Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by vanessa sequeira

Ensuring a secure future for a daughter is what every parent prioritises. In order to do that, one must start with financial planning for a girl child early on. In India, there are various child investment plans that you can explore as a parent. To ensure you invest in the best investment for a girl child in India, we have collated the list of 10 best saving schemes for a girl child.

List of Best Investments for Girl Child

Here are 11 girl child investment plans that you can explore to ensure long-term security and steady returns.

1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme aimed at promoting the welfare of the girl child. It encourages parents to save for their daughter’s education and marriage.


  • Account Opening: Parents or legal guardians can open an SSY account anytime after the birth of a girl child until she turns 10 years old. This scheme allows for secure and systematic savings.
  • Interest Rate: The current interest rate is 8.2% per annum, which is compounded annually. This rate is reviewed quarterly by the government and may change based on economic conditions.
  • Account Limitations: Only one account can be opened in the name of each girl child, with a maximum of two accounts allowed per family (one for each daughter).
  • Investment Limits: The minimum deposit required to maintain the account is Rs. 250, while the maximum annual contribution is capped at Rs. 1,50,000.
  • Maturity and Withdrawals: The account matures when the girl reaches the age of 21..
  • Tax Benefits: The SSY scheme qualifies for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making it an attractive option for tax planning. The maturity amount and interest earned are also tax-free, adhering to the EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) principle.

SSY scheme is considered the best investment for girl child by many experts. Now, let’s look at some post office scheme for girl child.

2. Post Office Time Deposit (POTD)

The Post Office Time Deposit is a reliable savings instrument offered by India Post, suitable for conservative investors looking for fixed returns. This post office saving scheme allows you to open an account in post offices across the country. The features are:

  • Features: POTD accounts can be opened at any post office across India, providing accessibility to rural and urban investors alike.
  • Interest Rates: As of now, interest rates range from 5.5% to 6.70%, depending on the tenure chosen (1 year to 5 years). Interest is paid quarterly.
  • Tenure Options: Investors can choose from various tenures—1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years—allowing flexibility based on individual financial goals.
  • Transferability: One significant advantage is that these accounts can be transferred from one post office to another anywhere in India without losing interest benefits.

3. Post Office Recurring Deposit (PORD)

The Post Office Recurring Deposit scheme is designed to encourage disciplined saving through monthly contributions.

  • Investment Details: You can start with a minimum monthly deposit of just Rs. 100, making it accessible for all income levels.
  • Interest Rate: The current interest rate stands at approximately 6.7% p.a., compounded quarterly, which ensures that your savings grow steadily over time.
  • Tenure: The standard tenure for PORD is 5 years, but it can be extended after maturity if desired.
  • Withdrawal Policy: Premature withdrawal is permitted only if at least 3 years have passed since the account was opened.
  • Government Backing: Being a government-backed scheme, it offers safety and security for investors looking to save systematically without risks associated with market fluctuations.

4. National Savings Certificate (NSC)

The National Savings Certificate is a fixed-income investment scheme backed by the Government of India, ideal for risk-averse investors. It is also considered as one of the top central government schemes for single girl child. Parents looking for high-return investment plans for girl child with minimal risk often opt for NSC due to its stable nature and government assurance.

  • Tenure and Maturity: NSCs have a fixed tenure of 5 years, during which your investment earns guaranteed returns.
  • Interest Rate: Currently, NSCs offer an interest rate of 7.7% p.a., compounded annually but payable at maturity.
  • Investment Limits: The minimum investment is set at Rs. 1,000, with no upper limit on how much you can invest.
  • Tax Benefits: Investments in NSC qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum. However, interest earned is taxable in the year it accrues.
  • Transferability and Safety: NSCs are transferable from one person to another but cannot be encashed before maturity without incurring penalties.
  • Risk Aversion: Given that the NSC is government-backed, it provides complete capital protection, making it ideal for conservative investors who prioritise safety over higher-risk investments.

It is worthwhile to research thoroughly about the terms and conditions of the NSC when looking for the best saving plan for girl child.

5. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a long-term investment for girl child, with a 15-year lock-in period and tax-free maturity. This plan is ideal for girl child education investment due to its consistent growth, tax benefits, and compounding nature.

  • Account Features: A PPF account can be opened at designated banks and post offices across India. It has a lock-in period of 15 years, which can be extended in blocks of five years indefinitely.
  • Interest Rate: The current interest rate is around 7.1% p.a., compounded annually, which provides good returns over time.
  • Investment Limits: You can invest a minimum of Rs. 500 and up to a maximum of Rs. 1,50,000 per financial year in your PPF account.
  • Withdrawal Rules: Partial withdrawals are allowed after the completion of seven financial years from the date of opening the account, providing some liquidity while still encouraging long-term saving.
  • Tax Benefits: Contributions qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C, and both interest earned and maturity proceeds are tax-free under the EEE principle.

6. Children Gift Mutual Fund

Children’s Gift Mutual Funds are specially designed investment options that help build wealth over time for children.

  • Investment Strategy: These funds typically invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments to provide balanced growth while managing risk effectively.
  • Lock-in Period: Investments in these funds usually have a lock-in period until the child turns 18, ensuring that funds are available for significant life events like education or marriage.
  • Growth Potential: By investing in equity markets over long periods, these funds aim to generate substantial capital appreciation compared to traditional saving methods.
  • Flexibility in Investment Amounts: Parents can choose how much they want to invest based on their financial situation and goals.

