Calculate your PPF maturity amount and year-wise interest earned. PPF currently offers 7.1% interest rate with tax-free returns under Section 80C. See projections for 15 to 50 years.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed long-term savings scheme with a lock-in period of 15 years. It offers guaranteed returns at 7.1% (as of 2026), tax-free interest, and tax deduction on investment under Section 80C up to ₹1.5 lakh per year. PPF is one of the safest investment options in India.
Current PPF interest rate: 7.1% per annum, compounded annually. Interest is calculated on the minimum balance between the 5th and last day of each month. To maximize returns, invest before the 5th of every month. PPF interest is calculated monthly but credited annually.
PPF offers 7.1% tax-free guaranteed returns. FD gives 6.5-7.5% but interest is taxable. SIP in equity mutual funds can give 12-15% but with market risk. For risk-free, tax-free returns, PPF is unbeatable. For higher returns with risk, choose SIP.
PPF enjoys EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status: Investment up to ₹1.5 lakh/year is deductible under 80C. Interest earned is tax-free. Maturity amount is completely tax-free. This makes PPF one of the best tax-saving instruments.
The current PPF interest rate is 7.1% per annum (as of 2026), compounded annually. The rate is reviewed quarterly by the government.
PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years. After maturity, you can extend in blocks of 5 years with or without contributions. Partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th year.
Minimum ₹500 per year, maximum ₹1,50,000 per year. You can invest in lumpsum or up to 12 installments per year.
No. PPF interest and maturity amount are completely tax-free. Investment up to ₹1.5 lakh qualifies for Section 80C deduction. PPF has EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status.
Yes. You can open a PPF account at post offices or banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI. Online opening is available through net banking of most major banks.
PPF gives 7.1% tax-free returns (effective 10%+ for 30% tax bracket). FD gives 7% but interest is fully taxable. For long-term savings, PPF is clearly better.