The National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a savings scheme offered by the Government of India, designed to encourage small savings among investors. It provides a fixed interest rate, which is compounded annually, and the investment is backed by the government, making it a safe option for risk-averse individuals. NSCs have a maturity period of five years, and they can be purchased from post offices across India. Investors can buy NSCs in denominations of ₹1000, ₹5000, ₹10,000, and ₹50,000. The interest earned is taxable, but the amount invested qualifies for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. This makes NSCs an attractive choice for those looking to save while also benefiting from tax advantages.