POMIS 2026: Post Office Monthly Income Scheme Rate & Chart

Key Takeaways

• POMIS offers 7.4% annual interest for October–December 2026, paid monthly.
• Approximate monthly payouts before tax are ₹617 on ₹1 lakh, ₹3,083 on ₹5 lakh, ₹5,550 on ₹9 lakh and ₹9,250 on ₹15 lakh.
• Maximum deposits are ₹9 lakh in a single account and ₹15 lakh in a joint account, subject to individual limits.
• The tenure is five years, with principal returned at maturity.
• Interest is taxable; deposits offer no 80C deduction.
• Early closure attracts a 2% principal deduction after one year through three years, or 1% after three years before maturity.

Introduction

Under the POMIS scheme, monthly interest is paid on the lump sum amount deposited under the plan. Hence, the scheme will be helpful for those who wish to earn a steady stream of income every month. At 7.4% annual interest, a ₹9 lakh deposit earns ₹5,550 each month before tax.

This scheme allows the deposit of up to ₹9 lakh for individuals and ₹15 lakh for joint accounts in a five-year tenure. This guide provides details about the rate of interest, monthly interest payment, and all other aspects of the scheme.

POMIS Interest Rate 2026

The POMIS interest rate for 2026 is 7.4% per annum for the October–December quarter. The Ministry of Finance announced on 30 September 2026 that small savings rates would remain unchanged for this period.

Here is how the rate translates into income:

POMIS Monthly Income Chart (₹1 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh)

The following post office monthly income scheme chart shows illustrative payouts at 7.4% per annum.

Monthly figures are mathematical estimates before tax; actual payments follow the scheme’s rounding rules. Deposits above ₹9 lakh require a joint account and must satisfy each holder’s individual investment limit.

A post office monthly income scheme calculator uses this formula:

Monthly interest = Deposit × Annual interest rate ÷ 12

For example, ₹5,00,000 × 7.4% ÷ 12 gives approximately ₹3,083.33 each month.

Investment Limits and Tenure

Before choosing a deposit amount, consider both the account limit and your existing holdings.

The post office MIS 15 lakh limit applies to a joint account. It does not allow one person to invest ₹15 lakh through a single account.

For example, two adults holding a ₹15 lakh joint account are each treated as owning ₹7.5 lakh. Any other MIS deposits must be considered when checking their individual limits.

Who Should Invest in POMIS (and Who Should Not)?

The POMIS for senior citizens can supplement a pension, but it does not offer a higher rate specifically for older investors.

Eligible retirees should also compare it with the Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS), which currently offers 8.2% per annum with quarterly payouts.

Use the following comparison to assess suitability:

Keep emergency savings accessible separately. A predictable payout is useful only if committing the principal does not leave your household short of funds.

Premature Withdrawal Rules and Penalty

The POMIS premature withdrawal rules restrict access during the first year and deduct a percentage of the principal when an account is closed early.

The deduction applies to the deposit amount. For example, closing a ₹5 lakh account after two years would leave ₹4.9 lakh of principal payable after the 2% deduction.

POMIS vs SCSS vs Bank FD

POMIS, SCSS, and a bank Fixed Deposit (FD) can all provide predictable income, but their eligibility, payout frequency, and withdrawal terms differ.

SCSS eligibility and deposit rules should be checked before applying. Its higher rate may appeal to eligible retirees, while POMIS offers a monthly payment schedule.

You can review the official Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme details and compare them with a bank’s current FD terms. Focus on income after tax, payment frequency, and access to your principal when choosing an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the authors

Written by • Senior content editor

Avishek Bhattacharjee

Avishek has been writing about insurance for nearly a decade, translating complex insurance concepts, products, and industry developments into clear, practical insights. His writing helps readers better understand insurance and make more informed decisions.

Reviewed by • Business head

Ashwin Chadha

Ashwin Chadha brings 15+ years of experience across life and health insurance, backed by deep industry knowledge and a strong understanding of customer needs. His expertise helps simplify complex insurance concepts and deliver clear, credible insights that empower readers to make informed decisions.