The Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) scheme, launched by India Post in 1988, is a savings certificate program designed to encourage long-term financial planning among individuals. Initially aimed at farmers, it is now open to anyone eligible and offers guaranteed returns over a fixed term of 115 months. This initiative by the Indian government promotes small savings for a secure financial future.
Tenure | 115 months |
Interest Rate | 7.5% |
Investment Amount |
|
Tax Benefits | You can avail tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 |
Currently, the interest rate under the scheme is 7.5% p.a. Kisan Vikas Patra is a popular investment instrument given its low-risk and guaranteed returns. Interest is compounded annually.
Below is the time-table for change in interest rates for all Post Office Savings Schemes.
Quater for which rate of interest would be effective | When it will be noticed | Rate of interest to be based on FIMMDA month end G-sec. rate pertaining to |
April - June | 15th March | Dec-Jan-Feb |
July - September | 15th June | Mar-Apr-May |
October - December | 15th September | Jun-Jul-Aug |
January - March | 15th December | Sep-Oct-Nov |
Instruments | Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) |
Interest Rate for Q2 of FY 24-25 (1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q1 of FY 2025-26 (1 April 2025 to 31 June 2025) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q4 of FY 2024-25 (1 Jan 2025 to 31 Mar 2025) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q3 of FY 2024-25 (1 Oct 2024 to 31 Dec 2024) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q2 of FY 24-25 (1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q1 of FY 24-25 (1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024) | 7.5% |
Interest rate for Q4 of FY 23-24 (1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q3 of FY 2023-24 (1 Oct 2023 to 31 Dec 2023) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q2 of FY 2023-24 (1 July 2023 to 30 Sep 2023) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q1 of FY 2023-24 (1 Apr 2023 to 30 June 2023) | 7.5% |
Interest rate for Q4 of FY 22-23 (1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023) | 7.2% |
Interest Rate for Q2, Q3, and Q4 of FY2019-20 (1 July 2019 to 30 March 2020) | 7.6% |
Interest Rate for Q1 of FY2019-20 (1 Apr 2019 to 30 June 2019) | 7.7% |
Interest Rate for Q3 and Q4 of FY2018-19 (1 Oct 2018 to 31 Mar 2019) | 7.7% |
Interest Rate for Q1 and Q2 of FY2018-19 (1 Apr 2018 to 30 Sep 2018) | 7.3% |
Interest Rate for Q4 of FY2017-18 (1 Jan 2018 to 31 Mar 2018) | 7.3% |
Interest Rate for Q3 of FY2017-18 (1 Oct 2017 to 31 Dec 2017) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q2 of FY2017-18 (1 July 2017 to 30 Sep 2017) | 7.5% |
Interest Rate for Q1 of FY2017-18 (1 Apr 2017 to 30 June 2017) | 7.6% |
Interest Rate for Q3 & Q4 of FY2016-17 | 7.7% |
Interest Rate for Q1 & Q2 of FY2016-17 | 7.8% |
Interest Rate for FY2015-16 | 8.7% |
The current interest rate under the scheme is 7.5% p.a. The maturity period has also been set at the maximum of 120 months. The principal amount can be withdrawn after this period only.
Here is an example of how interest accrues and doubles at maturity upon investment of Rs.1,000 in KVP on or after 1 April 2020 at an interest rate of 7.2%.
Premature payments after | Amount payable (Rs.) |
After 2 years 6 months or more but before 3 years | 1,176 |
After 3 years more but before 3 years 6 months | 1,215 |
After 3 years 6 months or more but before 4 years | 1,255 |
After 4 years or more but before 4 years 6 months | 1,296 |
After 4 years 6 months or more but before 5 years | 1,339 |
After 5 years or more but before 5 years 6 months | 1,383 |
After 5 years 6 months or more but before 6 years | 1,429 |
After 6 years or more but before 6 years 6 months | 1,476 |
After 6 years 6 months or more but before 7 years | 1,524 |
After 7 years or more but before 7 years 6 months | 1,575 |
After 7 years 6 months or more but before 8 years | 1,626 |
After 8 years or more but before 8 years 6 months | 1,680 |
After 8 years 6 months or more but before 9 years | 1,735 |
After 9 years or more but before maturity | 1,793 |
On maturity i.e. after 9 years 4 months | 2,000 |
The following are some of the benefits of the Kisan Vikas Patra Scheme:
1. Long-Term Savings You can start investing in KVP with as little as ₹1,000. There’s no upper limit, so you can invest as much as you like. The investment doubles in 9 years and 5 months (115 months), and the maturity value is clearly mentioned on the certificate.
