What Kisan Vikas Patra is
Kisan Vikas Patra is a post office certificate with one promise: whatever you put in comes back doubled. The government sets the rate each quarter and, with it, the number of months the doubling takes. Nothing is paid out along the way; the interest compounds inside the certificate until maturity. It suits money you will not need for about ten years but want to keep safe, without the long lock-in of PPF.
KVP at a glance
| Interest rate | 7.5% a year (July–September 2026), compounded yearly |
|---|---|
| Maturity | 115 months (9 years and 7 months), when the deposit doubles |
| Investment | ₹1,000 minimum, in multiples of ₹100, no maximum |
| Early encashment | After 2 years 6 months |
| Tax | No deduction; interest taxable |
| Transfer | To another person or post office, under the rules |
Why the doubling time moves with the rate
A certificate doubles when (1 + rate)years reaches 2. The higher the rate, the sooner that happens, so every change in the KVP rate comes with a new maturity period:
| KVP rate | Doubles in |
|---|---|
| 7% | 123 months |
| 7.2% | 120 months |
| 7.7% | 112 months |
| 7.5% (now) | 115 months |
The old “rule of 72” gets close: 72 ÷ 7.5 gives about 115 months. It is a quick check, not the figure on your certificate; the calculator uses the notified period at the current rate.
KVP, NSC or a bank FD?
KVP’s rate is below NSC’s (7.7%), and it gives no tax deduction. Its advantage is flexibility: you can cash it after two and a half years, while NSC stays locked for five. ₹1 lakh in NSC grows to ₹1,44,903 in five years; the same in KVP reaches ₹2 lakh only after 9 years and 7 months. Pick KVP when you want the government guarantee on a large amount, a long horizon and the option to get out early. Compare today’s bank FD rates too, remembering that deposit insurance covers only ₹5 lakh per bank.
Frequently asked questions
In how many months does KVP double?
At the current rate of 7.5% for July–September 2026, Kisan Vikas Patra doubles in 115 months, or 9 years and 7 months. The period is fixed on the day you buy the certificate.
What is the minimum and maximum investment in KVP?
The minimum is ₹1,000, then any amount in multiples of ₹100, with no upper limit. PAN is required for investments above ₹50,000, and proof of where the money came from for larger amounts.
Can I withdraw KVP before maturity?
Yes, after two and a half years from the date of purchase, at encashment values the government sets for each period. You get your deposit plus interest up to that point, which is less than you would get by waiting. Before two and a half years, it can be cashed only on the holder’s death or by court order.
Does KVP give a tax deduction?
No. KVP does not qualify for the Section 80C (now Section 123) deduction, and the interest is taxable. You can pay tax on it each year as it accrues, or all at once in the year the certificate matures.
Who can buy a Kisan Vikas Patra?
Despite the name, any resident adult can buy it, not only farmers. It can be held singly, jointly by up to three adults, by a guardian for a minor, or by a minor aged 10 or more in their own name.
Is KVP safe?
Yes. It is issued by the Government of India through the post office, so both the deposit and the interest are backed by the government, with no limit on the amount covered.
Sources
- National Savings Institute – Kisan Vikas Patra
- Department of Economic Affairs – small savings interest rates
- India Post – post office savings schemes
Last updated 21 September 2026. Results are estimates for planning only and are not investment, tax or legal advice. See our disclaimer.