Tax & Finance

Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) – Interest Rate, Maturity Period & How to Buy

Complete guide on Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) — current 7.5% interest rate, 115-month maturity, how to buy from post office or bank, and tax rules.

CitizenNest Editorial Team8 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) – Interest Rate, Calculator & How to Buy

Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a government-backed savings certificate scheme that doubles your money at maturity. Launched by India Post in 1988, KVP is one of the safest investment options for conservative investors who want guaranteed returns without market risk.


What Is Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)?

Kisan Vikas Patra is a small savings certificate scheme offered by the Department of Posts, Government of India. Originally designed to encourage saving habits among farmers, it is now available to all Indian citizens.

Key highlights:

  • Guaranteed doubling of your invested amount at maturity
  • Available at any post office or authorised bank branch
  • No market risk — fully backed by the Government of India
  • Minimum investment of just ₹1,000 with no upper limit
  • Can be used as collateral for loans

KVP is ideal for risk-averse investors who have surplus funds they won't need for approximately 10 years. If you're exploring other post office savings schemes, KVP is a strong contender for long-term wealth building.


Current KVP Interest Rate & Maturity Period

The Government of India revises KVP interest rates every quarter. Here are the latest details:

Parameter Details
Interest Rate (Q4 FY 2025-26) 7.5% per annum (compounded annually)
Maturity Period 115 months (9 years and 7 months)
Minimum Investment ₹1,000
Maximum Investment No upper limit
Lock-in Period 30 months (2.5 years)

At the current rate of 7.5%, an investment of ₹1,00,000 will grow to ₹2,00,000 in 115 months.

KVP Calculator — How Your Money Doubles

Here's a simple illustration of how KVP grows over time:

Investment Maturity Amount Maturity Period
₹1,000 ₹2,000 115 months
₹5,000 ₹10,000 115 months
₹50,000 ₹1,00,000 115 months
₹1,00,000 ₹2,00,000 115 months
₹5,00,000 ₹10,00,000 115 months

The interest is compounded annually, and the full maturity amount is payable at the end of the 115-month period.


Who Can Invest in KVP?

Eligible:

  • Any Indian citizen aged 18 years or above
  • An adult on behalf of a minor
  • An adult on behalf of a person of unsound mind
  • Trusts

Not eligible:

  • Hindu Undivided Families (HUF)
  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

Types of KVP Certificates

  1. Single Holder Certificate — Issued to one adult (for self, or on behalf of a minor)
  2. Joint A Certificate — Issued to two adults, payable to both jointly or the survivor
  3. Joint B Certificate — Issued to two adults, payable to either holder or the survivor

How to Buy Kisan Vikas Patra

Buying KVP from Post Office

  1. Visit your nearest post office and collect Form A (KVP application form)
  2. Fill in your personal details, nominee information, and investment amount
  3. Submit the form along with KYC documents
  4. Make payment via cash, cheque, pay order, or demand draft
  5. For cash payments, the KVP certificate is issued on the spot
  6. For cheque payments, the certificate is issued after clearance

Buying KVP from a Bank

KVP is also available at authorised banks including SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, and other nationalised banks:

  1. Visit the bank branch and request the KVP application form
  2. Complete the form and submit KYC documents
  3. Make the payment from your bank account
  4. Receive your KVP certificate

Note: For investments above ₹50,000, PAN card is mandatory. For ₹10 lakh and above, you must submit income proof (salary slips, bank statements, or ITR documents).