2. 100% Security KVP is backed by the Government of India, making it a safe and secure investment. Since the returns are fixed and declared upfront, you know exactly how much you'll get at maturity.
3. Fixed Interest Rate The interest rate is fixed (currently 7.5% p.a.), ensuring the amount you invest doubles at the end of the term. This rate remains stable throughout the tenure.
4. Collateral for Loans KVP certificates can be used as collateral to get loans from most banks and financial institutions.
5. Non-Transferable KVP is non-transferable without permission. To transfer the certificate to someone else, you need approval from the Postmaster and must follow certain formalities.
6. Tax Benefits There’s no TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) when you encash the certificate. While interest earned is taxable, KVP is exempt from Wealth Tax. The investor must declare interest income when filing income tax returns.
7. Physical Certificate KVP is issued as a physical certificate (not in demat form). It’s a simple document and cannot be traded or sold in the secondary market.
8. Fixed Lock-In Period KVP has a lock-in period of 2.5 years. After this, you can withdraw your money early in case of emergencies, but you'll get reduced interest depending on the withdrawal time.
To avail the benefits of Kisan Vikas Patra, you need to furnish the following documents:
When you submit the aforementioned documents, you will receive a KVP certificate. If you lose or damage this certificate, you can request its duplicate copy. You will have to apply at the institution from where you availed of the certificate initially.
The process of investing in the Kisan Vikas Patra online scheme is simple. The steps mentioned below can be followed:
Step 1: Go to the India Post website or log in to your internet banking.
Step 2: Choose Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) and download the KVP Form A.
Step 3: Complete the form by entering your information such as the type of certificate, the investment amount, and the payment method.
Step 4: Complete the nomination form and submit it along with the KYC documents to the bank or post office.
Step 5: After the documents are verified, deposit the funds using cash, a locally executed cheque, a pay order, or a demand draft made out to the postmaster.
Step 6: If you don't pay by demand draft, pay order or cheque, a KVP certificate will be issued to you right away. You can ask the executives to email the certificate to you.
The steps to get a KVP certificate offline are listed below:
Step 1: Visit the nearest post office and get Form-A which is the KVP application form.
Step 2: Fill out the form with the necessary information, then submit it.
Step 3: Fill and submit Form-A1 if you are making the investment with an agent's help.
Step 4: Submit a copy of any identity document required for the KYC process.
Step 5: Following document verification and completion of the necessary deposits, you will receive the KVP Certificate. You can also choose to obtain the KVP certificate on your registered email address.
The following are the Kisan Vikas Patra eligibility:
A Kisan Vikas Patra comes in the following types:
KVP, when of Type A and Type B, is released to both the combined owners. In case adulthood is due to both the heir and owners or due to either of the heirs, it is released to combined owners.
Transer of Kisan Vikas Patra from one Post Office to the other or from one person to another.
Transfer from One Post Office to Another: A Kisan Vikas Patra certificate can be transferred from one post office, from where it was originally bought to another post office. In order to transfer a KVP certificate, the investor must submit a handwritten consent to the officer at a concerned post office. The transferee must be a resident Indian and must be eligible to purchase the KVP certificates.
Transfer from One Person to Another: A KVP certificate can also be moved from one individual to another for which a written letter must be submitted to the Post Office for the same. The following conditions/specifications apply for the same:
The maturity period for Kisan Vikas Patra is nine years and five months. On maturity, the amount invested gets doubled. If you invest an amount of Rs.10,000, after a period of nine years and five months, the amount will increase to Rs.20,000. The current interest rate of Kisan Vikas Patra is 7.5% p.a.
In order to purchase a Kisan Vikas Patra certificate, one must fill in the application form and furnish the required information. The required information must be provided in the identity slip also. In the application form, you will be required to mention the following details:
This form must be duly signed by the investor. The date, address, and signature of the witness to a nomination will also be specified in the slip.
In the identity slip, information like the serial number of the KVP certificate, issue price, date of encashment, postmaster signature and remarks like that of duplicate issue and transfer will be mentioned. To encash the KVP, one must present the identity slip. Hence, mentioning the right details in the KVP identity slip and KVP Form is of utmost importance.
1. Title and Start Date These are called the Kisan Vikas Patra Rules, 2014, and they came into effect the day they were published in the Official Gazette.
2. Key Definitions
3. Certificate Denominations Available in ₹1,000, ₹5,000, ₹10,000, and ₹50,000 denominations.
4. Application Rules The same as Post Office Savings Certificate Rules, 1960. You can buy any number of certificates.
5. Types of KVP Certificates
6. Certificate Issuance Issued immediately after payment. If delayed, a provisional receipt is given until the actual certificate is handed over.
