Public Provident Fund (PPF) is one of the few Indian instruments that combines guaranteed returns, full tax exemption (EEE status), and a sovereign guarantee. The rate is set quarterly by the Ministry of Finance and has held at 7.1% since April 2020 - modest in nominal terms, but equivalent to roughly 10.1% pre-tax for someone in the 30% slab once you account for the tax-free interest credit and the 80C deduction on contributions.
The guides below cover the three areas where PPF strategy matters most: timing your annual deposit (the 5th-of-the-month rule changes interest credited materially), the rules around partial withdrawals and loans, and how PPF compares with EPF/VPF for salaried employees. The FAQ at the bottom answers the questions newcomers hit first.
All PPF Guides
How to Maximise PPF Returns India 2026 | Timing & Tips
Deposit before the 5th, invest in April for full-year interest and extend in 5-year blocks. Maturity table at ₹50K–₹1.5L per year over 15–25 years.
Read Guide →PPF Complete Guide India 2026 | Rules, Withdrawal & Loans
7.1% rate, EEE tax status, partial withdrawal from year 7, loan against PPF, 5-year extension blocks and where to open a PPF account in India.
Read Guide →PPF vs EPF India 2026 | Which Is Better for Retirement?
Compare PPF (7.1%) and EPF (8.25%): contribution rules, tax treatment, withdrawal, and VPF. Which is better for your retirement in FY 2025-26.
Read Guide →Calculate Your PPF
Use our free PPF calculator to plan your investments with accurate projections.
Open PPF Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current PPF interest rate?
The PPF interest rate is 7.1% per annum (Q4 FY 2025-26), revised quarterly by the Ministry of Finance. Interest is compounded annually and credited on 31 March. The rate has ranged from 7.1%–8.0% in the last five years. Interest is fully tax-free under Section 10(11).
What is the PPF lock-in period and withdrawal rule?
PPF has a 15-year lock-in from the end of the financial year in which the account was opened. You can extend it in 5-year blocks indefinitely after maturity. Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year onward, up to 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th preceding year. Loans against PPF are available from years 3 to 6.
Can NRIs invest in PPF?
NRIs cannot open a new PPF account. However, if you were a resident when the account was opened and later became an NRI, you may continue contributing until maturity but cannot extend beyond the 15-year term. On maturity, proceeds are credited to your NRO account. Minor accounts opened by resident parents for NRI minors remain subject to the same rules.
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