Guide to the Central Bank of India 444-day scheme Searching for a fixed deposit that feels steady, pays well, and doesn’t trap you in a long-term lock? The Central Bank of India’s 444-day scheme Think of this guide as a quick filter: it trims the extra noise and leaves you with the details that matter.
You’ll get a quick look at:
How the 444-day scheme works , including callable and non-callable options.
Interest rates, withdrawal rules, and eligibility are explained in plain language.
A quick comparison and earning example to help you check if it fits your goals.
What is the Central Bank of India 444-day Scheme? The 444-day scheme is a fixed deposit built around one clear number: 444 days . You can’t tweak the tenure, and that’s exactly what gives it its appeal. You lock your money for this set period, and the bank rewards you with returns that usually sit above its regular FD slabs.
It sits under the Cent Super Time Deposit series, a set of special-tenure FDs the bank rolls out to offer higher-than-standard rates for a limited window. Think of it as a short, focused stretch where the return often justifies the wait.
You get two ways to open it:
Callable, which gives you the flexibility to withdraw early.
Non-Callable, which pays more but holds your money tighter.
This structure helps different kinds of savers pick the option that fits their comfort with commitment and liquidity.
Latest interest rates for the 444-day scheme Interest rates shape the real return, so it helps to see them clearly laid out. The bank updates these figures from time to time based on ALCO decisions, but the structure stays the same: callable pays slightly less for flexibility, non-callable pays more for holding your funds in place.
Callable FD- 444 Days Category Interest Rate General Public 7.45% p.a. Senior Citizens 7.95% p.a. Staff/Ex-Staff Extra interest as per internal rules NRE Deposits No senior citizen benefit
Non-Callable FD- 444 Days Category Interest Rate General Public 7.60% p.a. Senior Citizens 8.10% p.a. Minimum Deposit ₹15 lakh
These rates often sit slightly above traditional FD slabs, which is why this odd-looking tenure has turned into a steady pick for many savers.
Key feature of the 444-Day Scheme The structure of this FD is straightforward, and most of what people search for comes down to the basics: duration, deposit limits, and how the interest gets added. Here’s everything in one place, so you don’t have to hunt around.
Tenure : fixed at 444 days.
Minimum deposit : ₹10,000 for callable, ₹15 lakh for non-callable.
Maximum: up to ₹10 crore .
Interest calculation: compound quarterly .
Rate boost: senior citizens get an extra 0.50%.
How to open: through online banking or any branch.
Eligibility: open to residents and NRIs.
Callable vs Non-Callable 444-Day FD: What’s the difference? Both versions run for the same 444 days, but they behave differently once your money is inside. The trade-off is simple: flexibility or a higher payout. Here’s the contrast without the fine-print fog.
Feature Callable FD Non-Callable Minimum deposit ₹10,000 ₹15 lakh Premature Withdrawal Allowed with a penalty Locked for 1 year; penalty applies Interest Rate Lower Higher Best for Smaller or medium-sized deposits Larger deposits where return matters more than liquidity
Callable leans on flexibility.
Non-callable leans on a higher return , but your funds stay put longer.
Premature withdrawal rules How easily you can access your money depends entirely on the version you choose. Here’s the breakdown without the usual confusion.
Callable You’re allowed to close it early.
The banks pay interest for the actual period your money stayed in, minus a penalty. It works well if you want a safety valve in case plans shift.
Non-Callable This one holds your money tighter.
No withdrawal in the first year.
After that, the bank applies a 2.5% penalty on the applicable rate.
If you’ve taken a loan against this deposit, early closure isn’t an option.
NRE Premature Withdrawal NRE rules stick to a firmer standard:
Closed before 1 year: no interest.
Closed after 1 year: interest paid with a penalty.
Loan facility against the 444-Day FD You can borrow against this FD if you want liquidity without breaking it. The bank allows loans of up to 90% of your deposit, making it a practical buffer for short-term cash needs.
