This article explains public information. It does not determine eligibility or replace an official notice.
Current profit rates by scheme (table)
The Central Directorate of National Savings sets profit rates aligned with State Bank of Pakistan policy rates and Pakistan Investment Bond yields. The table below details current annual rates, payout schedules, gross monthly returns per Rs. 100,000, and net monthly returns after withholding tax (WHT) for active tax filers (15%) and non-filers (30%).
| Scheme / Certificate Name | Tenure | Annual Rate | Payout Frequency | Gross Payout per Rs. 100,000 | Net Monthly (Active Filer - 15%) | Net Monthly (Non-Filer - 30%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behbood Savings Certificates (BSC) | 10 Years | 12.96% | Monthly | Rs. 1,080 | Rs. 1,080 (Tax Exempt) | Rs. 1,080 (Tax Exempt) |
| Pensioner Benefit Account (PBA) | 10 Years | 12.96% | Monthly | Rs. 1,080 | Rs. 1,080 (Tax Exempt) | Rs. 1,080 (Tax Exempt) |
| Shuhada Family Welfare Account (SFWA) | 10 Years | 12.96% | Monthly | Rs. 1,080 | Rs. 1,080 (Tax Exempt) | Rs. 1,080 (Tax Exempt) |
| Regular Income Certificates (RIC) | 5 Years | 12.12% | Monthly | Rs. 1,010 | Rs. 858.50 | Rs. 707.00 |
| Special Savings Certificates (SSC) | 3 Years | 12.00% – 12.80% | Bi-Annually | Rs. 6,000 / Rs. 6,400 (Bi-Annual) | Rs. 5,100 / Rs. 5,440 | Rs. 4,200 / Rs. 4,480 |
| Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA) | Open | 11.84% (Expected) | Monthly Payout | Rs. 986.67 (Calculated) | Rs. 838.67 | Rs. 690.67 |
| Sarwa Islamic Term Account (SITA - 1 Yr) | 1 Year | 11.84% (Expected) | Monthly / Maturity | Rs. 986.67 (Monthly) | Rs. 838.67 | Rs. 690.67 |
| Defence Savings Certificates (DSC) | 10 Years | 12.05% (Compounded) | At Maturity | Rs. 215,000 per Rs. 100,000 | Compounded at Maturity | Compounded at Maturity |
| Short Term Savings Certificates (3 Months) | 3 Months | 11.12% | At Maturity | Rs. 2,780 (Quarterly) | Rs. 2,363 | Rs. 1,946 |
| Savings Account (Conventional) | Open | 10.00% | Bi-Annually | Rs. 833.33 (Monthly Accrual) | Rs. 708.33 | Rs. 583.33 |
Who is eligible for national savings profit rates
National Savings schemes feature distinct eligibility criteria based on product purpose and welfare status:
- **Welfare Scheme Beneficiaries:** Senior citizens (aged 60+), widows, disabled individuals with Special CNICs, and families of martyrs (Shuhada) qualify for Behbood, PBA, and SFWA accounts. Individual investment is capped at Rs. 7.5 million (Rs. 15 million for joint eligible accounts).
- **General Public Investors:** All Pakistani citizens with a valid CNIC can invest in Regular Income Certificates (RIC), Special Savings Certificates (SSC), and Defence Savings Certificates (DSC). Minors can invest through a legal guardian using a NADRA B-Form.
- **Overseas Pakistanis:** Non-resident citizens holding a NICOP or POC can invest in CDNS certificates and Sarwa Islamic products via Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) or digital portals.
Monthly profit calculator
To calculate net monthly income from any National Savings certificate, apply this standard arithmetic formula: Gross Monthly Profit = (Principal Investment x Annual Rate) / 12, then subtract applicable Withholding Tax (15% for filers or 30% for non-filers).
| Scheme (Rs. 1,000,000) | Annual Rate | Gross Monthly | Filer Tax (15%) | Net Monthly (Filer) | Non-Filer Tax (30%) | Net Monthly (Non-Filer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behbood Savings Certificates | 12.96% | Rs. 10,800 | Rs. 0 (Exempt) | Rs. 10,800 | Rs. 0 (Exempt) | Rs. 10,800 |
| Regular Income Certificates (RIC) | 12.12% | Rs. 10,100 | Rs. 1,515 | Rs. 8,585 | Rs. 3,030 | Rs. 7,070 |
| Sarwa Islamic Savings (SISA) | 11.84% | Rs. 9,867 | Rs. 1,480 | Rs. 8,387 | Rs. 2,960 | Rs. 6,907 |
| Special Savings (SSC - Periods 1-5) | 12.00% | Rs. 10,000 (Equiv.) | Rs. 1,500 | Rs. 8,500 | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 7,000 |
| Special Savings (SSC - Period 6) | 12.80% | Rs. 10,667 (Equiv.) | Rs. 1,600 | Rs. 9,067 | Rs. 3,200 | Rs. 7,467 |
How each certificate works
Each National Savings product addresses distinct investment horizons and cash flow preferences:
Behbood Savings Certificates (BSC)
Designed for social protection, Behbood Certificates feature a 10-year term with monthly profit distributions. Early encashment before 4 years incurs nominal service deductions (1.00% in Year 1 down to 0.25% in Year 4; zero penalty after Year 4). Profits are completely exempt from income tax and compulsory Zakat.
