📌 PPF Quick Facts — FY 2026-27
Current Interest Rate
7.1% p.a.
Lock-in Period
15 years
Max Annual Deposit
₹1,50,000
Tax Status
EEE (Triple Exempt)

PPF Calculator — Public Provident Fund Calculator India FY 2026-27

Calculate PPF maturity value, interest earned, and year-wise returns at 7.1% interest rate. Updated for FY 2026-27. Includes year-wise breakdown, tax saving estimate, and EEE tax status explained.

✅ 100% Free⚡ Instant Results🔒 No Signup📱 Mobile Friendly🔐 No Data Stored📊 Year-Wise Table

How to Use This PPF Calculator — 4 Steps

1
💰
Set Yearly Amount
Enter your planned annual PPF deposit (₹500 minimum, ₹1,50,000 maximum) using the slider or input field.
2
📅
Choose Tenure
Select 15 years (mandatory minimum) or extend to 20, 25, 30+ years to see long-term compounding power.
3
📈
Confirm Rate
7.1% is pre-filled (current Q1 FY 2026-27 rate). Adjust to model scenarios with different assumed rates.
4
📊
View Full Results
See maturity value, year-wise table, tax savings at your slab, and PPF milestones — all calculated instantly.

What is PPF (Public Provident Fund)?

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-sponsored long-term savings and investment scheme introduced in India in 1968. Governed by the PPF Scheme 2019 (which replaced the original PPF Scheme, 1968), it is operated through designated post offices and most public and private sector banks. The scheme is backed by the Government of India, making it one of the safest investment instruments in the country with zero credit risk.

PPF stands apart from most other fixed-income instruments because of its EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status — contributions are tax-deductible under Section 80C, annual interest is tax-free, and the entire maturity amount is tax-free. This triple tax exemption, combined with compound interest over 15+ years, makes PPF one of the most tax-efficient wealth-building tools available to salaried employees and self-employed individuals in India.

Who typically uses PPF? PPF is most popular among risk-averse investors who want guaranteed, inflation-beating, tax-free returns without market exposure. It is particularly valuable for: (1) salaried employees who want to complement their EPF with additional tax-free savings, (2) self-employed professionals and freelancers who don't have access to EPF, (3) parents building a corpus for a child's education or marriage, and (4) investors approaching retirement who want a guaranteed, government-backed savings component.

The power of 15-year compounding. At 7.1% annual interest, ₹1,50,000 invested each year for 15 years grows to approximately ₹40.68 lakh — of which ₹22.5 lakh is your own investment and ₹18.18 lakh is pure interest. That's a growth of 1.81x. If you extend for another 5 years (20 years total), the corpus grows to roughly ₹66 lakh — a 2.9x growth on the same ₹30 lakh invested. This exponential growth in the later years is the hallmark of long-term compound interest.

PPF and the deposit-before-5th rule. PPF interest is calculated monthly on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month. Depositing your annual ₹1,50,000 before April 5 ensures you earn interest on the full amount for April. Depositing on April 6 means you earn zero interest for April. Over 15 years, this discipline can meaningfully improve your final corpus through compounding — making timing one of the simplest ways to optimise your PPF returns.

PPF Interest Rate History — 2012 to 2026

The Ministry of Finance revises PPF interest rates quarterly, though rates have historically remained stable for extended periods. The current rate of 7.1% has been unchanged since April 2020 — over 6 years. Before that, rates were as high as 8.8% in 2012-13. Understanding this history helps set realistic expectations for long-term planning.

