The National Savings Centre (commonly known as Qaumi Bachat) continues to offer Short Term Savings Certificates (STSCs) as an attractive, secure investment option for Pakistanis seeking short-term returns. These certificates are ideal for individuals who want low-risk profits within a defined time period.
STSCs are available with maturity periods of 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, making them suitable for both short-term planners and medium-term investors.
Who Can Invest in Short Term Savings Certificates?
Eligibility and Minimum Deposit
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Available to all Pakistani citizens
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Overseas Pakistanis can also invest
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Minimum investment: Rs10,000
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No maximum investment limit
These certificates are also pledge-able, meaning investors can use them as collateral if needed.
Updated STSC Profit Rates for December 2025
The National Savings Centre revises profit rates periodically based on economic indicators such as inflation, policy rates, and national financial conditions.
Latest Profit Rates (December 2025)
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3-month certificate: 10.28% (Rs2,570 profit per Rs100,000)
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6-month certificate: 10.30% (Rs5,150 profit per Rs100,000)
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12-month certificate: 10.42% (Rs10,420 profit per Rs100,000)
These rates apply uniformly, regardless of investment amount.
Profit on Rs1 Million Investment in STSCs
For investors planning to deposit Rs1,000,000, the earnings breakdown is as follows:
3-Month Maturity
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Profit rate: 10.28%
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Total return: Rs25,700
6-Month Maturity
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Profit rate: 10.30%
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Total return: Rs51,500
12-Month Maturity
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Profit rate: 10.42%
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Total return: Rs104,200
This makes STSCs a popular choice for investors who want safe profits without committing their capital for multiple years.
Tax Deduction on STSC Profit
The government applies withholding tax on profits earned from Short Term Savings Certificates.
Tax for Active Taxpayers
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Withholding tax rate: 15%
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Applicable on the total profit earned
Tax for Non-Filers
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Withholding tax rate: 30%
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Applied regardless of investment amount or duration
Being listed on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) significantly increases the net return on investment.
Why STSCs Are a Preferred Investment Option
Short Term Savings Certificates offer:
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Guaranteed, government-backed returns
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Flexible maturity options
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High liquidity for short-term investors
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Security compared to stock or private investments
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Attractive profit ratios even during inflation
These features make STSCs a reliable choice for individuals seeking low-risk financial growth.
Final Thoughts
With updated profit rates for December 2025, Short Term Savings Certificates remain one of the safest and most rewarding short-term investment products in Pakistan. A Rs1 million investment can yield strong returns, especially when paired with tax-efficient planning.
