Govt Announces New Profit Rates on National Savings Schemes. The Government of Pakistan has officially announced revised profit rates on National Savings Schemes, bringing changes that directly affect millions of investors, pensioners, and salaried individuals who rely on these schemes for stable returns.
According to the latest notification issued by the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS), the new rates came into effect on January 23, 2026. The revision reflects adjustments in line with broader monetary policy and prevailing interest rate trends in the country.
This update includes rate cuts on most National Savings instruments, while a few accounts have retained their previous returns.
Why National Savings Profit Rates Matter
National Savings Schemes are considered one of the safest investment options in Pakistan, especially for:
- Retired government employees
- Pensioners
- Senior citizens
- Low-risk investors
- Families seeking fixed monthly income
Any change in profit rates directly impacts household income planning, long-term savings, and retirement strategies.
Key Highlights of the January 2026 Revision
- Profit rates on most certificates have been reduced
- Returns for pensioners and welfare schemes remain comparatively higher
- Islamic savings products continue to offer competitive returns
- Savings Accounts and Special Savings Accounts show stability
Updated Profit Rates on National Savings Schemes (2026)
Below is the official table of revised profit rates, effective from January 23, 2026:
| S. No | Name of Scheme | Profit Rate (Per Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Defence Savings Certificates (DSC) | 10.44% |
| 2 | Behbood Savings Certificates (BSC) | 12.00% |
| Pensioners Benefit Account (PBA) | 12.00% | |
| Shuhada Family Welfare Account (SFWA) | 12.00% | |
| 3 | Regular Income Certificates (RIC) | 9.96% |
| 4 | Special Savings Certificates (SSC) | 9.40% |
| 5 | Special Savings Account (SSA) | 10.20% |
| 6 | Savings Account | 9.00% |
| 7 | Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA) | 9.92% |
| 8 | Sarwa Islamic Term Account (SITA) | 9.96% |
Scheme-Wise Breakdown and What Changed
Defence Savings Certificates (DSC)
The profit rate on DSC has been reduced by 64 basis points, bringing it down to 10.44% per annum. This scheme is popular for long-term investors seeking lump-sum maturity, but the revised rate slightly lowers future returns.
Behbood Savings Certificates (BSC)
Returns on BSC have been cut by 48 basis points, now offering 12% per annum. Despite the reduction, BSC remains one of the highest-paying National Savings schemes, especially designed for senior citizens.
Pensioners Benefit Account (PBA)
PBA also now offers 12% annual profit after a 48 basis point reduction. This account continues to support retired government employees with steady monthly income.
Shuhada Family Welfare Account (SFWA)
The SFWA profit rate has been aligned with BSC and PBA at 12% per annum, ensuring continued financial support for families of martyrs.
Regular Income Certificates (RIC)
The profit rate on RIC has been reduced by 60 basis points, bringing it to 9.96% per annum. RIC is commonly used for monthly income, and the cut slightly affects cash-flow planning.
Special Savings Certificates (SSC)
SSC witnessed one of the largest reductions, with an 80 basis point cut, lowering the return to 9.4% per annum.
Special Savings Account (SSA)
Unlike most schemes, the SSA rate remains unchanged at 10.2% per annum, offering some stability for short- to medium-term savers.
Savings Account
The basic National Savings Account continues to offer 9% annual profit, suitable for individuals looking for liquidity and low risk.
Islamic National Savings Schemes – Latest Rates
Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA)
SISA now offers 9.92% per annum, providing Shariah-compliant savings with competitive returns.
Sarwa Islamic Term Account (SITA)
The SITA profit rate stands at 9.96% per annum, making it a strong option for fixed-term Islamic investments.
Who Is Most Affected by the Rate Cuts?
The revised rates mainly affect:
- Long-term certificate holders
- Investors relying on monthly income
- Retirees using savings for household expenses
However, pensioners and welfare beneficiaries continue to enjoy relatively higher returns compared to other schemes.
Why Did the Government Revise Profit Rates?
Profit rate revisions are typically linked to:
- Changes in the policy interest rate
- Inflation trends
- Government borrowing costs
- Overall economic conditions
The January 2026 adjustment suggests alignment with broader monetary policy objectives.
Should You Invest After the Rate Cut?
Even with reduced returns, National Savings Schemes remain:
- Government-backed
- Low risk
- Stable
- Reliable for fixed income
For risk-averse investors, these schemes still offer better security than many market-based options.
Conclusion
The government’s decision to revise National Savings profit rates from January 23, 2026, brings moderate reductions across most schemes. While returns have declined, National Savings instruments continue to play a critical role in Pakistan’s savings ecosystem, especially for pensioners, senior citizens, and conservative investors.