PeriodInterest Rate
Apr 2026 – Jun 2026Current7.1%
Apr 2020 – Mar 20266 years unchanged7.1%
Oct 2019 – Mar 20207.9%
Jul 2019 – Sep 20197.9%
Apr 2019 – Jun 20198.0%
Oct 2018 – Mar 20198.0%
Apr 2018 – Sep 20187.6%
Jan 2018 – Mar 20187.6%
Jul 2017 – Dec 20177.8%
Apr 2017 – Jun 20177.9%
Apr 2016 – Mar 20178.1%
Apr 2015 – Mar 20168.7%
Apr 2014 – Mar 20158.7%
Apr 2013 – Mar 20148.7%
Apr 2012 – Mar 20138.8%

Source: Ministry of Finance, Government of India notifications. Rates are per annum.

PPF Calculation Formula Explained

The PPF maturity formula for a lump sum annual deposit is based on compound interest:

Standard PPF Maturity Formula
M = P × [((1+i)^n - 1) / i] × (1+i)
M = Maturity value
P = Annual deposit amount
i = Annual interest rate / 100 (e.g., 0.071 for 7.1%)
n = Number of years
Example: P=1,50,000 | i=0.071 | n=15 → M ≈ ₹40,68,209

Our calculator uses year-by-year iteration (opening balance → add deposit → compute interest → get closing balance) which gives identical results and is easier to verify. The year-by-year approach also lets us show you exactly how much interest you earn each year — not just the final total.

Note on monthly vs annual compounding. The actual PPF scheme calculates interest on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month, credited annually. Our calculator (like all major PPF calculators) uses annual compounding for clarity. The difference between the two methods is less than 0.5% of the final corpus — negligible for planning purposes.

PPF Tax Benefits — EEE Status Explained

E
First E
Contribution Exempt
💳

Deposits up to ₹1,50,000/year are fully deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. At the 30% slab, this saves ₹46,800 in taxes annually (including cess). Available only under the old tax regime.

E
Second E
Interest Exempt
📈

The annual interest credited to your PPF account is completely exempt from income tax under Section 10(11). Unlike FD interest which is taxable, PPF interest never enters your taxable income — in any year, under any regime.

E
Third E
Maturity Exempt
🎯

The entire maturity amount — both principal and accumulated interest — is tax-free when withdrawn. No capital gains tax, no TDS, nothing. ₹40+ lakh received at maturity is 100% in your hands.

⚠️ New Tax Regime Note: Under the new tax regime (Section 115BAC), the Section 80C deduction for PPF contributions is NOT available. The First E is lost. However, the Second E (interest exempt) and Third E (maturity exempt) remain — PPF interest and maturity are tax-free regardless of which regime you choose. For employees in the 30% slab choosing old regime, the pre-tax equivalent yield of 7.1% PPF is approximately 10.1% — making it competitive with many higher-risk instruments.

PPF Withdrawal & Loan Rules

🏦 Loan Against PPF (Years 3–6)

Loans are available from the 3rd financial year to the end of the 6th financial year.

Maximum loan: 25% of the balance at the end of the 2nd year preceding the year of application.

Interest rate: 1% above PPF rate (currently 8.1%).

Repayment: Within 36 months. Failure to repay in time increases rate to 6% above PPF rate.

Frequency: Second loan available only after first is fully repaid, and within the loan window.

💸 Partial Withdrawal (From Year 7)

Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th financial year onwards.

Maximum amount: Lower of: (a) 50% of balance at end of Year 4, or (b) 50% of balance at end of the preceding year.

Frequency: Only once per financial year.

Tax: Withdrawal amount is completely tax-free.

Note: Withdrawn amount does not reduce your future ₹1,50,000 deposit limit.

PPF Account Extension After 15 Years

At the end of the 15-year lock-in, your PPF account does not automatically close. You have a full year after the maturity date to decide what to do. Your three options:

Option 1
🏁

Withdraw & Close

Withdraw the entire corpus tax-free and close the account. If you need the funds or have better investment opportunities, this is straightforward. You can always open a new PPF account after closing.

Option 2
📈

Extend with Deposits

Submit Form H within 1 year of maturity. Continue making deposits of ₹500–₹1,50,000 annually for the next 5 years. Interest continues at prevailing PPF rate. One partial withdrawal per year allowed. Most tax-efficient option if you don't need the money.

