The Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a Central Government savings certificate with a single promise — the deposited money doubles at maturity. It is sold through post offices and authorised banks. For the October to December 2026 quarter, KVP pays interest at 7.5% a year, and at this rate the money doubles in 115 months (9 years 7 months). Despite the name, KVP is not only for farmers — any resident Indian can buy it.
How the money doubles
KVP pays interest at 7.5% a year, compounded annually. At 7.5%, money takes about 9.58 years to double, so the government has fixed the maturity period at 115 months. If someone buys a KVP of ₹1 lakh, they receive ₹2 lakh after 115 months. The interest rate and the doubling period are fixed on the day of purchase — later rate changes do not affect a certificate already bought. If the rate changes in future, the doubling period for new buyers will change too.
How much can you invest
The minimum investment in KVP is ₹1,000, and further amounts must be in multiples of ₹100. There is no maximum limit — even large sums can be parked safely. KVP is available in denominations of ₹1,000, ₹5,000, ₹10,000, ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000. One person can buy several certificates, and a joint account can also be opened. A PAN card is needed for purchases of ₹50,000 or more.
Lock-in period and early encashment
KVP has a lock-in of 30 months (2.5 years) — during this period the certificate generally cannot be encashed. Early encashment is possible only in special circumstances, such as the death of the holder or a court order. After 30 months, the certificate can be encashed before maturity, but the interest is then calculated at a lower rate, so early encashment does not give the full doubling benefit. So invest in KVP only money you will not need for a long time.
Tax and how to buy
The interest earned on KVP is fully taxable and must be shown in the income tax return. KVP gives no deduction under Section 80C — this is different from PPF and NSC. KVP can be bought at any post office or authorised bank branch — fill the form with an Aadhaar card, PAN card and photograph. The interest rate and the 115-month period in force at purchase are recorded on the certificate, so check them at the time of buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the KVP interest rate for October–December 2026?
A: 7.5% a year, compounded annually — at this rate the money doubles in 115 months.
Q2: How long does KVP take to double the money?
A: 115 months (9 years 7 months) — the period is fixed by the rate on the day of purchase and does not change later.
Q3: What is the minimum investment in KVP?
A: ₹1,000 — further amounts must be in multiples of ₹100, and there is no maximum limit.
Q4: Can money be withdrawn from KVP before maturity?
A: There is a 30-month lock-in — after that, early encashment is possible, but interest is calculated at a lower rate.
Useful links
- Post Office Savings Schemes (India Post): https://www.indiapost.gov.in/banking-services/savings
- Kisan Vikas Patra on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/kvps
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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