PPF Account India 2026 — Limit, Lock-in, Interest & Tax Benefits

PPF in India explained: annual contribution cap, 15-year lock-in, interest resets, partial withdrawal, and how to use our PPF calculator for planning — not account opening.

What PPF is for

The Public Provident Fund is a long-horizon government-backed savings scheme with contribution caps and a multi-year lock-in. Indians use it for retirement buffers and (under the old tax regime) eligible 80C-style claims — confirm current tax treatment on official Income Tax / Post Office pages.

Our PPF calculator projects contributions and assumed interest. Notified rates change. This page does not open a PPF account.

Contribution cap and tenure

There is an annual contribution ceiling (commonly discussed as ₹1.5 lakh — verify the live notified cap). The classic tenure is 15 years from the end of the year of opening, with extension options. Missing years can affect compounding — read Post Office / bank PPF rules before you skip a year.

Withdrawals and loans against PPF

Partial withdrawals and loans against PPF follow year-based eligibility. Treat early liquidity as limited. If you need money in 2–3 years, PPF is usually the wrong bucket versus an FD or liquid fund (not advice — match the product to the goal).

How to use the calculator

Enter yearly contribution and years. Compare a full 15-year path versus a shorter mental model so you see how lock-in and compounding interact. Then confirm today’s notified interest on official sources.

Frequently asked questions

Is PPF interest tax-free?

PPF has historically been EEE in many years — confirm the current year on the Income Tax Department / official scheme page. Do not file based on a blog.

Can I have two PPF accounts?

Rules generally restrict multiple accounts for the same individual. Excess accounts can create compliance issues — check official FAQs.

PPF vs SIP ELSS?

PPF is a savings scheme with notified rates and lock-in. ELSS is a market-linked 80C option with equity risk and a 3-year lock-in. Different risk. Not a recommendation.

Where do I open PPF?

Post Office or authorised banks. ContentVerse India only explains and calculates.

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In this topic: SIP & long-term investing

Project SIP growth, understand market risk, and pair investing with tax basics.

Educational guide only. For government schemes, tax, and banking decisions, confirm details on official portals or with qualified professionals.