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State Development Loans

State Development Loans offer a balance of safety and better returns compared to central government bonds. While they may not provide tax benefits or high liquidity, they are suitable for long-term investors seeking predictable income with low credit risk.
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High returns

Earn fixed returns of up to 13.25%

Low investment

Low investment

Start investing with as little as 1,000

Low risk

Low risk

Invest in AAA–BBB rated bonds

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0% brokerage or commission fees

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13.25%

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12.75%

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Listed NBFC backed by Kedaara Capital with 47% Capital Adequacy Ratio

What are State Development Loans?

State Development Loans (SDLs) are debt instruments issued by State Governments in India to meet their borrowing requirements. These bonds are issued through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and are considered among the safest investment options after Government of India securities.

SDLs offer fixed interest income and have a predefined maturity, making them suitable for investors looking for stable and predictable returns.

How to Buy Bonds through Paisabazaar?

Get up to 13.25% from bonds in 5 simple steps

Step 1: Login to your Paisabazaar account

Step 2: Select the Bonds

Step 3: Complete the KYC process

Step 4: Enter bank details

Step 5: Link your demat account

How Do State Development Loans Work?

SDLs are issued by state governments via RBI auctions. Investors lend money to the state government for a fixed period and in return, investors receive regular interest (coupon) payments and principal at the maturity date.

Although SDLs are not backed by an explicit sovereign guarantee, they carry very low credit risk due to strong regulatory oversight and state backing.

Key Features of State Development Loans

  • Issuer: State Governments of India
  • Issuance Authority: Reserve Bank of India
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Returns: Fixed interest income
  • Tenure: Typically 3 to 30 years
  • Minimum Investment: Usually ₹10,000 (varies by issue)
  • Tradability: Listed on stock exchanges

Interest Rates on State Development Loans

The interest rate on SDLs is generally higher than comparable G-Sec. This additional return, known as the spread, compensates investors for the slightly higher risk associated with state government borrowing.

SDL interest rates are determined through RBI auctions and vary based on market interest rates, the state’s fiscal position, tenure of the bond, etc. 

Taxation of State Development Loans

The tax treatment of SDLs is similar to other taxable bonds:

Tax Implications on the Interest Income of SDL

Interest earned from SDLs is taxable as Income from Other Sources and taxed according to the investor’s income tax slab. Also, there is no special tax exemption available on SDL interest.

Tax Implications on Capital Gains (if SDL is sold before maturity)

  • Short-term capital gains: Taxed as per the slab rate of the investor
  • Long-term capital gains: Taxed at 12.5% without indexation (for listed SDLs)

Can You Sell State Development Loans Before Maturity?

SDLs listed on stock exchanges can be sold in the secondary market before maturity. However, the liquidity may be lower than government securities. Also, its market prices may fluctuate based on interest rates. Therefore, only those investors should invest in SDLs who can hold it till its maturity date. 

SDLs vs Government Bonds (G-Secs)

Parameter SDL G-Sec
Issuer State Governments Central Government
Risk Level Very Low Backed by Sovereign Guarantee
Interest Rate Slightly higher Slightly lower
Liquidity Moderate High

Who Should Invest in State Development Loans?

SDLs may be an ideal investment option for investors:

  • seeking low credit risk
  • looking for a stable and long-term source of income
  • diversifying into government-backed securities
  • Having long-term investment horizon

What are the Risks of Investing in SDL?

As compared to equities, SDLs carry lower risk. However, they are not risk-free. Some of the risks of buying State Development Loans include:

  • Interest rate risk: Bond prices fall when interest rates rise.
  • Liquidity risk: Lower trading volumes in secondary markets.
  • Credit risk:  remains minimal due to state backing and RBI oversight.

How to Invest in State Development Loans

Retail investors can buy SDLs through these platforms:

  • RBI-authorised bond platforms
  • Stock exchanges (NSE/BSE)
  • Banks and institutional brokers
  • A Demat account is typically required for secondary market purchases

FAQs

SDLs are considered very safe due to state government backing and RBI regulation, though they carry slightly higher risk than G-Secs.

Interest income from SDLs is taxable and the capital gains tax applies if the investor sells these bonds before the bond’s maturity date.

Retail investors can invest in SDLs through stock exchanges and authorised online bond platforms.

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Vandana Punj profile
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Vandana Punj
Shamik Ghosh profile
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Shamik Ghosh
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