The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has confirmed a competitive 12.15% profit rate for Defence Savings Certificates (DSCs) in May 2025, unchanged from March 2025.
The investment option provides a secure 10-year plan for Pakistani citizens and overseas Pakistanis. This initiative, along with the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) policy of offering a free first-time ID card, aims to improve financial and civic accessibility for all Pakistanis.
DSCs provide a reliable investment avenue with a minimum entry of Rs500 and no upper limit. Pakistani nationals, including those abroad, can invest, and adults may purchase certificates for up to two minors or jointly with a minor. Investors can apply at any National Savings Centre (NSC) using the free SC-I Application Form. The 12.15% profit rate ensures substantial returns, with a Rs100,000 investment yielding Rs314,000 after 10 years.
Defence Savings Certificates offer a 12.15% profit rate, turning a Rs100,000 investment into Rs314,000 over 10 years. The payable amount (principal + profit) for a Rs100,000 investment grows steadily:
- Year 1: Rs109,000
- Year 2: Rs119,000
- Year 3: Rs130,000
- Year 4: Rs143,000
- Year 5: Rs160,000
- Year 6: Rs181,000
- Year 7: Rs206,000
- Year 8: Rs235,000
- Year 9: Rs270,000
- Year 10: Rs314,000
Profits are subject to a 15% withholding tax for filers and 30% for non-filers, with Zakat deducted per State Bank of Pakistan policies.
Complementing the DSC program, NADRA’s new policy offers free non-chip Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) for first-time applicants. At NADRA centres, these cards feature smart enhancements like bilingual information, colored photographs, QR code integration, and lifetime validity for organ donors and persons with disabilities. This initiative simplifies ID registration, supporting access to financial services like DSCs.
