The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) was a Central Government small savings scheme made for women and girls. One thing must be understood clearly — new accounts under this scheme have been closed since 31 March 2025, and Budget 2026-27 did not extend or relaunch it. So no woman or girl can open a new MSSC account today. Women who already hold an MSSC account are unaffected — their money is fully safe, and the account will run to maturity on its original terms.
When the scheme ran and why it closed
MSSC was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 and ran for a limited period of two years, from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025. It was a temporary scheme from the start — the government launched it with a two-year window. Under the Department of Posts order (SB Order No. 03/2025), no new deposits have been accepted after 31 March 2025, and Budget 2026-27 gave no extension.
What existing holders will get
Women who opened an MSSC account before 31 March 2025 will continue to earn interest at 7.5% a year, compounded quarterly. The account runs for 2 years from the date of deposit — so even the last accounts, opened in March 2025, will mature by March 2027. A maximum deposit of ₹2 lakh grows to about ₹2,32,044 at maturity. On maturity, the full amount is paid to the account holder.
Deposit limits and withdrawal rules
Under MSSC, a minimum of ₹1,000 and a maximum of ₹2 lakh could be deposited — the limit applied across all accounts of one woman. After one year from opening, a single partial withdrawal of up to 40% of the balance is allowed. The account can also be closed early after six months, but then interest is paid at 2% less — 5.5% instead of 7.5%. On the death of the holder or in life-threatening illness, the account can be closed early at the full 7.5% rate without any cut.
What are the options for new investment
If you wanted to open a new MSSC account, that is no longer possible — post offices and banks do not accept MSSC forms now. Other post office schemes — such as PPF, NSC, SCSS and other government savings schemes — are available for women looking to invest, and their details can be seen on the India Post savings schemes page. Before investing, always check the latest interest rate and rules at the post office, because rates are fixed every quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a new Mahila Samman Savings Certificate account be opened in 2026?
A: No — new accounts closed on 31 March 2025, and Budget 2026-27 did not extend the scheme.
Q2: What happens to existing MSSC account holders?
A: Their accounts continue at 7.5% interest until the 2-year maturity — the last accounts will mature by March 2027.
Q3: What was the maximum deposit under MSSC?
A: ₹2 lakh at most — the limit applied across all accounts of one woman. The minimum deposit was ₹1,000.
Q4: Can money be withdrawn from MSSC before maturity?
A: Yes, one partial withdrawal of up to 40% is allowed after one year — closing the account after six months pays interest at 5.5%.
Useful links
- Post Office Savings Schemes (India Post): https://www.indiapost.gov.in/banking-services/savings
- Mahila Samman Savings Certificate on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/mssc
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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