the date of deposit, per India Post. Early exit is also allowed if the holder dies. You get back less than the doubled amount, since it hasn't run its full term.
Who can buy Kisan Vikas Patra?
An adult in their own name, adults jointly, or a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor, per India Post. The minimum is 1,000 rupees, with no upper limit.
Source: India Post savings schemes page (indiapost.gov.in, last updated 30 October 2026): 7.5% compounded yearly, doubles in 115 months; India Post savings schemes handbook for minimum deposit, holders and premature closure; Ministry of Finance Office Memorandum F.No.1/4/2019-NS, 30 September 2026 (rates unchanged for October to December 2026); Income Tax Department guidance on income from other sources. Rates change every quarter; check the current rate.
Found this useful? You can buy us a coffee. It keeps GreenFunds free.Flag a possible issue
Was this helpful?
Thanks for the signal.
Comments
Share your experience or a question. Be kind, stay on topic. This is reader discussion, not financial advice.
No comments yet. Be the first to share.