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Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): Eligibility, Features, Interest Rates & Returns

Updated on: Mar 21st, 2024

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27 min read

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Kisan Vikas Patra is a certificate scheme from the Indian post office. It doubles a one-time investment in a period of approximately 9.5 years (115 months). For instance, a Kisan Vikas Patra for Rs.5,000 will get you a corpus of Rs.10,000 post-maturity. In this article, we will explore the features and potential of this scheme.

What is Kisan Vikas Patra?

India Post introduced the Kisan Vikas Patra as a small saving certificate scheme in 1988. Its primary objective is to encourage long-term financial discipline in people. As per the latest update, the tenure for the scheme is now 115 months (9 years and 5 months).

The minimum investment amount is Rs.1,000, and there is no upper limit. And if you invest a lump sum amount today, you can get double the amount at the end of the 115th month. Initially, it was meant for farmers to enable them to save for the long term, hence the name. Now it is available for all. 

To prevent the possibility of money laundering, the government in 2014 made PAN card proof compulsory for investments above Rs.50,000. To deposit Rs.10 lakh and above, you must submit income proofs (salary slips, bank statements, ITR documents etc.).  

It is a low-risk savings platform where you can safely park your money for a certain period. Further, it is also mandatory to submit the Aadhaar number as proof of identity of the account holder.

Types of certificates available

A Kisan Vikas Patra certificate can be of the following types:

  • Single Holder Type Certificate: This kind of certificate is issued to an adult for themselves or on behalf of a minor or to a minor.
  • Joint ‘A’ Type Certificate: This type of certificate is issued jointly to two adults, payable to both the holders jointly or to the survivor.
  • Joint ‘B’ Type Certificate: This type of certificate is issued jointly to two adults, payable to either of the holders or to the survivor.

KVP Eligibility

The following are eligible for investing in KVP:

  • The applicant must be an Indian citizen
  • The applicant must be above 18 years of age
  • An adult can apply on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind
  • Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to invest in KVP

Who should invest in the KVP Scheme?

Any Indian citizen above the age of 18 years can buy a Kisan Vikas Patra from the nearest post office. People from rural India (with no bank account) find this particularly appealing. You can also buy a KVP for a minor or jointly with another adult. Don’t forget to mention the date of birth of the minor and the name of the parent/guardian. A Trust can also buy one, but not a HUF or an NRI.

KVP is a good choice for risk-averse individuals, who have surplus money, which they may not require in the near future. It all depends on your risk profile and goals. 

For instance, people seeking tax-saving schemes have better options like Public Provident FundNational Saving Certificates and tax saving bank FD Schemes. If you are open to some level of risk exposure, you have the Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS). Hence, play to your financial strengths.

Features and benefits of Kisan Vikas Patra 

Guaranteed returns

Regardless of the market fluctuations, you will get the sum guaranteed. As this scheme was originally intended for the farming community, the priority was to encourage them to save for rainy days.

Capital protection

It is a safe mode of investment and not subject to market risks. You will receive the investment and gains when the tenure ends.

Interest

The effective interest rate for Kisan Vikas Patra varies depending on the number of years invested in KVP  at the time of purchase. The current interest rate is 7.5% p.a. for the Q1 FY 2024-25, i.e. quarter starting from 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2024, compounded yearly. By compounding the interest, you will receive more returns on your deposit.

Maturity

The maturity period for Kisan Vikas Patra is 115 months, and you can avail of the corpus then. The maturity proceeds of KVP will continue to accrue interest till you withdraw the amount.

Taxation

Investment in KVP is not eligible for deduction under the 80C, and the Interest income are completely taxable. TDS @ 10% is deducted every year on the Interest credited. Maturity proceeds are also not taxable since it is essential repayment of the principal and Interest ( which is already taxed at the time of accrual every year) 

Rules to premature withdrawal

Though the account matures after 115 months, the lock-in period is 30 months (2 years and six months). Encashing the scheme early is not allowed unless in the account holder’s demise or court order.

Ease & affordability

KVP is available in denominations of Rs.1,000, Rs.5000, Rs.10,000, and also Rs.50,000 for investment. There is no maximum limit. Please note that denominations of Rs.50,000 are available only at the head post office of a city.

Loan against KVP certificate

You can use your KVP certificate as collateral or security to avail secured loans. The interest rate is comparatively lower for such loans.

