Still Attractive Levels: Quality Stocks Trading at 25-38% Off Their Highs in 2026

The Indian stock market has witnessed a meaningful correction in the first four months of 2026, creating potential opportunities in several fundamentally sound companies. Many high-quality names across sectors like capital markets, real estate, retail, banking, power, defence, and consumer goods are now trading at notable discounts from their recent peaks. While corrections can be driven by profit booking, global cues, or sector-specific headwinds, they often present long-term investors with a chance to re-evaluate businesses with strong underlying growth drivers. Here’s a look at 15 stocks currently available at attractive levels, with corrections ranging from 25% to 38% from their highs. 1. CDSL – Down 38% from Peak Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL) remains a key beneficiary of rising demat account additions and capital market participation in India. Despite short-term softness in market volumes, CDSL continues to benefit from structural growth in investor accounts ...
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7 Free Government Benefits Most Indians Miss in 2026 – Claim These Now

Every year, the Indian government allocates thousands of crores for welfare schemes aimed at improving health, education, housing, and financial security for citizens. Yet, due to low awareness, complex processes, or lack of information, millions of eligible families fail to claim these benefits.

If you or your family belong to low or middle-income groups, have a girl child, elderly members, or are planning for education or a small business, these 7 government schemes can provide significant financial relief in 2026. Here’s a clear, updated guide to help you understand and apply for them.

1. Ayushman Bharat Card (PM-JAY) – Free Health Insurance Up to ₹5 Lakh

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance schemes. It offers cashless hospitalisation coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care at empanelled hospitals across India.

Key Highlights in 2026:

  • Covers over 1,900 medical procedures, including pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.
  • All senior citizens aged 70 and above are now eligible for ₹5 lakh coverage, irrespective of income (separate card or top-up for existing families).
  • Eligibility is primarily based on Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data for poor and vulnerable families in rural and urban areas.

Many families still don’t have their Ayushman Card. Check eligibility easily on the official portal or by calling 14555 and get cashless treatment when needed. This single card can prevent massive medical debt for low-income households.

2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Best Savings Plan for Girl Child

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings scheme designed to secure the future of a girl child. Parents or guardians can open an account in the name of a girl below 10 years of age.

Current Benefits (2026):

  • Attractive interest rate of 8.2% per annum (compounded annually) for Q1 FY 2026-27.
  • Triple tax benefit (EEE status): Investment qualifies for deduction under Section 80C up to ₹1.5 lakh, interest earned is tax-free, and maturity proceeds are also tax-free.
  • Minimum deposit ₹250, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per financial year.
  • Account matures after 21 years or upon marriage after the girl turns 18.

This scheme offers higher returns than many bank fixed deposits with complete tax exemption, making it one of the smartest long-term investments for families with daughters.

3. Senior Citizen Railway Concession – Discount on Train Tickets

Senior citizens have traditionally enjoyed fare concessions on Indian Railways. While the concession was temporarily withdrawn during the pandemic, there have been ongoing discussions for its possible restoration in Budget 2026.

What You Should Know:

  • Earlier, men above 60 years received 40% discount and women above 58 years received 50% on base fares for most trains.
  • Even without full fare concession, seniors get priority in lower berth allotment and other travel facilities.
  • Keep checking official IRCTC or Railway announcements, as any restoration would directly benefit millions of elderly travellers.

If you are a senior citizen, always mention your age while booking tickets and stay updated on policy changes for potential discounts.

4. PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) – Home Loan Interest Subsidy Up to ₹2.67 Lakh

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) helps eligible families buy or build their own pucca house with significant interest subsidy on home loans under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).

Benefits:

  • Up to 6.5% interest subsidy for Economically Weaker Section (EWS – income up to ₹3 lakh) and Low Income Group (LIG – ₹3-6 lakh), potentially saving up to ₹2.67 lakh on a loan.
  • Higher loan amounts eligible for Middle Income Groups (though subsidy limits vary).
  • Applies to first-time home buyers who do not own a pucca house anywhere in India.

This subsidy directly reduces your EMI and makes affordable housing a reality for many middle and lower-income families. Apply through banks or the PMAY portal before taking a home loan.

5. Mudra Loan Scheme – Collateral-Free Loan Up to ₹10 Lakh (or ₹20 Lakh under Tarun Plus)

The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides collateral-free loans to small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, artisans, and startups for income-generating activities.

Loan Categories:

  • Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
  • Kishore: ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh
  • Tarun: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
  • Tarun Plus: Up to ₹20 lakh for those who have successfully repaid previous Tarun loans

Any Indian citizen aged 18-65 running or planning a non-farm micro or small business can apply through banks or NBFCs. This scheme has helped lakhs of people start or expand their ventures without pledging assets.

6. Ujjwala Yojana – Free or Subsidized LPG Connection for Women

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide clean cooking fuel to women from poor households, reducing health risks from traditional chulhas.

Key Features:

  • Deposit-free LPG connection provided to eligible adult women.
  • Additional subsidized refills (targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills per year in some cases).
  • Government continues to release new connections; over 10 crore connections already issued, with more approved for 2025-26.

If your household does not have an LPG connection and belongs to a below-poverty-line category, apply at your nearest LPG distributor or through the official PMUY portal.

7. Scholarships through NSP Portal – Financial Help for Students

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a one-stop platform for central and state government scholarships for school, college, and higher education students.

Who Can Benefit:

  • Students from SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, and economically weaker sections.
  • Merit-based and need-based scholarships covering tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and more.
  • Pre-matric, post-matric, and top-class education scholarships available.

How to Apply: Generate One Time Registration (OTR) on scholarships.gov.in using Aadhaar, then apply for relevant schemes. Thousands of crores are disbursed every year, yet many students miss deadlines due to lack of awareness.

How to Claim These Benefits Without Missing Out

  1. Check Eligibility — Visit official portals (myScheme.gov.in, beneficiary.nha.gov.in, scholarships.gov.in, etc.) or use Aadhaar-based verification.
  2. Required Documents — Usually Aadhaar, income certificate, bank details, ration card, and caste/income proof.
  3. Apply Online or at CSC — Most schemes now support paperless or simplified application through Common Service Centres.
  4. Stay Updated — Follow government notifications, as rules and coverage (like senior citizen health cover) keep expanding.

Important Tips:

  • Link your Aadhaar with bank accounts and mobile numbers for smooth Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • Avoid middlemen and fake agents promising “guaranteed approval.”
  • Schemes are updated regularly — always verify latest details on official websites.

These 7 government benefits can collectively save or provide lakhs of rupees to eligible families. Whether it’s free health cover, education support, housing subsidy, or clean fuel, the government has created multiple safety nets. The only thing missing is awareness and timely action.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Eligibility criteria, interest rates, subsidy amounts, and scheme guidelines may change. Always check the latest official notifications on government portals or consult concerned departments before applying. Benefits depend on meeting specific eligibility conditions.

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