Three different rules
Withdrawal, maturity, and closing early
सुकन्या समृद्धि योजना निकासी नियम
Last reviewed: 11 November 2026
Money leaves a Sukanya Samriddhi account in three ways. They use different forms, different ages, and different reasons. A page that treats “withdrawal” as one rule is mixing them.
The forms are submitted to the post office or bank that holds the account, not to this website.
1. Education — a partial withdrawal, Form-3
Paragraph 8 of the 2019 Scheme. The account stays open.
- Purpose: her education, not a household expense and not a wedding.
- When: after she turns 18 or passes Class 10, whichever is earlier.
- How much: at most 50% of the balance at the end of the financial year before the year of the application.
- Proof: a confirmed offer of admission, or a fee slip that shows the amount required.
- Shape: one lump, or instalments. Not more than one withdrawal a year, for at most five years, and only up to the actual fee and charges on the offer or the fee slip.
The National Savings Institute “at a glance” page restates the 50% education withdrawal after 18 or Class 10, whichever is earlier. Its scheme page describes the withdrawal as being for higher education, to meet education expenses. The operative limits are the ones in paragraph 8.
2. Maturity — 21 years, Form-4
The account matures when 21 years have passed from the date of opening (paragraphs 2(1)(i) and 9(1)). Deposits themselves stop earlier, at 15 years. The calculator shows those as two different dates.
On Form-4, the balance and the interest payable go to the account holder (paragraph 9(3)).
The 2019 Scheme text used here does not say whether an account that nobody closes keeps earning the scheme rate after the 21st year. Do not treat either “interest stops” or “interest continues” as a rule until the post office or bank shows you a current circular. What is certain is the maturity date and Form-4.
3. Closing before maturity
Paragraphs 7 and 9(2). This closes the account. It is not the 50% education withdrawal.
Death of the girl. Close on Form-2 with the death certificate. The guardian is paid the balance and interest up to the date of death. From the date of death until the account is closed, interest is at the Post Office Savings Account rate, not the Sukanya rate.
Extreme compassionate grounds. The Scheme’s examples are medical support in a life-threatening disease of the account holder, or the death of the guardian where that causes undue hardship. The reasons have to be given in writing. The accounts office may allow closure, and scheme-rate interest is paid. No closure of this kind before five years from opening.
Intended marriage. Closure before 21 years is allowed if she applies because she intends to marry, and proof of age shows she will be not less than 18 on the date of marriage. She gives a declaration on non-judicial stamp paper attested by a notary. Closure is not allowed before one month from the intended marriage, or after three months from the date of marriage. The NSI scheme page shortens this to: the account can be closed prematurely if she marries after attaining 18.
Marriage is not a reason for the partial Form-3 withdrawal. If the need is a wedding, the rule is this closure, and only inside that window.
A short way to choose
| Need | What happens | Form | Earliest |
|---|---|---|---|
| School or college fees | Up to half, account stays open | Form-3 | 18, or Class 10, whichever is earlier |
| The account has run its term | Whole balance payable | Form-4 | 21 years from opening |
| She has died | Account closed | Form-2 | When the death certificate is produced |
| Medical hardship, or guardian’s death | Account may be closed | As the accounts office requires | Not before 5 years |
| She is getting married | Account closed, if the dates fit | Declaration plus the closure the Scheme requires | 18 on the wedding date, and only in the one-month / three-month window |
Deposit years, the ₹250 minimum, and the default penalty are on the opening page. None of those forms are filled in here.
Related pages
How a Sukanya Samriddhi account is opened
Open a Sukanya Samriddhi account at a post office or authorised bank. Girl under 10, one account, Form-1 and birth certificate. Checker included.
Sukanya Samriddhi calculator
Estimate a Sukanya Samriddhi maturity from a yearly deposit of ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh. Default rate 8.2% for Oct–Dec 2026. Nothing is sent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw after she turns 18?
For her education, yes, within limits. On Form-3, up to 50% of the balance at the end of the financial year before the application year, after she is 18 or has passed Class 10, whichever is earlier. It is not a general withdrawal.
When does the account mature?
On completion of 21 years from the date of opening. The balance and interest due are payable when the account holder applies on Form-4.
Can the account be closed for marriage?
It can be closed before 21 years for an intended marriage only if she will be at least 18 on the marriage date. Closure is not allowed earlier than one month before the marriage or later than three months after it. That is a closure, not a partial withdrawal.
What happens if the girl dies?
The account is closed on Form-2 with the death certificate. Interest until the date of death is at the scheme rate. From the date of death until closure, interest is at the Post Office Savings Account rate.
Can it be closed for a medical emergency?
On extreme compassionate grounds, such as life-threatening illness of the account holder or the death of the guardian causing hardship, the accounts office may allow closure after written reasons. Not before five years from opening. Scheme-rate interest is paid.
Does interest stop at 21 years if nobody closes the account?
The 2019 Scheme text used here does not say. The account matures at 21 years and the balance is payable on Form-4. This page does not claim that interest continues, or that it stops, after that year.