PPF Calculator – Public Provident Fund Calculator
Calculate returns and maturity amount. Plan your PPF investments with our free PPF calculator with tax benefits under Section 80C.
Min ₹500, max ₹1,50,000 per year
PPF lock-in 15 years (extendable in 5-yr blocks)
Current PPF rate 7.1% p.a. (govt-notified)
Real-World Examples
1₹1.5 Lakh/year for 15 Years
Total invested ₹22.5L, returns ₹18.18L. Completely tax-free (EEE status). Best for long-term tax-free wealth.
2₹50,000/year Conservative Approach
Total invested ₹7.5L, interest ₹6.06L. Even moderate contribution creates significant corpus.
3Extended PPF 20 Years (15+5)
Extend by 5-year blocks after maturity. Total invested ₹30L becomes ₹66.58L. Power of compounding.
Frequently Asked Questions
PPF is a government-backed long-term savings scheme offering guaranteed returns and tax benefits. It has EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status - contributions under 80C, interest, and maturity are all tax-free.
Minimum annual contribution is ₹500, maximum is ₹1,50,000. You can make up to 12 deposits per year. If minimum is not deposited, account becomes inactive with ₹50 penalty per year to revive.
PPF interest rate for 2024-25 is 7.1% per annum, compounded annually. The rate is set by the government and reviewed quarterly. Interest is calculated on the lowest balance between 5th and last day of each month.
PPF has a 15-year lock-in period from the end of the financial year of opening. After maturity, you can extend in 5-year blocks with or without fresh contributions. Extension must be applied within 1 year of maturity.
No, PPF enjoys EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status. Contributions qualify for 80C deduction (up to ₹1.5L), interest earned is tax-free, and maturity proceeds are completely tax-free. One of the best tax-efficient investments.
Partial withdrawal is allowed from 7th financial year. You can withdraw up to 50% of balance at end of 4th preceding year or preceding year, whichever is lower. Loan facility is available from 3rd to 6th year.
Invest before 5th of every month as interest is calculated on minimum balance between 5th and last day. Investing ₹1.5L on April 5th gives maximum interest. Avoid end-of-month deposits.
Yes, you can open PPF account for minor children. However, the combined contribution limit of ₹1.5L applies to parent and all minor children's accounts together, not separately.
PPF is voluntary, available to all, with ₹1.5L annual limit. EPF is mandatory for salaried employees with employer contribution. EPF currently offers 8.25% vs PPF's 7.1%. Both have tax-free interest.
No, NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts. However, if someone became NRI after opening PPF, they can continue till maturity but cannot extend. The account earns interest at prevailing rates.
Complete Guide to PPF (Public Provident Fund) in India 2025
PPF (Public Provident Fund) is one of India's most trusted long-term savings schemes, offeringguaranteed returns, complete tax exemption, and government backing. With its unique EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status, PPF remains a cornerstone of financial planning for millions of Indians.
What is PPF?
PPF is a government-backed savings scheme introduced in 1968 to encourage long-term savings among Indians. It offers a fixed interest rate (currently 7.1% p.a.), reviewed quarterly by the government. PPF accounts can be opened at post offices or authorized banks, with a minimum 15-year tenure.
PPF Interest Rate History
| Period | Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 - Mar 2025 | 7.1% |
| Apr 2020 - Dec 2024 | 7.1% |
| Oct 2018 - Mar 2020 | 8.0% |
| Jan 2018 - Sep 2018 | 7.6% |
| Apr 2016 - Dec 2017 | 8.0% |
PPF Tax Benefits (EEE Status)
Triple Exemption:
- E1 - Contribution: Up to ₹1.5 lakh deductible under Section 80C
- E2 - Interest: Interest earned is completely tax-free
- E3 - Maturity: Maturity proceeds are 100% tax-free
PPF is one of the few investments with complete EEE status in India!
PPF Investment Rules
- Minimum Investment: ₹500 per year (to keep account active)
- Maximum Investment: ₹1,50,000 per year
- Deposit Frequency: Up to 12 deposits per year (lump sum or installments)
- Tenure: 15 years (extendable in 5-year blocks)
- Interest Calculation: Monthly, on lowest balance between 5th and last day
- Interest Credit: Annually on March 31st
Best Time to Invest in PPF
Invest before 5th of every month!
Interest is calculated on the minimum balance between 5th and last day of each month. To maximize returns, deposit your annual contribution (₹1.5 lakh) by April 5th. This ensures you earn interest for the entire year. Investing on April 6th vs April 5th costs you one month's interest!
PPF Withdrawal Rules
Partial Withdrawal
- • Available from 7th financial year
- • Max 50% of balance at end of 4th preceding year
- • One withdrawal per year allowed
Loan Against PPF
- • Available from 3rd to 6th year
- • Max 25% of balance at end of 2nd preceding year
- • Interest: PPF rate + 1%
PPF Account Extension
After 15 years, you have three options:
- Withdraw entire balance: Close account and take all money
- Extend without contribution: Keep earning interest without depositing more (unlimited withdrawals)
- Extend with contribution: Continue investing up to ₹1.5 lakh/year (one withdrawal per year)
PPF vs Other Safe Investments
| Feature | PPF | FD | NSC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 7.1% | 6.5-7.5% | 7.7% |
| Lock-in | 15 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Interest Tax | Tax-free | Taxable | Taxable* |
| Maturity Tax | Tax-free | No tax | No tax |
*NSC interest is reinvested and taxable in final year
Related Calculators
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- SIP Calculator - Compare with market-linked returns
- Section 80C Calculator - Maximize tax deductions
- EPF Calculator - Compare with employer PF
Disclaimer: PPF interest rates are set by the government and reviewed quarterly. Rates mentioned are as of January 2025 and subject to change. Always verify current rates from official government sources before investing.
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Disclaimer: All calculations are estimates based on current tax rules and regulations. Actual values may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Please consult a certified financial advisor or CA for personalized advice.