When it comes to safe investments, many people turn to government securities. What many investors don’t realize, however, is that there are several types of government securities, each with its own purpose, maturity period, and return profile.
In this blog, we will give you a complete list of the different types of government securities, explain their key features, and explain which ones may be better suited for different applicants.
Classification of Government Securities
Government securities issued in India can be classified on several grounds. These classifications help investors understand which security is best suited to their goals and time horizon.
- Issuer : These securities are issued by either the Central Government (e.g. Treasury Bills, Dated G-Secs), or the State Government (e.g. State Development Loans SDLs).
- Tenure : Some securities are short term (91 to 364 days), while some are long term (5 years to 40 years).
- Coupon Type : These have both fixed coupon and floating rate coupon options.
- Asset-Linked : Some government securities like Sovereign Gold Bonds are linked to the price of gold, thus providing investors the benefit of returns along with safety.
Read Also: Types of Bonds in India
Different Types of Government Securities in India
An overview of the different types of government securities in India is given below:
1. Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
T-Bills are one of the most common types of securities issued by the government. These are short-term instruments with tenures of 91, 182 and 364 days. T-Bills do not pay any interest, rather they are issued at a discount and the full value is returned on maturity. The government uses them to meet its short-term needs. They are extremely safe for investors and most banks, mutual funds and large corporations invest in them.
Suitable for: For investors who are looking for short-term and low-risk options, T-Bills are a good option.
2. Dated Government Securities (Dated G-Secs)
Dated Government Securities are long-term investment options with tenures ranging from 5 to 40 years. In these, investors get fixed or floating coupons (interest) every 6 months. These are also traded in the secondary market, due to which their liquidity remains good.Among the various types of government securities, dated G-Secs are the most widely held by both retail and institutional investors. These are fully government guaranteed, so there is no risk of default in them.
Suitable for: Investors looking for long-term planning and regular income.
3. State Development Loans (SDLs)
State Development Loans (SDLs) are issued by state governments and are similar to dated G-Secs. The interest on these is slightly higher than dated G-Secs, as the risk in them is slightly higher (although they are still considered safe). RBI auctions them and these are also traded in the secondary market. States use them to fund their development work.
Suitable for: Investors who want slightly better returns in government securities.
4. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
SGBs are special types of government securities linked to the price of gold. These are issued by the RBI on behalf of the central government. Their tenure is 8 years, but there is a facility of premature withdrawal after 5 years. This type of government security offers dual returns, gold price appreciation and fixed interest. It gives 2.5% interest annually, and the gain on maturity is tax-free.
Suitable for: Investors who want to invest in gold but do not want the hassle of physical gold.
5. Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs)
The interest rate in FRBs is not fixed, rather it resets every 6 months or on an annual basis. This rate is linked to a benchmark (such as NSC rate or repo rate).
When interest rates are likely to rise, these bonds give better returns. Their value is not as much affected in the market as fixed rate bonds.
Suitable for : Investors who want to save real returns during inflation or are expecting interest rates to rise.
6. Capital Indexed Bonds (CIBs)
CIBs are special types of government securities in which the principal amount invested (and sometimes interest as well) is indexed to the inflation rate. That is, the investor gets a chance to save his real purchasing power. However, these are generally issued very rarely and are mostly for institutional investors.
Suitable for : Investors looking to protect against inflation or large institutions whose strategy is to neutralize the impact of inflation.
Comparison Table: Different Types of Government Securities in India
| Type of Security | Maturity | Return Type | Tradable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasury Bills (T-Bills) | ≤ 1 year | Return is the difference between issue price and face value. | Yes |
| Dated G-Secs | 5–40 years | Fixed / Floating interest | Yes |
| State Development Loans (SDLs) | 5–10 years | Fixed interest | Yes |
| Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) | 8 years (exit after 5) | Gold price return + 2.5% annual interest | Yes |
| Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs) | 4–7 years | Variable interest (reset periodically) | Yes |
| Capital Indexed Bonds (CIBs) | Varies | Inflation-linked returns | Limited |
How You Can Buy Government Securities
Government Securities can be bought from the following platforms:
- Through RBI Retail Direct : If you want to buy bonds or T-bills directly from the government, then RBI’s Retail Direct portal is the easiest way. By registering online, you can invest in government securities from the comfort of your home. No middlemen, no extra fees – everything is digital and transparent.
- Broker platforms : You can also buy government bonds using your broker’s platforms through NSE or BSE. For this, it is necessary to have a demat and trading account. Most investors who are active in the stock market invest through this route.
- Mutual fund and ETF options : If you do not want to invest directly in bonds, then you can choose options like gilt funds or Bharat Bond ETF. These are better for those who want to keep the risk low and are investing for the long term.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an investment option that is safe, gives fixed returns and is useful in the long term then investing in government securities can be a wise decision. Now the process of investing is not as difficult as before. You can easily buy directly from RBI’s platform or from your broker’s platform. But, before this, you must understand your financial needs and investment timeframe well. It is advised to consult a financial advisor before investing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the types of government securities?
In India, these include T-Bills, Government Bonds, SDLs and Sovereign Gold Bonds.
Which is best for short-term investment?
T-Bills, as they are less than 1 year.
Can I invest in SDLs as a retail investor?
Yes, you can do it through a Retail Direct or Demat account.
How are T-Bills different from Bonds?
T-Bills are short-term, Bonds are long-term.
Are Sovereign Gold Bonds government securities?
Yes, these are also issued by the government.
What is the maturity period of government bonds?
Can be from 5 to 40 years.
Do all government securities offer the same returns?
No, the returns for each one are different.
Can I sell them before maturity?
Yes, you can sell it in the secondary market.
