November 19, 2025
In the world of investing, safety with solid returns is the jackpot everyone seeks. Now, India’s investors are turning their eyes towards RBI’s Floating Rate Bonds, leaving behind the usual bank fixed deposits and small-savings schemes. These super-secure, seven-year bonds are government-backed and currently offer an attractive 8.05% return. But what makes them so special?
First, the bonds’ interest rates are tied to the National Savings Certificate (NSC) rate, plus an extra 35 basis points. That means if NSC rates go up, so do returns on these bonds! Over the past ten years, NSC rates have danced mostly between 6.8% and 8.5%, offering a nice cushion against rate drops and spikes. Compare this to State Bank of India’s 5-10 year fixed deposit rate of just 6.05% or the 10-year government securities yield at 6.52%, and RBI bonds clearly shine bright.
Anup Bhaiya, MD & CEO of Money Honey Financial Services, shares, "Investors booking profits in metals and equities after the sharp rally are shifting money into fixed income, which is boosting demand for these bonds." This shift means many have stopped chasing volatile assets and are seeking steady, safer returns.
These bonds have a seven-year lock-in and pay interest twice a year, giving investors regular income streams. While interest is taxable at your slab rate, the minimum you need to invest is only ₹1,000. Buying is easy too—directly on the RBI Retail Direct website, select bank platforms, or via financial distributors.
Aditya Agarwal, co-founder of Wealthy.in, says, "They serve as a strong long-term anchor in the debt portion of a portfolio." This means they help keep your investments balanced and less risky.
But here’s the real masala — savvy investors use these bonds as a shield against rising interest rates. Suresh Darak, founder of Bondbazaar.in, explains, "If interest rates go up, the coupon on floating rate bonds also increases. This protects rich investors from the price erosion seen in fixed-rate bonds when rates rise." In other words, while fixed-rate bonds might lose value if rates climb, these floating rate gems keep pace and even grow your returns!
So, if you want a smart, secure, and tasty addition to your investment plate, RBI’s Floating Rate Bonds might just be the perfect masaledar option. With government backing, solid returns, and protection against interest rate surprises, it’s no wonder investors are lining up!
Read More at Economictimes →
Tags:
Rbi Floating Rate Bonds
Investment
Fixed income
Interest rates
Debt Instruments
National Savings Certificate
Comments