Explore Government Securities Without Confusing Them with Deposits

Learn the instrument first

A government security is a debt instrument issued by the Government of India or a state government, with terms such as maturity and coupon set for that security. Some instruments pay periodic interest and others may be structured differently. A sovereign issuer does not make every price or timing outcome identical to a bank deposit.

Understand price and liquidity risk

If a security is sold before maturity, its market price may be above or below what the investor paid, including because market yields have changed. Liquidity can vary by instrument and market conditions. Read the issue details, settlement process, tax treatment and any exit arrangements; do not infer an assured sale price from the stated coupon.

Use the official access information

RBI Retail Direct provides an official route for individual investors to access specified government securities, subject to scheme procedures and current platform terms. Verify the account, payment and transaction steps on RBI's own site and keep transaction records. This is an educational overview, not an endorsement or a recommendation to buy a particular security.

Financial information note

This article is for general education and is not individualized investment, tax, or financial advice.

Sources and further reading

• RBI Retail Direct Scheme FAQs