Post office savings schemes offer various safe investment options. These instruments cater to all purposes, from pre- and post-retirement investment to portfolio diversification and financial security. These government-support schemes protect against market volatility and offer guaranteed returns.

Here are the top five highest-return post office savings schemes.

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS is a government-sponsored retirement plan where older persons can contribute up to Rs 30 lakh; the minimum investment is Rs 1,000. One can open the account individually or jointly with a spouse. Although it matures in five years, one can extend the account indefinitely at intervals of three years. It gives 8.2 per cent annually, paid quarterly. Those aged 60 and older can open the account. Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows a deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year for deposits.

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana SSY: This scheme was launched as part of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” Yojana for financial security and empowerment of women and girls. The minimum investment period is 15 years, and maturity is 21 years. The minimum investment in SSY is Rs 250 in a financial year, and the maximum is Rs 1.5 lakh. A maximum of two girls per family can open the account; for minors, parents or guardians can open the account. This scheme offers an interest of 8.2. The SSY account is eligible for deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income-tax Act, besides exemptions on the interest and maturity proceeds.

National Savings Certificate (NSC): NSC has a maturity period of 5 years and provides an interest rate of 7.7 per cent, most suitable for those nearing retirement or already retired. The minimum deposit is Rs 1,000, with no maximum limit. Contributions to the scheme qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C. The National Savings Certificate (NSC) can be pledged as a security with scheduled or cooperative banks.

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Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): Any person above 18 years can open this government-supported scheme individually or jointly. The minimum investment is Rs 1,000, with no upper limit. It is a short-term investment scheme with a 30-month maturity and offers 7.5 per centinterest.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is best suited for building a retirement corpus. It provides 7.1 per cent interest with a lock-in period of 15 years. The minimum contribution is Rs. 500, and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh annually. The contribution can be made annually or monthly. A tax deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh is allowed in a financial year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.