HomeCirculars › RBI/2005-2006/240

SCSS Broken Period Interest Calculation Revised

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-2006/240 · issued FY 2005-06 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI clarifies revised formula for calculating interest on SCSS accounts for broken periods (less than a quarter), effective from quarter ending December 31, 2005. Banks must apply the new formula and ensure timely interest credit to senior citizens.

What changed

The Government of India issued a corrigendum on December 8, 2005, modifying the earlier clarification on interest calculation for broken periods under SCSS. The revised formula replaces the previous method: interest for less than a quarter is now calculated as (Number of days in the period × interest for the quarter) / Total number of days in the quarter, instead of using yearly rate divided by 365/366.

What it means for you

Banks must update their systems to apply the new formula for broken period interest from the quarter ending December 31, 2005 onwards. This ensures consistent and accurate interest payments to senior citizens, aligning with the scheme's objective of regular income flow. Non-compliance may lead to customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

State Bank of India and its associate banks, All public sector banks listed in the circular, ICICI Bank Ltd., Designated branches handling SCSS accounts, Senior citizen depositors under SCSS

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

What is the new formula for calculating interest for broken periods under SCSS?

For any period less than a quarter, interest is calculated as: (Number of days in the period × interest for the quarter) / Total number of days in the quarter.

From when is the revised formula applicable?

The revised formula applies from the quarter ending December 31, 2005 onwards.

Why is timely crediting of interest emphasized?

The scheme aims to provide regular income to senior citizens; delays defeat this objective and have led to complaints.

📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2005-2006/240 Ref.No.DGBA.CDD15.15.001/H- 8662 /2005-06 December 23 ,2005 Pausha 2, 1927 (S) The Chairman and Managing Director Government Accounts Department, Head Office, State Bank of India/State Bank of Indore/State Bank of Patiala/ State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur/State Bank of Saurashtra/ State Bank of Travancore/State Bank of Hyderabad/State Bank of Mysore/ Allahabad Bank/Bank of Baroda/Bank of India/ Bank of Maharashtra/Canara Bank/Central Bank of India/ Dena Bank/Indian Bank/Indian Overseas Bank/Punjab National Bank/ Syndicate Bank/UCO Bank/Union Bank of India/United Bank of India/ Corporation Bank/ICICI Bank Ltd. Dear Sir, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, 2004(SCSS) - Interest for broken period (less than a quarter) - Clarification Please refer to clarification furnished under item No.1 of the Office Memorandum F.No.2/8/2004-NS/II dated 31st May 2005, forwarded vide our Circular  RBI/2004-05/484 dated 3rd June 2005  on the above subject. Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division), have since issued a corrigendum dated 8th December 2005 in the matter (copy enclosed). The revised formula prescribed vide  corrigendum  dated 8th December 2005 may be applied while calculating interest for broken period (less than a quarter) for the SCSS Accounts from the quarter ending 31st December 2005 onwards 2. We, therefore, advise you to  urgently  convey Government's revised instructions to your designated branches for strict implementation/guidance. You may also ensure that interest on deposits is credited/paid on due dates by your designated branches, as the objective of the Scheme is to ensure regular flow of income to the Senior Citizens/investors. 3. Please acknowledge receipt. Yours faithfully, (B.B.Sangma) General Manager F.No.2-8/2004-NS-II GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINNACE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (BUDGET DIVISION) NORTH BLOCK, CENTRAL SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI 110 001. THE DECEMBER 8, 2005 CORRIGENDUM SUBJECT : Senior Citizens Savings Scheme 2004 (SCSS) – clarification – reg. The clarification issued by this office vide O.M. of even number dated the May 31,2005 on how to calculate interest for broken period (less than a quarter) is hereby modified as under : For
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-2006/240 · issued FY 2005-06. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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