Regular Income Certificates (RIC)
RIC provides predictable monthly cash flow for individual savers. Available in denominations from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,000,000 with a 5-year maturity, profit distributions begin 30 days post-issuance. Withholding tax applies at source based on your FBR status.
Defence Savings Certificates (DSC)
DSC is structured for long-term capital accumulation over a 10-year term. It pays no periodic income; returns compound annually (10% Year 1, 34% Year 3, 67% Year 5, 113% Year 7, and 215% cumulative at maturity). A Rs. 100,000 investment grows to Rs. 315,000 upon full maturity.
Special Savings Certificates (SSC)
SSC offers a 3-year term with bi-annual profit distributions. The first five six-month distributions yield 12.00% per annum, while the sixth and final payment steps up to 12.80% per annum, rewarding investors who hold to maturity.
Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA)
Operating under Islamic Mudarabah principles approved by the CDNS Shariah Board, SISA invests exclusively in Shariah-compliant government assets. Returns are calculated daily and credited monthly, offering full liquidity without lock-in penalties.
How to invest and where
- **National Savings Centers (NSCs):** Visit any of the 370+ branch centers nationwide or authorized commercial bank branches (NBP, HBL, BOP).
- **Digital Qaumi Bachat App:** Register using your CNIC, active mobile number, and email. Complete biometric verification, link your commercial bank account via 1-Link or Raast, and purchase certificates online.
- **Submit Required Documents:** Present original CNIC/NICOP, proof of income, passport photographs, nominee CNIC copy, and Form CZ-50 for Zakat exemption.
Tax on profit
Profits earned on National Savings investments are governed by federal tax statutes under Section 151 of the Income Tax Ordinance:
Active Tax Filers on the FBR Active Taxpayer List (ATL) face a 15% withholding tax deducted at source, while Non-Filers face a punitive 30% rate. Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioner Benefit Accounts, and Shuhada Accounts are statutorily exempt from all withholding taxes and Zakat. For other accounts, a 2.5% Zakat deduction applies on the 1st of Ramadan unless an official Form CZ-50 affidavit is submitted 30 days prior.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current monthly profit on Behbood Savings Certificates in 2026?
The current profit rate for Behbood Savings Certificates is 12.96% per annum, paying Rs. 1,080 per month on an investment of Rs. 100,000.
How much profit does National Savings pay on Rs 100,000 in Regular Income Certificates (RIC)?
Regular Income Certificates pay a gross monthly return of Rs. 1,010 per Rs. 100,000, yielding Rs. 858.50 net after 15% filer tax and Rs. 707 net for non-filers.
Are Behbood and Pensioner accounts subject to withholding tax?
No, Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioner Benefit Accounts, and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts are completely exempt from withholding tax and Zakat.
What is the profit rate on Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA)?
The expected annual profit rate on Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA) is 11.84%, offering monthly Shariah-compliant returns based on Mudarabah contracts.
How much withholding tax is deducted on National Savings for non-filers?
Non-filers are subject to a 30% withholding tax on profit earnings, compared to 15% for active filers on the FBR Active Taxpayer List.
Can I withdraw my investment before certificate maturity?
Yes, you can encash certificates prematurely at any National Savings Center, though encashment within 1 to 4 years incurs nominal early withdrawal deductions.
What is the maximum investment limit for Behbood Savings Certificates?
The maximum investment limit for Behbood Savings Certificates is Rs. 7.5 million for an individual and Rs. 15 million for joint eligible accounts.
How do I avoid compulsory Zakat deduction on National Savings?
You can avoid Zakat deduction by submitting a notarized Zakat Declaration Affidavit (Form CZ-50) on stamp paper at your branch at least 30 days before Ramadan.
Can overseas Pakistanis invest in National Savings schemes online?
Yes, overseas Pakistanis can invest in National Savings products and Sarwa Islamic schemes remotely through Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) or the Digital Qaumi Bachat app.
When are monthly profits credited to an investor's bank account?
Monthly profits are credited on the monthly anniversary date of the certificate purchase, accessible via ATM debit cards or direct electronic bank transfers.
Sources and official links
Check the destination address before entering personal information.
Muhammad Salman specializes in Pakistani public sector financing, youth entrepreneurship schemes, and government subsidy programmes, cross-referencing all data against official SBP circulars and ministry directives.
Related guides
Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026–27: Comprehensive Budget Allocation & Project Breakdown
Discover the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026–27 outlay of Rs 3,675 billion, including Rs 1,000 billion for Federal PSDP, provincial ADPs, NHA and Water sector allocations, 5Es strategy, and Q1 fund release updates.
Read guide
Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program 2026: Loan, Eligibility & How to Apply
The Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program (Ghar Ho Tu Apna) gives first-time buyers federal home loans up to Rs 10 million at a 5% fixed markup for the first 10 years, repayable over 20 years through partner banks. Apply online at apnaghar.gov.pk.
Read guide
Federal Contributory Pension Scheme: FGDC Rules, Contributions & Benefits
Pakistan's Federal Contributory Pension Scheme (FGDC) covers federal employees hired after 1 July 2024. The employee contributes 10% and the government 12% (22% total) into an individually invested fund managed by licensed pension fund managers.
Read guide
Jamabandi / LRMIS: How to Check Punjab Land Records Online
To check your Jamabandi and land records online in Punjab, visit the official Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) portal or the Punjab Zameen App, select your District, Tehsil, and Mauza, and search using your 13-digit CNIC. The system verifies title ownership, land area, Khewat shares, and mutation status instantly.
Read guide