PPF Calculator
Calculate your Public Provident Fund maturity amount and year-by-year growth for FY 2025-26
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What is PPF and Why Should You Invest?
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme introduced in 1968. It is one of India's most popular long-term investments because of its EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status — your investment qualifies for Section 80C deduction, the interest earned is completely tax-free, and the maturity amount is also exempt from tax.
With a current interest rate of 7.1% per annum (reviewed quarterly by the government) and sovereign guarantee backing, PPF offers risk-free returns that beat most fixed deposits after accounting for tax. The lock-in period is 15 years, with optional extensions in 5-year blocks.
PPF vs Other 80C Investments
- PPF vs ELSS: PPF is safer but ELSS can give 12–16% returns. PPF is better for risk-averse investors nearing retirement.
- PPF vs FD: FD interest is fully taxable. At 30% tax bracket, a 7.5% FD gives effective 5.25% return vs PPF's tax-free 7.1%.
- PPF vs EPF: Both are safe and tax-free. EPF is mandatory for salaried employees; PPF is voluntary for anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deposit before the 5th of every month to earn interest for that month. For lump-sum yearly deposits, invest between April 1–5 to earn interest for the full year from the first month.
Partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th financial year (i.e., after 6 complete years). You can withdraw up to 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th year or the immediately preceding year, whichever is lower. Full premature closure is allowed only in specific cases (serious illness, higher education).
Yes. You can open a PPF account for a minor child as their guardian. However, the combined limit of ₹1.5 lakh per year applies across your account and your minor child's account together.
At maturity you can: (1) Withdraw the full amount, (2) Extend without deposit for 5 years and continue earning interest on the corpus, or (3) Extend with fresh deposits in 5-year blocks. Option 2 or 3 is usually better as the corpus continues growing tax-free.