Investing your money smartly is important for wealth building and one of the most secure investments in India has been fixed deposits (FD) with banks. Of these, the country’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has come up with several special FD products at various times, offering attractive interest rates. Among these, SBI Amrit Kalash FD Scheme – a tenure-based fixed deposit that promises better returns compared to ordinary term deposits – was the most discussed last week. In this comprehensive piece, you will learn what it was, how it worked, interest rates with examples, why it was so popular and then try to understand where the scheme is now and what other alternatives we have today. This post is intended to be a SEO, and generally reader-friendly introduction to vending investing for new investors and as an overview for current investors.
What was the SBI Amrit Kalash FD scheme?
The Amrit Kalash FD Scheme was a unique fixed deposit scheme introduced by the State Bank of India with a specific duration of 400 days and higher interest rates, as compared to normal FDs. This scheme proved popular as it provided savers, especially those seeking short-to-medium term returns – superior guaranteed interest of funding backed by a government bank.
Unlike regular FDs, which vary from 7 days to several years and carry normal rates of interests, the Amrit Kalash Scheme was a limited-time product aimed at garnering more deposits by offering higher interest rates for a fixed tenure of 400 days. But fresh investments in the scheme ceased from April 1, 2025, when SBI had turned this scheme off for new subscriptions. Those who had locked in their deposits before that date stil receive the promiced interest until maturity.
Interest Rates Under Amrit Kalash FD Scheme
One of the biggest reasons this FD scheme gained traction was its above-average interest rates compared to normal SBI FDs at the time.
| Tenure | Interest Rate – General Public | Interest Rate – Senior Citizens |
| 400 Days | 7.10% p.a. | 7.60% p.a. |
From the table, it can be inferred that seniors got a very good rate endorsing the scheme as an excellent option for retirement income planning.
Such rates were typically more attractive than similar normal FD rates and that is what induced investors to rush-in this scheme during its tenure of operation. But after changes in Interest rate regime and the deposit strategy of SBI, the Amrit Kalash Scheme was stopped with immediate effect (new deposits).
Amrit Kalash FD Scheme Features
To give you a feel for how this product was being marketed, take a look at its key features:
🔸 Locked-in Period with a Better Yield
Amrit Kalash, unlike ordinary flexible FD where all periods are available for you to deposit money in, ran only for 400 days and was neither too short nor too long, perfect for a medium-term financial goal.
🔸 Higher Rates for the Elderly
Senior citizens got an extra 50 basis points over general rates – a significant draw for retirees seeking to lock in some safe income.
🔸 Safe and Secure Investment
As an FD-backed scheme from SBI, this offer implied capital protection and guaranteed returns without any market risk.
🔸 Interest Payment Flexibility
Investors can elect interest at regular intervals (monthly/quarterly) or to have it accrue and be paid on maturity – offering flexible income planning.
SBI FD Interest Rate Comparison – Amrit Kalash vs Regular FDs
To put the Amrit Kalash Scheme into perspective, we’ll take a look at how its interest rates compare against SBI’s regular fixed deposits. Here is a sample comparison on a notional basis with pre-revision rates:
| Tenure | Regular SBI FD (General) | Regular SBI FD (Senior Citizens) |
| 1 Year | ~6.80% p.a. | ~7.30% p.a. |
| 400 Days (Amrit Kalash) | 7.10% p.a. | 7.60% p.a. |
| 2 Years | ~7.00% p.a. | ~7.50% p.a. |
The table above shows how Amrit Kalash generally yielded higher returns than the majority of the everyday term deposits of equivalent tenure — a remarkable feature in today’s cut-and-dry digital investment world.
Amrit Kalash FD Was Preferred for the Following Reasons
There were many things investors liked about this scheme:
- Higher than Normal Returns compared to Regular FDs – It was providing better returns, especially for a medium-term period.
- Lesser Commitment Than Long-Term FDs – A tenure of mere 400 days meant the money wasn’t blocked for years.
- Bonus for Sr.Citizens- Temptation for Retired persons.
- It Was For Goal-Based Planning – It is saving up for a short goal or building a debt-free corpus. The scheme was designed for people who thought beyond a savings account.
