What you get

• Earns a government-set interest rate, revised every quarter — see the current rate on the National Savings Institute rate table (linked under Sources).
• Interest is calculated monthly and added to the account at the end of each financial year.
• Deposit as little as ₹250 a year, up to ₹1.5 lakh a year.
• The account matures 21 years after it is opened.
• From age 18 or after passing Class 10 (whichever is earlier), she can withdraw up to 50% of the previous year's balance for education.
• The account can be closed early for her marriage after she turns 18.
• The account can be transferred anywhere in India.

Who can apply

• A parent or legal guardian opens the account for an Indian girl child.
• The girl must be below 10 years of age when the account is opened.
• Only one account per girl.
• A family can open accounts for at most two girls (more allowed for twins or triplets, with an affidavit and birth certificates).

Who cannot apply

• Girls aged 10 or older cannot have a new account opened.
• A second account for the same girl is not allowed.

Documents usually needed

• Sukanya Samriddhi Account opening form (available at the bank or post office)
• Birth certificate of the girl child
• Aadhaar number
• PAN or Form 60

How to apply

1. Go to any post office, a public sector bank branch, or an authorised private bank (HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank).
2. Fill in the account opening form and submit it with the documents listed.
3. Make the first deposit of at least ₹250.
4. Deposit at least ₹250 every financial year for 15 years from opening.