National Savings Certificates (NSCs) are a savings instrument issued by the government of India. They are designed to encourage savings among the public while providing a safe investment option. NSCs have a fixed maturity period, typically five years, and offer a guaranteed return on investment, making them a popular choice for conservative investors. Investors can purchase NSCs from post offices and can invest in multiples of ₹100. The interest earned is compounded annually and is payable at maturity. Additionally, NSCs qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making them an attractive option for tax-saving investments.