It is worthwhile to thoroughly research mutual funds before investing. To find out the best plan for girl child, you can use Tickertape Mutual Fund Screener.

7. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

SIPs are a great tool for financial planning for girl child. It allows investors to contribute regularly to mutual funds through small investments over time.

  • Investment Amounts: SIPs enable you to start investing with as little as Rs. 100 per month, making it accessible for all income levels.
  • Disciplined Investing: They promote disciplined investing by allowing you to invest fixed amounts regularly.
  • Rupee Cost Averaging: You can buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. Over time, this can lead to better returns compared to lump-sum investments due to compounding effects.

8. Gold ETFs

Gold ETFs serve as a hedge against inflation and a modern way of saving for girl child’s future. Each unit of a Gold ETF represents one gram of gold held by the fund. They trade on stock exchanges like shares, providing liquidity and flexibility.

  • No concerns about theft or storage costs associated with physical gold jewellery or coins.
  • Investors can buy or sell units at market prices during trading hours like any other stock or mutual fund.
  • Gold ETFs provide diversification in an investment portfolio without high entry costs.

9. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP)

ULIPs combine life insurance coverage with market-linked returns. These hybrid products are suited for long-term goals such as investment plans for girl child education or marriage, especially when paired with premium customisation features.

  • A portion of your premium goes towards life insurance coverage while the remainder is invested according to your risk appetite—equity funds for higher growth potential or debt funds for stability.
  • They offer flexibility in choosing investment options based on market performance and individual financial goals.

10. Fixed Deposits (FD)

Fixed Deposits remain one of the most popular investment options due to their simplicity and guaranteed returns.

  • Current interest rates range from approximately 6.90% to 8% p.a., depending on the bank or institution, with terms varying from a few months up to ten years.
  • Investors can choose how they want their interest paid—monthly, quarterly, annually, or at maturity—offering flexibility based on cash flow needs.

11. Child Plans

A child plan is a combination of insurance and investment designed to secure a child’s future. Such plans, often offered by providers like LIC, provide a lump sum payout on maturity or in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Key Features:

  1. Insurance Coverage: Provides financial protection for the child’s future in case of the policyholder’s untimely death.
  2. Flexible Payouts: Offers milestone-based payouts for education, marriage, or other goals.
  3. Customisable Plans: Options for premium payment terms and sum assured.

Many families consider these among the best saving plans for girl child available today. These policies also come with tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Child Plan vs Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and PPF

Planning for a child’s future involves comparing investment options to identify the best saving plan for a girl child. The table below highlights the key differences between a Child Plan, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), and Public Provident Fund (PPF):

FeatureChild PlanSukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)Public Provident Fund (PPF)
EligibilityOpen to all; fits LIC policy for girl childGirls under 10 years; a central government scheme for girl childOpen to all
MaturityCustomisable milestonesAge 21 or marriage; fits saving scheme for girl child15 years; long-term flexibility
ReturnsMarket-linked or guaranteedFixed high interest; a post office saving scheme for girl childFixed government-backed interest
Risk LevelModerate to highLow risk; ideal for post office schemes for girl childLow risk; stable
Special FeaturesCombines insurance and investmentFocused on girl child savings scheme; tax-free returnsLong-term growth and tax savings
Best ForEducation or marriage milestonesFits well with post office schemes for girl child above 10 yearsGeneral long-term financial goals
Additional BenefitsIncludes tax savings under Section 80CGreat for govt schemes for girl child with guaranteed returnsFlexible contributions

Both Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and PPF offer guaranteed returns, making them ideal for risk-averse investors, while child plans provide insurance coverage along with investment benefits. However, it is always worthwhile to consult a financial advisor before selecting a plan to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.

Conclusion

Whether your goal is saving for a girl child’s future, securing her education fund, or planning for major life events, selecting the best child investment plans 2025 is a decision that should be guided by careful research. With so many investment options for girl child in India, from government schemes to mutual funds, building a robust and diversified financial plan is entirely achievable. You should research well before investing in financial products like mutual funds, equities, ETFs, etc., at Tickertape as it can help you make a well-informed investment decision. For a comprehensive approach to investment for girl child India, consult a financial advisor to tailor the plan to your family’s needs.

FAQs

What is the tax benefit of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana(SSY)?

Under Section 80C, the returns from SSY are not taxed, and the maturity amount is not taxed.

Which is the best child plan to invest under Rs. 500?

Apart from Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, National Savings Certificate, and Post Office Term Deposit, all the investment plans mentioned in this blog allow you to invest with a minimum amount of Rs. 500.

What are the central government schemes for girl children?

The central government provides schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, ensuring financial security for education and marriage expenses, with tax benefits.

What is the SBI scheme for girl child?

SBI offers the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, a government-backed savings plan with attractive interest rates, aimed at the financial future of a girl child.

What is the best policy for a girl child?

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is considered the best policy, providing high returns, tax benefits, and financial security for education and marriage.

What are the post office schemes for a girl child?

Post offices offer Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which features a minimum annual deposit, high interest, and long-term maturity benefits.

Is there a post office RD plan of ₹1,000 per month for 5 years?

Yes, post offices offer recurring deposit (RD) plans with flexible monthly investments like ₹1,000 for 5 years, suitable for long-term savings.


Harshit Singh
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