National Savings Certificate is a government authorised savings bond, primarily used for small savings and income tax saving investments in India. It is part of the postal savings system of India Post.
These can be purchased from any Post Office in India by an adult (either in his/her own name or on behalf of a minor), a minor, a trust, and two adults jointly.
These are issued for five- and
ten-year maturity and can be pledged to banks as collateral for availing loans. The holder gets the tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.