Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a Post Office scheme that doubles your money over a fixed period — currently 115 months (9 years 7 months) at the prevailing 7.5% rate. No 80C benefit, no tax exemption on interest, but completely safe and government-backed.
What is KVP?
KVP was launched in 1988 originally for rural farmers (hence 'Kisan'). Today it's open to any Indian citizen. The scheme's identity is the doubling promise — your investment becomes exactly 2× the original at maturity, regardless of inflation or rate changes during the period.
Currently the rate is 7.5%, which translates to a doubling time of about 115 months (~9 years 7 months) using the formula t = ln(2) / ln(1+r) × 12. When government adjusts the rate quarterly, the doubling time adjusts proportionally for new investments.
Tax: no 80C benefit. Interest is fully taxable each year as it accrues, even though paid only at maturity. So most tax-paying investors prefer PPF or NSC over KVP. KVP is more useful for those outside the tax net or for parking idle funds with absolute safety.
Doubling formula
- r
- Annual rate—currently 7.5%
How to use this calculator
Two inputs: amount and rate.
Enter investment amount
Minimum ₹1,000, no upper cap. Sold in fixed denominations: ₹1,000, ₹5,000, ₹10,000, ₹50,000.
Set the rate
7.5% is current. Calculator shows the exact doubling time for any rate.
When KVP makes sense
Risk-averse savings
Government-backed, fixed-return, doubling-promise — for those who value certainty over returns.
Parking funds outside tax net
Senior citizens, homemakers, or those below taxable income can use KVP without the tax disadvantage.
Long-term gift / inheritance vehicle
Buy in someone else's name with their PAN. Transferable between people.
Glossary
- KVP
- Kisan Vikas Patra — Post Office scheme that doubles investment over a fixed period.
- Doubling period
- Time for investment to grow to 2× — varies with the prevailing rate.
- Transferability
- KVP certificates can be transferred between people, unlike most Post Office schemes.