Nomination facility

Collect a nomination form from the post office, and fill up the required information about the nominee. If you are nominating a minor, mention the date of birth.

KVP certificate issuance

If payment is done through cash, they issue the KVP Certificate on the spot, and for cheque, demand draft or money order, you will have to wait till the amount is cleared to the post office.

KVP Identity Slip

This includes the Kisan Vikas Patra Certificate, the KVP serial number, the amount, the maturity date, and the amount to be received on the date of maturity.

How KVP accrues interest & doubles the money – an example

KVP is a low-risk scheme. The table below shows the returns over the period for an investment of Rs 1,000.

Time

Account Balance(Rs)

2.5 years but < 3 years

1173 

3 years but < 3.5 years

1211 

3.5 years but < 4 years

1251 

4 years but < 4.5 years

1291 

4.5 years but < 5 years

1333 

5 years but < 5.5 years

1377 

5.5 years but < 6 years

1421 

6 years but < 6.5 years

1467 

6.5 years but < 7 years

1515 

7 years but < 7.5 years

1564 

7.5 years but < 8 years

1615 

8 years but < 8.5 years

1667 

8.5 years < 9 years

1722 

9 years but before maturity

1778 

On maturity of the certificate

2000

Historic Interest Rates of KVP

Quarter/Financial Year

2016-2017

2017-2018

2018-2019

2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

2022-2023

2023-2024

April-June

7.8% (will mature in 110 months)

7.6% (will mature in 113 months)

7.3% (will mature in 118 months)

7.7% (will mature in 112 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

7.5% (will mature in 115 months)

July-September

7.8% (will mature in 110 months)

7.5% (will mature in 115 months)

7.3% (will mature in 118 months)

7.6% (will mature in 113 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

7.5% (will mature in 115 months)

October-December

7.7% (will mature in 112 months)

7.5% (will mature in 115 months)

7.7% (will mature in 112 months)

7.6% (will mature in 113 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

7.0% (will mature in 123 months)

7.5% (will mature in 115 months)

January-March

7.7% (will mature in 112 months)

7.3% (will mature in 118 months)

7.7% (will mature in 112 months)

7.6% (will mature in 113 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

6.9% (will mature in 124 months)

7.2% (will mature in 120 months)

7.5% (will mature in 115 months)

Steps to invest in Kisan Vikas Patra and documents required

Investing in Kisan Vikas Patra is simple, as mentioned below.

Step 1: Collect the application form, Form A, and fill the form with the necessary information.

Step 2: Submit the duly filled form to the post office or bank.

Step 3: If the investment in KVP is through an agent, then the agent should fill out Form A1. You can also download these forms online.

Step 4: The Know Your Customer (KYC) process is mandatory, and you need to submit the ID and address proof copy (PAN, Aadhaar, Voter’s ID, Driver’s License, or Passport).

Step 5: Once the documents are verified, you must make the deposit. The payment can be made by cash, locally executed cheque, pay order, or demand draft drawn in the favour of the postmaster.

Step 6: You will get a KVP certificate immediately unless you make payment by cheque, pay order, or demand draft. Keep this safe as you will need to submit this at the time of maturity. You can also request them to send you the certificate by email.

In short, if Kisan Vikas Patra seems like a worthwhile investment that matches your financial goals, invest immediately. It is easy enough to open and manage. All you need to do is have the amount ready and pay one visit to the nearest post office. The facility to invest in KVP using Department Of Post(DOP) internet banking has also been enabled.

Nomination

Single holders or joint holders of a certificate can make a nomination by filling up the details in Form C at the time of purchase. You can nominate any person so that the nominee will be entitled to the benefits of the certificate in the event of the death of the single holder or both joint holders.

If the nomination is not made at the time of purchase, the single holder, joint holders, or the surviving joint holder can make a nomination at any time after the purchase of the certificate but before maturity by submitting the duly filled Form C. Submit it to the postmaster or bank officer where the certificate is registered.

However, no nomination can be made if the certificate is applied for and held by or on behalf of a minor. If a nomination is made in this case by the holder or holders of the certificate will be canceled or altered using Form D.

When you have more than one certificate registered on different dates, you have to make separate applications for the nomination, cancellation of the nomination, or variation of the nomination. Such an application will be effective from the date of its registration and will be noted on the certificate. Nominations made for the first time are free of cost. Subsequent nominations or cancellations will be charged Rs.20 per application.

