Marlin Priya
Published on: Sep 17, 2026
Kisan Vikas Patra - Eligibility & Investment Application
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is an attractive investment scheme offered by the Government of India, specifically designed for farmers. Originally launched in 1988 by India Post, the scheme saw significant changes over time. After being discontinued in 2011 due to misuse, KVP was re-introduced in 2014 with updated features to benefit investors.
Kisan Vikas Patra Scheme
- Kisan Vikas Patra is a savings scheme that aims to double the depositor's investment in a span of 118 months (9 years 10 months).
- The minimum investment is Rs.1000, with available denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000, and Rs 50,000, with no upper limit on the investment amount.
- The interest rate is compounded annually at a rate of 7.3% p.a. (effective from January 2018).
- KVP can be purchased at post offices or authorized banks by:
- An adult in their own name or on behalf of a minor
- Two adults jointly
- A Trust
- The lock-in period for the investment is 2 ½ years (30 months), after which premature withdrawal is allowed.
Note: Maturity period and interest rates are subject to change. For more on how these rates compare with other schemes, visit our Tax Benefits for Startups page to understand fiscal advantages for new ventures.
How to Purchase Kisan Vikas Patra Certificate
To purchase a Kisan Vikas Patra certificate, submit a duly filled application and make the payment via cash, cheque, or demand draft to the Post Master General. Required documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- PAN Card for investments exceeding Rs 50,000
- Proof of Income for investments exceeding Rs 10 lakh
The certificate is issued immediately upon payment, and the date of payment is considered the certificate date. Discover more about tax implications on such investments on our Cost Inflation Index for FY 2021-22 page.
A copy of the Kisan Vikas Patra application is provided for your reference.
Pre-mature Withdrawal of Kisan Vikas Patra
KVP allows for premature withdrawal after a lock-in period of 2 years and 6 months by submitting a formal request to your post office or bank branch. In extreme cases such as the death of the certificate holder or as ordered by court law, withdrawals can be made earlier, with legal heirs or nominees receiving the amount.
Learn more about legal processes related to NRI Selling Property in India to understand legal requirements associated with assets.
Transfer of Kisan Vikas Patra Certificate
The Kisan Vikas Patra scheme allows transferring of certificates between individuals or post office/bank branches. Required documents for the transfer include:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card /Driving License/Voter ID/Passport, etc.
- Residence Proof: Aadhaar Card /Driving License/Voter ID/Telephone Bill/Passport, etc.
- Original KVP Certificate
- PAN Card Copy
A copy of the transfer application form is also available for further use.
Maturity
Upon maturity, the proceeds are transferred to the savings account of the holder, with the accrued interest subject to taxation. Ensure your income tax returns are accordingly filed, as guided in our Business Tax Filings page.
At maturity, the following documents must be submitted:
- Original KVP Certificate
- Identity proof of the holder
- The signature of the investor/nominee on the KVP receipt upon receiving the encashed amount. Minors attaining majority must provide attestation from a known person to the Post Master.
For details on income taxes related to maturity, please refer to How Much Rent Income is Tax-Free in India.
Click here for the encashment form.