If you’ve been planning to invest in the SBI Special Fixed Deposit scheme, popularly known as Amrit Kalash FD, there’s an important update: the scheme has officially been discontinued from April 1, 2025. But don’t worry — the country’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has introduced another attractive scheme that could offer even better interest returns for your savings.
SBI Special Fixed Deposit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Discontinued Scheme | Amrit Kalash FD (400-day tenure) |
| Old Interest Rate | 7.10% for general public, 7.60% for senior citizens |
| New Scheme | Amrit Vrishti FD (444-day tenure) |
| New Interest Rate | 7.25% for general public, 7.75% for senior citizens, 7.85% for super seniors |
| Effective From | January 3, 2025 |
| Last Date to Invest | March 31, 2025 |
With SBI Amrit Kalash FD now discontinued, the Amrit Vrishti FD is your best bet to secure high, guaranteed returns in 2025. It’s safe, trusted, and offers excellent rates — especially if you’re a senior citizen. But remember, the clock is ticking — March 31, 2025 is the last date to invest!
What Was SBI Amrit Kalash FD Scheme?
The SBI Amrit Kalash FD was a limited-time special deposit scheme offering a 400-day fixed deposit tenure. It provided relatively higher interest rates:
- 7.10% per annum for the general public
- 7.60% per annum for senior citizens
This scheme was aimed at helping people lock in a high return over a medium-term investment horizon. However, SBI officially withdrew this scheme starting April 1, 2025, after extending it multiple times due to high demand.
see also: FD vs Post Office National Time Deposit Account: Get How Much Interest Now
What’s Replacing Amrit Kalash? – Introducing SBI Amrit Vrishti FD
With Amrit Kalash gone, SBI Amrit Vrishti FD has taken its place as the next go-to high-interest scheme. It was launched on July 15, 2024, and is still available for a limited period until March 31, 2025.
Interest Rates Offered
The Amrit Vrishti Fixed Deposit is slightly longer in duration — 444 days — and offers higher returns:
- 7.25% for regular depositors
- 7.75% for senior citizens (60+)
- 7.85% for super senior citizens (80+)
These rates are among the highest SBI has offered in recent years, making this scheme especially lucrative for those looking to beat inflation with a safe, fixed-income product.
“SBI Amrit Vrishti FD offers a smart investment option with guaranteed returns for people seeking safety and security,” said a senior SBI official during the scheme’s launch.
How to Invest in SBI Amrit Vrishti FD
Investing in this special FD is simple. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check Eligibility
- Any Indian resident, senior citizen, or super senior citizen can invest.
2. Choose Investment Amount
- Minimum investment starts from Rs 1,000
- No maximum cap (subject to TDS rules and bank policies)
3. Tenure
- Fixed at 444 days only
4. Open the FD Account
You can open an Amrit Vrishti FD through:
- SBI YONO App
- SBI Internet Banking
- Nearest SBI branch
5. Nomination & TDS
- You can nominate a beneficiary.
- TDS is applicable as per current income tax rules.
Why Choose SBI Fixed Deposits?
SBI FDs are backed by the sovereign guarantee of the Government of India, as SBI is a public sector bank. Here are more reasons why many prefer SBI FDs:
- Trust and safety of your funds
- Wide branch network for easy access
- Higher interest rates for senior citizens
- Auto-renewal and reinvestment options
How Does SBI Compare with Other Banks in April 2025?
Here’s how SBI’s Amrit Vrishti scheme stacks up against other popular banks:
| Bank | Special FD Scheme | Interest Rate (General) | Senior Citizen Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | Amrit Vrishti FD (444 days) | 7.25% | 7.75% – 7.85% |
| HDFC Bank | Senior Citizen Care FD (5 Years) | 7.00% | 7.75% |
| ICICI Bank | Golden Years FD | 7.10% | 7.60% |
| Bank of Baroda | Baroda Tiranga Plus | 7.15% | 7.65% |
As you can see, SBI offers one of the highest rates, especially for super senior citizens, giving it a competitive edge.
Pro Tips to Maximize FD Returns
- Ladder your FDs: Spread your investment across different tenures for liquidity and better average returns.
- Use Form 15G/15H: Submit this if your income is below taxable limits to avoid TDS.
- Reinvest the interest: Choose the cumulative option to let interest compound.
- Invest before March 31, 2025: This scheme is time-bound.
see also: Deposit ₹5,000 Every Month in Post Office’s PPF Scheme, Get After 30 Years?
FAQs on SBI Special Fixed Deposit Schemes
Q1. Is SBI Amrit Kalash FD still available?
No. The scheme has been officially closed from April 1, 2025.
Q2. What is the interest rate of SBI Amrit Vrishti FD?
It offers 7.25% for regular customers, 7.75% for senior citizens, and 7.85% for super seniors.
Q3. Can NRIs invest in Amrit Vrishti FD?
Currently, the scheme is open to resident individuals only.
Q4. Is premature withdrawal allowed?
Yes, but it may incur a penalty as per SBI’s FD rules.
Q5. How do I open this FD online?
You can invest via SBI’s YONO app or Internet Banking portal.