7. How to Buy Submit an application at the Post Office. Pay via cash, cheque, demand draft, or withdrawal form.
8. Transfer of Certificate Allowed in these cases:
9. Pledging as Security Certificates can be pledged to:
10. Nomination The buyer or joint holders can nominate someone to receive the amount in case of their death.
11. Post Maturity Interest If not withdrawn after maturity, simple interest (like a savings account) is given:
12. Lost or Damaged Certificates Apply for a duplicate with details (certificate number, amount, date, and reason for loss/damage). It’s valid but needs verification before encashment.
13. Where to Encash At the issuing post office/bank or any other, with proper verification.
14. Maturity Encashment On maturity, the invested amount doubles based on the interest rate applicable at the time of issue.
15. Premature Encashment Allowed after 2.5 years in these cases:
16. Certificate Discharge At maturity, the holder signs the back of the certificate to confirm payment received.
17. Correction of Errors Clerical or calculation errors can be corrected by the Postmaster General if there’s no financial loss to the government.
18. Relaxation of Rules In special cases of hardship, rules can be relaxed on humanitarian grounds with written approval from the Central Government.
Certificate holders can make nominations at the time of purchase by completing Form C singly and jointly. In the event of the death of the sole holder/joint holder, the benefits will be provided to the nominee. If you did not make a nomination at the time of purchase, you could do it after purchasing the certificate but before its maturity. A duly filled Form C has to be submitted to the person who registered the certificate at the post office or bank.
A holder of Kisan Vikas Patra can avail of a loan against the same. The following are the conditions for availing of a loan against KVP:
The maturity period depends on the interest rate at which KVP is issued. The current interest rate is 7.5% p.a. and the maturity period is currently 115 months
To obtain a duplicate KVP certificate, you need to write to the Post Office of KVP issue requesting a duplicate certificate and attach the identity slip that was given at the time of issue. The identity slip will prove your ownership of KVPs. If you have lost or misplaced the identity slip, please contact the Post Office of the issue for further instructions.
The current rate of interest applicable to this scheme is 7.5%.
A Kisan Vikas Patra can be encashed by the certificate holder at the bank or post office where the certificate was issued.
The returns received from the Kisan Vikas Patra are not eligible for any tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. However, withdrawals made after the maturity of the scheme are exempt from Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
No, the Teachers' Provident Fund is not eligible to be invested in KVPs.
Kisan Vikas Patra can be encashed at any Post Office if your identity slip is accepted and if it is confirmed by the Post Office that you are the rightful owner. Ideally, it would be a lot easier for you if you could encash your KVP at the Post Office of issue.
Yes, a Kisan Vikas Patra can be easily transferred from one person to another. This can be done by providing a written letter of consent to the Post Master. In order to transfer, the original certificate holder should submit the original KVP certificate. The new certificate that is issued will bear the name of the transferee i.e. the person in whose name the certificate has been transferred. Transfer of certificate from one person to another will not be permitted if the Certificate is held either on behalf of a minor (till they are alive) or by a minor themselves.
No, Co-operative Societies and Co-operative Banks are not allowed to invest in Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP).
No, the KVP scheme is open only for resident individuals. NRIs and HUFs are not eligible to invest in Kisan Vikas Patra.
No, there are no restrictions in terms of the investment amount. There is, however, a minimum limit, which is Rs.1,000. This means that one must invest a minimum of Rs.1,000 in the scheme. Thereafter, one can invest in denominations of Rs.1,000, Rs.5,000, Rs.10,000, and Rs.50,000. Also, there is no limit put on the number of certificates that an individual can hold.
If an applicant has purchased a Kisan Vikas Patra by making payment for it in cash, they will be issued the certificate immediately. But, if the purchase has been made by cheque, pay order, or Demand Draft, then the date of issue of the certificate will be the date on which payment made using any of these instruments has been realised. However, if, despite making the payment, you have not been issued your KVP certificate, you will be provided with a provisional receipt for the same. When the actual certificate is issued at a later date, the applicant must exchange the provisional receipt with the KVP certificate. In such cases, the date of issue of the KVP shall be the date on which the provisional receipt had been issued.
In case the certificate is not encashed after the scheme reaches maturity, then the scheme holder will be entitled to the post office savings interest, at the rate applicable on the entire payable maturity amount, at the given time. If the certificate is encashed within a month after the maturity of the scheme, no interest shall be paid.
On maturity of the scheme, the payable amount shall be credited directly to the bank/post office savings account of the certificate holder. Therefore, it is important that the certificate holder have a savings account when they are looking to encash their certificate.
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