How to transfer KVP from one person to another ?

A certificate can be transferred from one person to another with the consent of an officer of the post office or bank in the following cases:

  • From a deceased person to his/her heir.
  • From the holder to the court of law or to any person as specified by the court of law.
  • From a single holder to the names of joint holders where the transferee is one.
  • From joint holders to one of the joint holders.
  • From single/joint holders to another person.

Further, an authorized postmaster or bank officer will give consent to the transfer only if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • If the transferee is eligible to purchase the certificate as per the rules.
  • If the transfer is made after the completion of at least a year from the date of certificate purchase or if the transfer is made before the completion of one year, the transfer must fall under one of the following categories:
    • Transfer made to a close relative out of natural love and affection. Here, close relative means husband, wife, lineal ascendent or descendent, brother, or sister.
    • Transfer to the heir or nominee of the deceased holder.
    • Transfer from the holder to the court of law or to any person as specified by the court of law.
    • Transfer in accordance with pledging the certificate at RBI, cooperative society or a scheduled bank.
    • Transfer in the survivor’s name in the event of the death of one of the joint holders.

No transfer is possible with respect to a certificate held by or on behalf of a minor until the minor is alive.

KVP helpline number

KVP customer care number – 1800 266 6868. 

Related Articles

National Savings Certificate (NSC)

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Public Provident Fund (PPF) Account

Post Office Saving Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my KVP transferred from the post office to the bank?

Yes, your certificate can be transferred from the post office/bank to any other post office/bank by submitting an application via Form B either at your post office or bank. The application must be signed by the holder or holders, except for Joint ‘A’ type certificates where one of the joint account holders can sign the application if the other is dead.

Can I transfer a KVP certificate to another person?

Yes, you can transfer a KVP certificate to another person with consent obtained from post office or bank. Further by fulfilling conditions mentioned above with the consent of the authorized postmaster or bank officer you can transfer your KVP certificate to another person. However you cannot transfer a KVP certificate of the held or on behalf of the minor until the minor is alive. 

Is the old certificate valid even after transferring it to another person?

No, upon successful transfer, a new certificate will be made available with the same issue date as the original certificate but in the name of the transferee.

In how many months will the KVP be doubled?

Your investment in KVP will be doubled within a period of 115 months, i.e. 9 years and 5 months.

Is KVP taxable?

KVP doesn’t come under the 80C deductions, thus the returns are completely taxable. However, withdrawals made after the maturity of the scheme are exempt from Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

How can I encash KVP after maturity?

Upon maturity of the scheme, the payable amount shall be credited directly to the bank/post office savings account of the certificate holder. Thus, encashment of KVP can be processed from the same post office/bank from which it was issued. The identity slip allocated to you at the time of issue must be submitted while encashment. 

How to buy KVP online?

The online process to buy KVP is as follows:

  • Go to the India Post website or login to internet banking
  • Select “Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)” and download the KVP Form A.
  • Fill up your personal details.
  • Mention the investment amount, mode of payment and choose the type of certificate you want.
  • Fill in the nomination details and submit them to the bank/post office along with the KYC documents.
  • Once the documents are verified, you must make the deposit. The payment can be made by cash, locally executed cheque, pay order, or demand draft drawn in the favour of the postmaster.
  • You will get a KVP certificate immediately unless you make payment by cheque, pay order, or demand draft. Keep this safe as you will need to submit this at the time of maturity. You can also request them to send you the certificate by email.
Can I encash my KVP at a different Post Office when I have shifted to a different city?

KVP can be encashed at any Post Office if your identity slip is accepted and if it is confirmed by the Post Office that you started KVP. Ideally, it would be a lot easier for you if you could encash your KVP at the Post Office of issue.

What happens if KVP is not encashed after maturity?

In case the KVP certificate is not encashed after it reaches maturity, then you will be entitled to the post office savings interest, at the rate applicable on the entire payable maturity amount, at the given time. If the certificate is encashed within a month after maturity of the scheme, no interest shall be paid.

Is KVP taxable on maturity?

Yes. KVP is taxable upon maturity. There is no tax benefit under this scheme. The interests accrued are taxable under ‘income from other sources’, paid every year. 

Is Kisan Vikas Patra interest taxable?

The interests on KVP are taxable on accrual basis every financial year and tax is applied on the same as ‘Income from other sources’. 

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