Option 3
⏸️

Extend without Deposits

Do nothing — the account automatically extends without contributions. The existing corpus continues to earn interest at the PPF rate. No fresh deposits needed. One withdrawal per year (full amount can be withdrawn with no restrictions on minimum). Ideal if you want a safe parking for existing wealth.

PPF vs FD vs NPS vs ELSS — Full Comparison

PPF is not the right choice for everyone. The comparison below shows when PPF wins and when alternatives may be better for your specific situation and risk tolerance.

FeaturePPFBank FDNPSELSS
Interest/Returns7.1% (fixed)6–7% (fixed)8–12% (market)12–15% (market)
Lock-in Period15 years5 years (tax-saving)Till age 603 years
Tax on Investment80C (₹1.5L)80C (₹1.5L)80C + 80CCD(1B) extra ₹50K80C (₹1.5L)
Tax on ReturnsTax-freeFully taxablePartially taxableLTCG above ₹1.25L @ 12.5%
Tax on MaturityTax-freeTaxable60% free, 40% annuity taxableTaxable
Tax StatusEEE ✅EETEET (partial)EET
RiskZero (Govt)Very LowMedium–HighHigh
Min Investment₹500/year₹1,000–₹10,000₹500/month₹500 (SIP)
Max Investment₹1,50,000/yearNo limitNo limitNo limit
Best ForRisk-averse, long-termShort–medium termRetirementWealth creation
Interpretation: PPF wins on safety and tax efficiency. ELSS wins on returns (market-linked). NPS wins on retirement corpus (extra ₹50K deduction). FD wins on liquidity. Most financial advisors recommend a combination: PPF for guaranteed, tax-free savings + ELSS/NPS for higher-return allocation.

PPF Deposit Strategy — Maximise Your Returns

The single most impactful strategy to optimise PPF returns is the "deposit before the 5th" rule. PPF interest is computed on the minimum balance in your account between the 5th and the last day of each month. This means:

Deposit Timing Impact (₹1,50,000 deposit at 7.1%)
Deposited Apr 1–5:12 months interest = ₹10,650/year
Deposited Apr 6+:11 months interest = ₹9,763/year
Lost by depositing late:₹887 per year
Lost over 15 years (compounded):≈ ₹25,000–₹35,000

Lump sum vs monthly deposits: A lump sum deposit before April 5 is always better than spreading across 12 months, because the full amount earns 12 months of interest. However, if you don't have the full ₹1,50,000 available in April, monthly deposits are perfectly fine — the difference is smaller than most people assume.

Setting up a SIP for PPF: Some banks allow automatic monthly transfers to PPF. If you can automate this, set it for the 1st or 2nd of each month to ensure it reaches your PPF account by the 5th. This is the most practical approach for salaried employees who receive monthly salaries.

Who Can Open a PPF Account?

Eligible

  • Indian residents (citizens)
  • Salaried employees (private and government)
  • Self-employed professionals and freelancers
  • Homemakers with income from any source
  • Parents/guardians opening accounts for minor children
  • Individuals with existing EPF accounts (PPF is additional)

Not Eligible

  • ×Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) — cannot open new accounts
  • ×HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) — since 2005
  • ×Trusts and other entities
  • ×Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and OCIs
  • ×Existing account holders (only one account per individual)