Documents Required for KVP

  • Duly filled Form A (application form)
  • Identity proof — Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving Licence, or Passport
  • Address proof — Aadhaar Card, utility bill, or bank passbook
  • PAN Card — Mandatory for investments above ₹50,000
  • Birth certificate of the minor (if investing on behalf of a minor)
  • Income proof for investments of ₹10 lakh and above

Premature Withdrawal Rules

KVP has a lock-in period of 30 months (2 years and 6 months). The rules for early withdrawal are:

  • Before 30 months: Premature withdrawal is not allowed, except in case of:
    • Death of the account holder
    • Forfeiture by a pledgee (court order)
    • Order of the court
  • After 30 months: You can withdraw the amount, but you will receive a reduced return based on the applicable rate for the period held
  • On maturity (115 months): Full doubled amount is payable

Transfer of KVP

  • KVP can be transferred from one post office to another
  • It can also be transferred from one person to another in specific cases (death of holder, court order, or pledge to an authority)

Tax Treatment of KVP

Understanding the tax implications is important before investing:

Tax Aspect Details
Section 80C Deduction ❌ Not eligible — KVP investment does not qualify for 80C deduction
Interest Taxability Fully taxable as per your income tax slab
TDS 10% TDS is deducted annually on accrued interest
Maturity Amount Not separately taxed (interest already taxed during accrual)

Important: Unlike PPF or Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, KVP does not offer any tax benefit under Section 80C. The interest earned is added to your taxable income every year.


KVP vs Other Savings Schemes

Feature KVP PPF NSC FD (5-Year Tax Saver)
Interest Rate 7.5% 7.1% 7.7% 6.5%-7.5%
Maturity 115 months 15 years 5 years 5 years
Section 80C ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Tax on Interest Taxable Exempt Taxable Taxable
Lock-in 30 months 15 years 5 years 5 years
Risk Zero Zero Zero Zero (up to ₹5 lakh DICGC)
Loan Facility ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (3rd year) ❌ No ❌ No

When to choose KVP:

  • You want guaranteed doubling of money
  • You don't need the 80C tax deduction
  • You have a 10-year investment horizon
  • You prefer a government-backed instrument

Explore more options in our post office savings schemes guide.


Important Tips for KVP Investors

  1. Keep your KVP certificate safe — It is required for withdrawal at maturity. If lost, you can apply for a duplicate at the post office.
  2. Nominate a beneficiary — Always fill the nomination form to ensure smooth transfer in case of the holder's death.
  3. Plan for taxes — Since interest is taxable, factor this into your effective return calculation. The post-tax return may be lower than schemes like PPF.
  4. Use KVP for loan collateral — You can pledge your KVP certificate to get a secured loan at competitive interest rates.
  5. Check quarterly rate updates — Interest rates change every quarter. The rate at the time of purchase is locked in for your certificate.
  6. Combine with 80C instruments — Since KVP lacks tax benefits, pair it with PPF or SSY for a balanced portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the current KVP interest rate in 2026?

The KVP interest rate for Q4 FY 2025-26 (January–March 2026) is 7.5% per annum, compounded annually. The maturity period at this rate is 115 months.

2. Can I buy KVP online?

Currently, KVP can only be purchased offline by visiting a post office or authorised bank branch. There is no online purchase facility available yet.

3. Is KVP tax-free?

No. KVP investment does not qualify for Section 80C deduction, and the interest earned is fully taxable as per your income tax slab. TDS of 10% is deducted on the interest annually.

4. Can I withdraw KVP before maturity?

KVP has a lock-in period of 30 months. Premature withdrawal before 30 months is only allowed in case of the holder's death, court order, or forfeiture by a pledgee. After 30 months, you can withdraw with reduced returns.

5. What is the minimum and maximum investment in KVP?

The minimum investment is ₹1,000 (in multiples of ₹100). There is no maximum limit, but investments above ₹50,000 require PAN, and ₹10 lakh+ requires income proof.

6. Can NRIs invest in KVP?

No. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Hindu Undivided Families (HUF) are not eligible to invest in Kisan Vikas Patra.

7. Can I transfer my KVP from one post office to another?

Yes. KVP certificates can be transferred between post offices. You need to submit a transfer application at your current post office along with the original certificate.


Last updated: February 2026. Interest rates are subject to quarterly revision by the Government of India. Always verify current rates at your nearest post office or bank before investing.