SECI Plans ₹550 Crore Fixed Deposit Investment With Strict Bank Eligibility Norms

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Government of India, has announced plans to invest ₹550 crore in fixed deposits as part of its financial management strategy. The move reflects the company’s approach to managing surplus funds while continuing to play a key role in expanding renewable energy capacity across the country.

According to an official invitation issued on February 24, 2026, the investment will be made in callable Term/Fixed Deposits. SECI has invited quotations only from Scheduled Commercial Banks that meet specific financial and operational requirements. The corporation has clearly defined eligibility criteria to ensure that the selected banks are financially strong and stable.

To qualify, a bank must have a minimum net worth of at least ₹1 lakh crore as of December 31, 2025. In addition, participating banks must have operational branches in the Delhi-NCR region, where the deposits will be placed. This condition ensures ease of coordination and smooth execution of the investment process.

The total investment of ₹550 crore has been divided into two parts based on tenure. An amount of Rs 250 crore will be invested for a short-term period of 45 days. The remaining Rs 300 crore will be placed for a longer duration of 365 days. This split approach allows SECI to maintain liquidity while also securing returns over a longer term.

SECI has emphasized the importance of financial health in selecting banks. Both public and private sector banks must maintain a Net Non-Performing Asset (NPA) level below 2 percent and a Gross NPA below 5 percent. Banks are also required to submit certified details of their paid-up capital and capital adequacy ratios, confirming compliance with Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

A key feature of this investment is flexibility. SECI has stated that it will not accept any penalty charges in case of premature withdrawal of funds. Banks must clearly confirm this “no penalty” condition in their quotations. They must also agree that the deposits can be made in parts without any minimum time commitment.

The bidding timeline is strict. Banks must submit their interest rate quotes in a password-protected PDF via email by 3:15 PM on February 25, 2026. The passwords are to be shared separately at 3:30 PM through email or direct phone communication. The final investment is scheduled to be completed on the same day.