PPF Calculator — 15 Frequently Asked Questions

What is PPF (Public Provident Fund)?
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed long-term savings scheme in India introduced in 1968 under the Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 (now governed by the PPF Scheme 2019). It offers guaranteed returns backed by the Government of India, making it one of the safest investment instruments available. PPF combines the benefits of tax savings under Section 80C, tax-free interest, and tax-free maturity — making it one of only a few investments with EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status. It is available to all Indian citizens and can be opened at post offices and most public and private sector banks.
What is the current PPF interest rate in 2026?
The current PPF interest rate for Q1 FY 2026-27 (April–June 2026) is 7.1% per annum. This rate has remained unchanged since April 1, 2020 — a period of over 6 years. The Ministry of Finance reviews and notifies PPF interest rates quarterly, though rates have historically remained stable for extended periods. Prior to April 2020, the rate was 7.9% (October 2019 to March 2020) and 8.0% (April 2019 to September 2019).
How is PPF interest calculated?
PPF interest is calculated monthly on the lowest balance in your account between the 5th and last day of each month, and credited to the account at the end of each financial year (March 31). For example, if you deposit ₹1,50,000 on April 4, your full balance earns interest for April. If you deposit on April 6, you miss April's interest entirely because the balance before the 5th was lower. The practical implication: always deposit before the 5th of April (or the 5th of any month) to earn interest for that month. Our calculator uses simplified annual compounding, which is the standard approach used by all major financial calculators.
What is the PPF maturity period?
The PPF account matures after 15 complete financial years from the year of account opening. If you open a PPF account in August 2026 (FY 2026-27), it matures at the end of FY 2041-42 (March 2042) — which is actually 15 years and 7–8 months. The 15-year period is counted from the end of the financial year in which the account was opened. At maturity, you can withdraw the full amount, or extend the account for 5-year blocks (with or without fresh contributions). The lock-in is among the longest of any investment product in India.
Can I extend my PPF account after 15 years?
Yes. At maturity (after 15 years), you have three options: (1) Withdraw the full maturity amount and close the account, (2) Extend for 5 years with continued contributions — you can continue depositing ₹500 to ₹1,50,000 per year and earn interest as before, (3) Extend for 5 years without contributions — the existing corpus continues to earn interest at the prevailing PPF rate but you cannot make fresh deposits. To extend with contributions, you must submit Form H to your bank/post office within one year of maturity. Without this form, the account is treated as an extension without contributions by default.
What is the minimum and maximum deposit in PPF?
The minimum annual deposit in a PPF account is ₹500 per year. Failing to deposit even ₹500 in any financial year results in the account being classified as "discontinued" — attracting a penalty of ₹50 per year for each year of default, plus the minimum deposit of ₹500 must be paid to reactivate. The maximum annual deposit is ₹1,50,000 per financial year. Any amount deposited above ₹1,50,000 in a year does not earn interest and is returned without any additional benefit. Deposits can be made in a lump sum or in up to 12 instalments per year.
What are the tax benefits of PPF?
PPF has EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status — one of the best in the investment universe. (1) Investment: Contributions up to ₹1,50,000 per year are deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, (2) Interest: The interest earned annually is completely tax-free under Section 10(11), not added to taxable income, (3) Maturity: The entire maturity amount is tax-free. Additionally, the PPF account balance is protected from court attachment orders in most cases (except income tax attachment orders). Note: Under the new tax regime (Section 115BAC), the 80C deduction is not available. However, interest and maturity remain tax-free regardless of regime.
When can I withdraw money from PPF?
Full withdrawal is only allowed at maturity (after 15 complete financial years). Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th financial year onwards. The maximum amount you can withdraw in any financial year is limited to the lower of: (a) 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th year preceding the year of withdrawal, or (b) 50% of the balance at the end of the immediately preceding year. Only one partial withdrawal is allowed per financial year. The withdrawn amount does not reduce your future contribution limits.
Can I take a loan against my PPF account?
