What is PPF?
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is one of India’s most popular long-term savings schemes, backed by the Government of India. It offers tax-free returns, capital safety, and attractive interest rates, making it an ideal investment for retirement planning, child education, or wealth creation.
Key Features of PPF
✅ Tax Benefits:
- E-E-E Status: Contributions (up to ₹1.5 lakh/year) qualify for Section 80C deductions
- Tax-Free Interest: Entire maturity amount is exempt from tax
- No TDS: Unlike fixed deposits, PPF interest is not taxed
✅ Guaranteed Returns:
- Government-backed, risk-free investment
- Current interest rate: 7.1% (compounded annually)
✅ Long-Term Wealth Creation:
- Minimum tenure: 15 years (extendable in blocks of 5 years)
- Power of compounding helps grow wealth significantly
✅ Flexibility:
- Partial withdrawals allowed from the 7th year
- Loan facility available between the 3rd and 6th year
How PPF Works?
When you invest in PPF, your money grows through annual compounding. The longer you stay invested, the higher your returns.
Example of PPF Growth
| Investment (₹) | Tenure (Years) | Approx. Maturity (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Lakh/year | 15 | ₹40.68 Lakh |
| 1.5 Lakh/year | 20 | ₹65.2 Lakh |
| 1.5 Lakh/year | 25 | ₹1.02 Crore |
Note: Calculations based on 7.1% interest. Actual returns may vary.
👉 Use Our Free PPF Calculator to Estimate Your Corpus
Want to know exactly how much your PPF investment will grow? Try our PPF Calculator to:
✔️ Check maturity value for any investment amount
✔️ Effect of Monthly contributions on generated corpus
✔️ Extension block dates
✔️ Compare returns for different tenures
✔️ Plan withdrawals & extensions
Calculate Your PPF Maturity Now
Who Should Invest in PPF?
✔ Risk-averse investors looking for safe returns
✔ Salaried professionals wanting tax savings under Section 80C
✔ Parents saving for children’s education/marriage
✔ Retirement planners seeking long-term wealth growth
How to Open a PPF Account?
- Visit any bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.) or post office
- Fill Form 1 + Submit KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, address proof)
- Deposit minimum ₹500/year (Max ₹1.5 lakh/year)
- Start investing via lump sum or monthly installments
PPF vs Other Investments
| Feature | PPF | FD | Mutual Funds | NPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | 7.1% (fixed) | 6-7% | Market-linked | 9-12% |
| Tax Benefit | E-E-E | Taxable | LTCG tax | E-E-T |
| Risk | Zero | Low | High | Moderate |
| Lock-in | 15 Years | 1-10 Years | None | Till 60 |
PPF is best for risk-free, tax-efficient savings.
Final Verdict: Should You Invest in PPF?
✅ Yes, if you want:
- Safe, government-backed returns
- Tax-free wealth growth
- A disciplined long-term savings habit
❌ No, if you need:
- Short-term liquidity (lock-in: 15 years)
- Higher returns than 7-8% (consider equity-linked options)
🚀 Take Action Now!
- Open a PPF account if you haven’t yet
- Use our PPF Calculator to project your returns
- Maximize contributions (up to ₹1.5 lakh/year) for best results
Start Investing Today & Secure Your Financial Future!
🔗 Related Tools:
📌 Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and revisit yearly to track PPF interest rate changes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current PPF interest rate?
The current PPF interest rate is **7.1%** (Q1 2025), revised quarterly by the government.
How much can I invest in PPF per year?
- Minimum: ₹500/year , Maximum: ₹1.5 lakh/year
What is the maturity period of PPF?
Mandatory lock-in: 15 years , Extendable: In blocks of 5 years indefinitely
Can I withdraw money from PPF before 15 years?
Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year under specific conditions.
Is PPF better than FD for tax savings?
Yes! PPF offers tax-free returns (EEE status), while FD interest is taxable.
How is PPF interest calculated?
Interest is compounded annually and credited on 31st March every year
Can NRIs open a PPF account?
No, NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts (existing accounts can continue till maturity)
What happens if I don’t extend PPF after 15 years?
The account earns interest but no further deposits are allowed.
How to check my PPF balance online?
Through net banking (SBI, ICICI, etc.) or the India Post website.
Does PPF have nomination facility?
Yes, you can nominate family members when opening the account.
