The NSC Calculator shows how much a National Savings Certificate will grow. Enter the amount you invest and the interest rate, and it works out the maturity value and total interest over the certificate’s fixed 5-year term, with a breakdown of your principal versus interest.
NSC is a government-backed, fixed-income scheme sold at post offices, popular for its guaranteed returns and Section 80C tax benefit. Interest is compounded annually and paid in full at maturity. The calculation runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded or stored.
How to use the NSC calculator
- Enter the amount you want to invest in NSC.
- Set the interest rate — the current NSC rate is 7.7% per annum.
- The term is fixed at 5 years with annual compounding.
- Read the maturity value and total interest, updated live as you adjust the sliders.
How NSC interest works
NSC interest is compounded annually but paid only at maturity, so the maturity value is simply your investment × (1 + rate)⁵. Although the interest accrues each year, you receive it all together after 5 years.
The interest reinvested each year (except the last) is deemed to be a fresh investment and also qualifies for Section 80C deduction, which is a small extra tax benefit unique to NSC.
Key features of NSC
- Government-backed with guaranteed returns and no upper investment limit.
- Investment qualifies for a Section 80C deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh a year.
- Fixed 5-year lock-in; the certificate can be used as collateral for a loan.
- Interest is taxable, but the reinvested interest of the first four years is eligible for 80C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current NSC interest rate?
The National Savings Certificate rate is set by the government and reviewed quarterly. It is 7.7% per annum at present, compounded annually. You can change the rate in the calculator to match your period.
What is the NSC lock-in period?
NSC has a fixed 5-year term. The full amount plus interest is paid at maturity; premature withdrawal is allowed only in limited cases such as the holder’s death.
Is NSC interest taxable?
The interest is taxable, but because it is reinvested each year (except the final year), that reinvested interest qualifies for a Section 80C deduction. The final year’s interest is fully taxable.
Is there a maximum investment in NSC?
There is no upper limit on how much you can invest in NSC, though only up to ₹1.5 lakh a year qualifies for the Section 80C tax deduction.