Yes. Loans against PPF are available from the 3rd financial year to the 6th financial year of the account. The maximum loan amount is 25% of the balance at the end of the 2nd year immediately preceding the year of loan application. The interest rate on the loan is 1% above the prevailing PPF interest rate (currently 8.1% when PPF is at 7.1%). The loan must be repaid within 36 months. If you don't repay within 36 months, the interest rate increases to 6% above PPF rate. Once a loan is fully repaid, you can apply for a second loan if still within the 3rd to 6th year window.
What happens if I don't deposit the minimum ₹500 in a year?
If you fail to deposit at least ₹500 in any financial year, your PPF account is classified as "discontinued" (not closed). A discontinued account cannot receive deposits or take loans. However, interest continues to be credited at the prevailing rate. To reactivate, you must pay ₹50 as penalty for each year of default plus the minimum deposit of ₹500 for each defaulted year. Reactivation application must be made before the 15-year maturity date. After reactivation, you can resume normal deposits and loan facilities.
Can NRIs open a PPF account?
No. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) cannot open a new PPF account after acquiring NRI status. However, if you had an existing PPF account before becoming an NRI, you can continue to maintain it until maturity (15 years from account opening). After maturity, NRIs cannot extend the account — they must close it. NRIs can continue depositing in existing accounts and enjoy the tax benefits under their applicable tax treaties. FEMA regulations apply to PPF investments by NRIs.
Is PPF better than Fixed Deposit?
For long-term wealth creation, PPF is significantly better than FDs for most investors. PPF's 7.1% tax-free return is equivalent to approximately 10.1% pre-tax at the 30% slab — higher than most FD rates which are fully taxable. FD interest is added to income and taxed at your slab rate. PPF also has sovereign guarantee, court attachment protection, and the 15-year compounding works powerfully. FDs are better for short-to-medium term goals (3 months to 5 years), liquidity needs, or for investors in the 0–5% tax slab where the tax advantage of PPF is minimal.
What is the best time to deposit money in PPF?
The best time to deposit your full annual PPF contribution is between April 1 and April 5 of each financial year. PPF interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month. If you deposit on April 1–5, your full amount earns interest for April. If you deposit on April 6 or later, you miss April's interest entirely. For ₹1,50,000, missing just one month's interest costs approximately ₹887 (₹1,50,000 × 7.1% ÷ 12). Over 15 years, this timing discipline can add ₹30,000–50,000 to your final corpus through compounding.
Can I open more than one PPF account?
No. An individual can hold only one PPF account in their own name. Opening a second account is not permitted. However, you can open a PPF account in the name of a minor child (with yourself as the guardian). The combined deposits in your account and the minor's account cannot exceed ₹1,50,000 per year — this is the combined limit, not ₹1,50,000 each. HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) cannot open new PPF accounts after April 2005 but existing accounts can continue until maturity.
Is PPF interest taxable under the new tax regime?
No. PPF interest is tax-free under Section 10(11) of the Income Tax Act — this exemption applies regardless of which tax regime you choose. However, the Section 80C deduction for PPF contributions is NOT available under the new tax regime. So if you choose the new regime: (1) No tax deduction on your contribution, (2) Interest remains tax-free, (3) Maturity amount remains tax-free. Under the old regime: (1) Full 80C deduction on contribution, (2) Tax-free interest, (3) Tax-free maturity. The EEE benefit is fully available only under the old regime for the contribution deduction component.
How does the PPF calculator work?
Our PPF calculator uses the standard annual compounding method: for each year, interest is calculated on (Opening Balance + Annual Deposit) at the PPF interest rate. The closing balance of each year becomes the opening balance of the next. This simplified approach gives results within 1–2% of the actual PPF calculation (which uses monthly compounding on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month). The simplified method is used by all major financial calculators including ClearTax, Groww, and bank PPF calculators because the actual calculation requires knowing exact monthly deposit dates.

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ToolStackHub — 100% Browser-Based, No Data Stored

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Disclaimer: This PPF calculator uses annual compounding for simplicity — actual PPF uses monthly compounding on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month. Results are indicative and may differ slightly from actual account values. PPF interest rates are set by the Ministry of Finance and may change quarterly. Consult your bank, post office, or a certified financial planner for advice specific to your situation. Information updated for FY 2026-27 (Q1 rate: 7.1%).