The interest you pay sits at FD rate +1% , which usually stays lower than many personal loan options. If you take a loan, remember that the FD can’t be closed early until the loan is cleared, so the usual premature withdrawal rukes pause until then.
Eligibility and Documents Required The bank keeps the entry rules fairly open, which is why this FD suits different types of savers. The account can be set up by:
Required
NRIs
Joint holders
HUFs
Minor through a guardian
The paperwork isn’t heavy either. You’ll usually need:
Aadhaar , PAN , or passport
Address proof
Recent photographs
If you already bank with them, the process feels lighter since most details are already on file.
How to open a 444-Day Fixed Deposit You can set this FD up in minutes, whether you prefer screens or paperwork. The steps stay simple in both cases, a nd the process doesn’t drag you through unnecessary loops.
Online (Net Banking / Mobile Banking) 1. Log in to Cent Net Banking or the mobile app.
2. Tap Online Term Deposit.
3. Pick the 444-day scheme from the list.
4. Add your deposit amount, choose your interest payout preference, give the details a quick check, and hit submit.
Offline 1. Walk into the nearest branch.
2. Ask for the FD application form and fill it out.
3. Submit your ID documents.
4. Deposit the amount at the counter.
Both methods lead to the same FD it just depends on whether you prefer a screen or a face-to-face chat.
How the 444-Day Scheme Compares to Other CBI Special FDs The bank runs a few special-tenure deposits, but their rates and lock-in periods don’t line up the same way. Lying them side by side makes the picture clearer, especially if you’re trying to balance duration with returns.
Tenure Scheme Public Rate 444 days Cent Super Time Deposit 7.45-7.60% 555 days Special FD ~7.25-7.40% 999 days Special FD ~6.50-6.65% 1111/2222/3333 days Green Deposit 7.25-7.50%
The 444-day option stands out for offering some of the strongest short-term returns, especially for senior citizens who get an added rate boost.
Taxation rules you should know Interest from this FD counts as taxable income, so it gets added to your yearly total. If your interest across all deposits crosses ₹40,000 in a year (or ₹50,000 for seniors). The bank deducts TDS before crediting the payout.
The 80C deduction
Who should consider the 444-Day FD? This FD fits anyone who wants strong returns without locking money away for years. It works well for short-term savers who prefer a predictable outcome over market swings.
Senior citizens often find it appealing since the rate boost creates a steady income stream without added risk. NRIs benefit too, though the senior-citizen uplift doesn’t apply to them.
If you’re sitting on a larger amount and don’t need quick access, the non-callable version delivers better growth, making it a solid fit for idle funds waiting for a purpose.
Conclusion You’ve seen how this short-term FD gives steady growth, simple rules, and two clear paths based on how tightly you want to hold your money.
Here’s what matters most:
444 days gives you strong returns with a low-risk structure that doesn’t stretch your timeline.
You get a clear choice: callable gives you room to exit early, non-callable gives you a higher payout if you’re comfortable keeping the money parked.
Both residents and NRIs can use it, and the structure stays simple enough for anyone who wants steady growth without surprises.
You can open it online or at a branch without any heavy steps.
If you’re weighing the next move, compare the rates and pick the version that fits your financial goals.
FAQs What is the interest rate for the 444-day FD? For this tenure, the public earns 7.45% to 7.60% depending on the option picked. Senior citizens get a little extra, landing between 7.95% and 8.10%. The callable version pays slightly less, and the non-callable version pays more for keeping your money locked longer.
Can I withdraw the FD before maturity? Callable FDs allow early withdrawal with a penalty. Non-callable FDs stay locked for the first year, and penalties apply only after that period.
What is the minimum amount needed to open this FD? You can start a callable FD with ₹10,000, while the non-callable version begins at ₹15 lakh.
Is the 444-day FD available for NRIs? Yes. NRIs can open this FD, though the senior citizen rate benefits don’t apply to them.
Does this FD qualify for tax benefits under Section 80C? No. This is a standard fixed deposit, so the interest is fully taxable based on your slab.
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