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Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are government-backed financial instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. These bonds provide an alternative to physical gold investment, offering the benefits of price appreciation along with fixed interest income. SGBs are denominated in grams of gold and are issued periodically.
Sovereign Gold Bonds are listed on the stock market, making them liquid. Though they have an 8-year tenure, you can buy and sell them on the stock exchange for easy liquidity. Currently, the RBI has not issued a new tranche of SGBs. However, you can find existing SGBs listed on the stock market and buy from there.
Investors can purchase SGBs through various channels:
Banks and Post Offices : Available at designated branches of banks and post offices.
Stock Exchanges : Tradable on NSE and BSE
Online Portals : Can be purchased via net banking from authorised commercial banks.
Mobile Apps: Some financial platforms offer SGBs via their apps for convenient investing.
SGBs are available for:
Denomination : Issued in grams of gold (minimum 1 gram, maximum 4 kg per individual per year).
Tenure : 8-year maturity with an early exit option after 5 years.
Interest Rate : Fixed at 2.50% per annum, paid semi-annually.
Redemption Price : Based on the average closing price of gold in the last three days before redemption.
Tradability : Listed on stock exchanges for liquidity.
Unlike jewelry, there are no additional costs involved.
SGBs are available online and can be traded like stocks.
Tradable on exchanges and redeemable after five years.
Earns fixed interest along with price appreciation.
Exempt from capital gains tax at maturity.
SGBs are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India under the Gold Monetization Scheme. They are distributed through scheduled commercial banks, stock exchanges, designated post offices, and select financial institutions.
Fixed 2.50% per annum paid semi-annually.
Value rises with gold price appreciation in the market.
No capital gains tax if held until maturity.
Investors can sell SGBs on exchanges before maturity for potential gains.
Here’s how SGB’s fare against other forms of gold investment:
| Parameters | SGBs | Physical Gold | Digital Gold | Gold Exchange Traded Funds | Gold Mutual Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | RBI; can also be bought through the stock market | Jewellers and banks | Jewellers, banks and fintech platforms | Asset Management Companies; traded through the stock market | Asset Management Companies; purchased through distributors or investment platforms |
| Minimum and Maximum Investment | Minimum: 1 gram Maximum: 4 kg for individuals and 20 kg for trusts |
Minimum: 1 gram Maximum: No limit |
Minimum: ₹1 Maximum: No limit |
Minimum: ₹1,000 Maximum: No limit |
Minimum: ₹100 Maximum: No limit |
| Interest Income | 2.5% p.a., payable half-yearly on the invested amount | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Added Charges | None | Making charges, storage and transportation costs | May include a platform spread | Expense ratio of up to 1% | Expense ratio of up to 1% |
| Taxation | If purchased at issuance and held until maturity, no capital gains tax applies. If bought through the stock market, gains are taxed at slab rates when sold within 12 months and at 12.5% when sold after 12 months. | Held for less than 24 months: Taxed at applicable slab rates. Held for 24 months or more: Taxed at 12.5%. |
Held for less than 24 months: Taxed at applicable slab rates. Held for 24 months or more: Taxed at 12.5%. |
Held for less than 12 months: Taxed at applicable slab rates. Held for 12 months or more: Taxed at 12.5%. |
Held for less than 24 months: Taxed at applicable slab rates. Held for 24 months or more: Taxed at 12.5%. |

