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Safe Investments with High Returns in India 2026

For most risk-averse investors, the aim is to invest in assets that offer a balance of low risk and high returns. Whether you want to start investing or expand your investment portfolio, it is vital to learn about different types of investment options.

The market offers a range of options, including government-backed schemes, market-linked products, and more. So, to choose the right one, you need to analyse and compare the available options. Low-risk investments are not just good for risk-averse investors; they also help mitigate risk in an investment portfolio.

In India, there is a range of low-risk investments that also offer high returns. Read on to learn about various safe investments with high returns in India.

Top Safe Investments In India

There are a plethora of safe investment options available in India. It is obvious to get confused between them. To choose the best one, it is essential to analyse your investment goals, risk appetite, and budget.

Below, we have discussed some of the safest investment options in India:

Fixed Deposits in Banks

Fixed deposits (FDs) are considered to be one of the safest investments in India. FDs offer much higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, making them preferable for conservative investors.

  • A 5-year tax-saving fixed deposit investment is also eligible for ₹1.5 lakhs tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
  • Fixed deposits are also offered at a slightly higher interest rate for senior citizens.
  • The interest rate for a fixed deposit varies based on factors such as investment tenor, deposit amount, residential status (resident or NRI), and the bank selected.
  • Normally, there is a penalty for early withdrawal from FDs.
  • In addition to banks, fixed deposit plans are available from several other financial institutions.

Public Provident Fund

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings plan that encourages long-term savings.

  • PPF has a 15-year lock-in period, which helps a person stay financially disciplined over time.
  • Since it is a government-backed scheme, it is generally considered one of the safest investment options in India.
  • For PPF, you can also get tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
  • Just like bank fixed deposits, PPF also offers an interest rate that is significantly higher than that of a regular bank savings account.
  • Also, it attracts compound interest. Hence, it is a good option for risk-averse investors who want to preserve their capital while still earning higher returns than regular savings accounts.
  • Upon maturity, you may either redeem funds or extend them for another 5 years.

National Pension Scheme

The National Pension System (NPS) is a government-funded retirement investment scheme aimed at individuals having the capacity to create a steady pension corpus.

  • The scheme is regulated and managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
  • PFRDA maintains transparency and oversees the scheme's management.
  • NPS funds are spread out across different asset classes, such as liquid funds, fixed deposits, and corporate bonds.
  • Under NPS, investors may choose between various schemes that match their financial goals and risk tolerance.
  • The returns are not fixed and depend on the funds chosen and the allocation of assets. Consequently, the interest or return earned may be different in various NPS funds.
  • The returns are not guaranteed and vary depending on the choice of funds and asset allocation.

Gold Investment

Gold has always been a preferred investment for Indians. In India, this metal is not only a symbol of wealth but also deeply intertwined with the culture, which makes it an evergreen investment option.

  • You may purchase gold jewellery, bars, or coins, or bars as these are good for both daily use and value retention over time.
  • Besides holding physical gold, investors also have the possibility to invest in gold via financial instruments. These are gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and sovereign gold bonds that enable individuals to have exposure to gold without the requirement of its physical storage.

Government Securities (G-Secs)

Government Securities (G-Sec) bonds were introduced as a substitute for the old 8% Saving Bonds.

  • The bonds were introduced in 2018 and are considered a safe investment option because they are backed by the government.
  • As the name suggests, the company offers interest payout annually at a rate of 7.75%.
  • The main point that makes G-Sec bonds special is their low price, since investors can start investing with an amount of only ₹1,000. This makes them open to a large number of investors seeking a safe, government-supported investment.

National Savings Certificate

Next on the list of safest investments in India is the National Savings Certificate. NSC is a fixed-income investment instrument backed by the government that is available at banks and post offices.

  • One can open an account with a minimum amount of ₹1,000 and make additional investments in multiples of ₹100 either through up to 12 instalments or by depositing the entire amount at once.
  • The interest on NSC is paid at the time of maturity, as decided by the Ministry of Finance.
  • The scheme has a lock-in period of five years, and investments up to ₹1.5 lakhs are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961.

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme

The scheme is highly preferred by Indian households for a consistent source of passive income.

  • Besides, the Indian postal service has various account options like single accounts, joint accounts, and accounts opened by a guardian or parent on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind. Therefore, it is available to a wide spectrum of investors.
  • A minimum investment of ₹1,000 is required to open an account.
  • The maximum balance allowed is ₹4.5 lakh for single accounts and ₹9 lakh for joint accounts, as per the scheme's limits.

To Conclude

Investment requires a detailed understanding of the security, your financial goals, and risk appetite. So, before you invest, it is essential to learn all about the chosen asset. At Jio Insurance Broking, we can be your partner in your investment journey. In comparison to investment, we are there to assist you. Choose your preferred safe investment options in India to begin with.

FAQs

Investments with a low or no risk of capital loss are considered safe in India. Common examples include fixed deposits, PPF, EPF, and government bonds.

Yes, certain safe investment options in India offer scope for high returns. Although a very high return is typically possible with higher risk. With safe investments, you may earn returns of 6-9% annually.

Yes. The highlighting feature of bank fixed deposits is safety. Still, one of the safest investments in India is fixed deposits. They may not always keep pace with inflation, but they offer predictable returns.

Typically, mutual funds are not considered a highly safe investment. These are comparatively safer than many other investment options. Debt mutual funds and conservative hybrid funds are comparatively safer than equity mutual funds and may also offer higher returns than Bank FDs.

Yes. You can create an investment portfolio to balance risks and rewards. For instance, you may invest in FDs, PPF, debt funds, and limited equity exposure.

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