PPF or Public Provident Fund is one of the most popular tax-saving investment options in India. It's backed by the government, offers tax deduction under Section 80C, tax-free interest, and tax-free maturity. You can invest anywhere from ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh per year in PPF, and you need to lock it for 15 years (you can extend it in blocks of 5 years after that).
For FY 2025-26, PPF interest rate is set quarterly by the government and typically ranges between 7-8% per annum. The interest is compounded annually, which means your money grows faster over time. What makes PPF special is the three tax benefits: money you invest qualifies for Section 80C deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh, interest earned is tax-free, and the amount you get at maturity is also tax-free. This triple benefit makes PPF one of the best debt investment options.
Our PPF calculator helps you see how much you'll accumulate by the end of 15 years. Even with as low as ₹12,500 per month (₹1.5 lakh per year), you can build nearly ₹40 lakh over 15 years. Combined with other investments like SIP and NPS, PPF forms an excellent foundation for your retirement corpus. The guaranteed returns and government backing make it ideal for conservative investors.
PPF is especially useful for long-term goals like retirement or children's education. Unlike fixed deposits where interest is taxable, PPF gives tax-free maturity. The 15-year lock-in discourages premature withdrawals, helping you build discipline in saving. You can open PPF at banks or post offices, and contribute any time during the year - total contribution just needs to not exceed ₹1.5 lakh annually.
For complete information about PPF rules, interest rates, and withdrawal conditions, check the government's Small Savings schemes page at National Savings Institute which explains PPF rates, contribution rules, and premature withdrawal provisions.
Specify the amount you want to invest annually (₹500 to ₹1.5 lakhs)
Enter the current PPF interest rate (default: 7.1% p.a.)
Select the duration for your PPF investment (minimum 15 years)
Click calculate to see your potential returns and tax benefits
Pro Tip
PPF offers guaranteed returns with complete tax exemption. Invest the maximum ₹1.5 lakhs annually to maximize your tax benefits under Section 80C.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term investment scheme backed by the Government of India. It offers guaranteed returns with complete tax exemption and is one of the safest investment options.
PPF works best for investors who value safety, tax efficiency, and long term discipline. It is especially suitable for salaried individuals, self employed professionals, and parents planning stable long term goals like retirement or education funding.
Investors who already have exposure to equity through SIPs or mutual funds often use PPF as a stabilizing component in their portfolio. The guaranteed nature of returns helps reduce overall portfolio volatility.
PPF may not be ideal for short term goals or investors seeking high growth. However, for long term capital protection with tax free maturity, PPF remains one of the strongest options available in India.
PPF rewards consistency and long-term planning. Avoiding these mistakes helps you extract maximum value from this otherwise very reliable investment option.
Compared to bank fixed deposits, PPF offers lower liquidity but much higher post-tax efficiency since both interest and maturity amount are tax free.
When compared with government bonds or small savings schemes, PPF stands out due to its long-term compounding effect and exemption from income tax at all stages.
Investors who want stability without worrying about taxation often prefer PPF as a core long-term holding.
The minimum investment in PPF is ₹500 per year, and the maximum is ₹1.5 lakhs per financial year. You can invest in multiple installments throughout the year, but the total should not exceed ₹1.5 lakhs.
Yes, you can extend your PPF account in blocks of 5 years after the initial 15-year period. You can make unlimited extensions, and the account continues to earn interest at the prevailing rate.
PPF interest rate is set by the government and can change quarterly. The current rate is 7.1% per annum. The rate is announced by the Ministry of Finance and is usually higher than bank fixed deposits.
Yes, you can take a loan against your PPF account from the 3rd year to the 6th year. The loan amount can be up to 25% of the balance at the end of the second year preceding the loan year.
If you miss investing in a particular year, your PPF account becomes inactive. You can reactivate it by paying a penalty of ₹50 per year of default plus the minimum investment amount for each missed year.
Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year onwards, subject to certain conditions. You can withdraw up to 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th year preceding the withdrawal year or the year immediately preceding the withdrawal year, whichever is lower.
PPF offers guaranteed returns with complete tax exemption, making it ideal for risk-averse investors. While it may offer lower returns than equity investments, it provides capital protection and tax benefits that make it attractive for long-term wealth building.
No, you can only have one PPF account in your name. However, you can open PPF accounts for your minor children, and the combined investment limit for all accounts (including yours) is ₹1.5 lakhs per year.
You need identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID), address proof, and passport-size photographs. You also need to fill out the PPF account opening form and provide a nomination form.
PPF interest is calculated on the minimum balance between the 5th and last day of each month. The interest is compounded annually and credited to your account at the end of each financial year.
Yes. PPF is commonly used for retirement because it offers long-term discipline, guaranteed returns, and complete tax exemption at maturity.
You can stop contributing, but at least one contribution per year is required to keep the account active. Inactive accounts can be reactivated with a small penalty.
PPF usually offers better post-tax returns than fixed deposits because interest and maturity are tax free. Fixed deposits may offer liquidity but are taxable.
Yes. After maturity, the account can be extended indefinitely in blocks of five years with or without further contributions.
Interest is calculated monthly on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of the month and credited annually.
NRIs cannot open a new PPF account. If a resident becomes an NRI after opening a PPF account, the account can be continued until maturity without extension.
PPF is backed by the Government of India, making it one of the safest investment options available in the country.