What is PPF and how much will I get after 15 years?
Updated · CardKhoj Editorial Team
Short answer
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in, a current interest rate of 7.1% (reviewed quarterly) and tax-free returns. You can invest ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh a year. Investing the full ₹1.5 lakh at the start of every year for 15 years at 7.1% grows to about ₹40.7 lakh.
Key rules
- Deposit: minimum ₹500, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per financial year.
- Tenure: 15 years, extendable in blocks of 5 years.
- Tax: deposits qualify for 80C (old regime); interest and maturity are tax-free.
- Liquidity: loans from year 3 to 6; partial withdrawals from year 7.
- Where: post offices and most banks, often online.
Maturity examples at 7.1%
| Yearly deposit | Invested over 15 years | Approx. maturity |
|---|---|---|
| ₹50,000 | ₹7.5 lakh | ≈ ₹13.6 lakh |
| ₹1,00,000 | ₹15 lakh | ≈ ₹27.1 lakh |
| ₹1,50,000 | ₹22.5 lakh | ≈ ₹40.7 lakh |
Tip: deposit before the 5th of the month (ideally in April) — interest for each month is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and the month end.
Try the PPF calculator for your own numbers.
This answer is general information, not personalised financial or tax advice. Rules, rates and limits change — confirm with your bank, the RBI or a qualified adviser before making decisions.