About the Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Public Provident Fund is one of India’s most popular long-term government-backed savings and retirement schemes. It is designed to encourage disciplined investing while offering tax benefits, safety, and long-term compounding.
PPF is especially popular among:
- salaried employees
- self-employed individuals
- parents investing for children
- long-term retirement planners
One of the biggest strengths of PPF is its combination of:
- sovereign government backing
- tax-free growth
- long-term compounding
- extension flexibility after maturity
The standard maturity period for a PPF account is 15 years. However, unlike many other schemes, PPF can be extended indefinitely in blocks of 5 years. During these extension periods, investors can either:
- continue contributing, or
- stop contributions and allow the money to continue compounding.
This flexibility makes PPF a powerful long-term wealth-building tool.
The calculator above helps estimate:
- total invested amount
- estimated interest earned
- maturity value
- impact of extending the account after 15 years
The calculator assumes:
- yearly investments
- annual compounding
- beginning-of-period deposits (deposits made early in the year)
Beginning-of-period calculations generally produce slightly higher values because the investment earns interest for the full year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current maturity period of PPF?
The initial maturity period is 15 years from the end of the financial year in which the account is opened.
Can I extend my PPF account after 15 years?
Yes. PPF accounts can be extended indefinitely in blocks of 5 years.
Can I continue contributing after extending the account?
Yes. During extension periods, you may:
- continue contributions, or
- keep the account active without contributions.
What is the maximum yearly contribution allowed in PPF?
The current maximum contribution limit is ₹1.5 lakh per financial year.
Is PPF tax-free?
Yes. PPF enjoys EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status:
- contributions qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C
- interest earned is tax-free
- maturity proceeds are tax-free
Is PPF safe?
PPF is backed by the Government of India, making it one of the safest long-term savings schemes available in India.
How is PPF different from SSY?
Key differences include:
- PPF is available to any Indian citizen
- SSY is only for girl children below age 10
- PPF can be extended indefinitely
- SSY has fixed maturity rules
Does this calculator assume deposits at the beginning or end of the year?
This calculator assumes beginning-of-period deposits. This means contributions are assumed to be made early in the financial year, allowing the investment to earn interest for the full year.
What happens if I stop contributing after maturity?
You may keep the account active and allow the balance to continue earning interest, subject to prevailing PPF rules.
Can I withdraw money before maturity?
Partial withdrawals and loans are allowed under specific PPF rules after certain years. However, PPF is primarily designed as a long-term savings and retirement account.