- Time-bound Offer: Created an Impulse – “I can not pass on this scheme” was the kind of feeling that prevailed on them to subscribe.
What Happened to the Amrit Kalash FD Scheme?
Despite its appeal, SBI has closed the Amrit Kalash FD Scheme for fresh subscriptions with effect from 1 April, 2025. Customers who already opened deposits earlier will continue to earn interest as per the terms until maturity, so the discontinuation will not impact the existing investors.
Many FD products are linked to market interest rates, regulatory movements, and strategic goals due to which banks modify plans. In this instance, SBI decided to shut down this scheme while retaining other special FD alternatives that are currently giving competitive returns.
Best other options in SBI after Amrit Kalash
Since the Amrit Kalash Scheme is no longer available for new investors, SBI provides other FD options that can cater to your financial needs.
1. Amrit Vrishti FD Scheme
This is the closest successor in spirit to Amrit Kalash.
| Tenure | General Public | Senior Citizens | Super Senior |
| 444 Days | ~7.25% p.a. | ~7.75% p.a. | ~7.85% p.a. |
This FD is currently available with marginally higher returns and a slightly longer tenure, making it attractive for similar investment horizons.
2. Regular SBI FDs
| Tenure | Interest (General) | Interest (Senior Citizens) |
| 7 to 45 Days | 3.50% p.a. | 4.00% p.a. |
| 46 to 179 Days | 5.50% p.a. | 6.00% p.a. |
| 180 to 210 Days | 6.25% p.a. | 6.75% p.a. |
| 211 Days to <1 Year | 6.50% p.a. | 7.00% p.a. |
| 1 Year to <2 Years | 6.80% p.a. | 7.30% p.a. |
| 2 Years to <3 Years | 7.00% p.a. | 7.50% p.a. |
| 3 Years to <5 Years | 6.75% p.a. | 7.25% p.a. |
| 5 Years to 10 Years | 6.50% p.a. | 7.50% p.a. |
Flexible tenuresThe regular FD rates come with flexibility in duration across a bunch of tenures, albeit at marginally lower returns than special schemes such as Amrit Vrishti.
Also Read: Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme | PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana | Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooty Yojana
SBI Fixed Deposit Features Investors Must Know
SBI FDs – including grand-fathered Amrit Kalash deposits or the new suite of products - attracts advantages, other than only interest rates:
✔️ Nomination Facility
You may also have a nominee for your FD, so, succession is smooth and peace-of-mind.
✔️ Loan Against FD
SBI offers loan against FD deposits which means you don’t have to prematurely break the deposit in case if it is needed.
✔️ Interest Payment Options
Decide if you want monthly income or reinvest it till end of the term with flexible payout options by the bank.
✔️ Safety
That’s because your investment is backed by one of India’s largest and most secure public-sector banks — a big advantage over riskier products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1) Can new customers join the SBI Amrit Kalash FD?
Ans. No, SBI discontinued accepting new deposit in Amrit Kalash Scheme with effect from April 1, 2025.
Q-2) What Happens to Old Amrit Kalash FDs?
Your current deposits are still earning interest and will mature at the same time as before. They remain safe and secure.
Q-3) Do Senior Citizens continue to get higher rates in SBIs FD Schemes?
Yes. Most SBI FD products, including special plans like Amrit Vrishti, offer senior citizens an additional interest rate payable above the regular deposit holders.
Final Thoughts
The SBI Amrit Kalash FD Scheme was one of the most lucrative Fixed Deposit offerings inthe past years due to its high guaranteed return coupled with an average duration and assured backing from a government bank. It is no longer accepting new investors, but it remains in business to serve existing investors.
Even today, options such as Amrit Vrishti and SBI’s other regular fixed deposit products continue to be great alternatives for safe and predictable returns — especially if you are a cautious investor or nearing retirement.) SBI FDs remain a popular choice for Indian investors thanks to their flexibility in choosing interest payout and investment tenure, loan facility against FDs, and higher rates for senior citizens.
Also Read: Kaushal Vikas Yojana | Bhulekh Gujarat | ehrms.upsdc.gov.in UP
