Detailed comparison of PPF (7.1% tax-free) and Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) (8.2 (current rate)%) to help you choose the right investment.
| Year | Deposit | Interest | Balance |
|---|
| Feature | PPF | SSA |
|---|---|---|
| Returns | 7.1% p.a. (guaranteed) | 8.2 (current rate)% |
| Lock-in Period | 15 Years | 21 years (partial at 18 for education) |
| Tax on Returns | Fully Tax-Free (EEE) | Fully tax-free (EEE) |
| Section 80C | Yes (up to ₹1.5 lakh) | Yes (up to ₹1.5 lakh) |
| Risk Level | Zero (Govt backed) | Zero (Government backed) |
| Liquidity | Low (partial after 7 years) | Very Low (locked for 21 years) |
| Best For | Long-term tax-free guaranteed growth | Girl child education and marriage planning |
SSA has a higher interest rate and EEE status like PPF, but is only for girl child. PPF is available to everyone with shorter lock-in.
See how much your PPF investment can grow over different tenures:
| Yearly Deposit | Total Deposited | Interest Earned | Maturity Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹500/yr | ₹7,500 | ₹6,063 | ₹13,563 |
| ₹1,000/yr | ₹15,000 | ₹12,121 | ₹27,121 |
| ₹2,000/yr | ₹30,000 | ₹24,241 | ₹54,241 |
| ₹3,000/yr | ₹45,000 | ₹36,363 | ₹81,363 |
| ₹5,000/yr | ₹75,000 | ₹60,606 | ₹1,35,606 |
| ₹10,000/yr | ₹1,50,000 | ₹1,21,215 | ₹2,71,215 |
| ₹12,000/yr | ₹1,80,000 | ₹1,45,455 | ₹3,25,455 |
| ₹15,000/yr | ₹2,25,000 | ₹1,81,823 | ₹4,06,823 |
| ₹20,000/yr | ₹3,00,000 | ₹2,42,428 | ₹5,42,428 |
| ₹25,000/yr | ₹3,75,000 | ₹3,03,036 | ₹6,78,036 |
| ₹30,000/yr | ₹4,50,000 | ₹3,63,638 | ₹8,13,638 |
| ₹40,000/yr | ₹6,00,000 | ₹4,84,858 | ₹10,84,858 |
| ₹50,000/yr | ₹7,50,000 | ₹6,06,070 | ₹13,56,070 |
| ₹60,000/yr | ₹9,00,000 | ₹7,27,283 | ₹16,27,283 |
| ₹70,000/yr | ₹10,50,000 | ₹8,48,497 | ₹18,98,497 |
| ₹80,000/yr | ₹12,00,000 | ₹9,69,708 | ₹21,69,708 |
| ₹90,000/yr | ₹13,50,000 | ₹10,90,925 | ₹24,40,925 |
| ₹1,00,000/yr | ₹15,00,000 | ₹12,12,139 | ₹27,12,139 |
| ₹1,20,000/yr | ₹18,00,000 | ₹14,54,569 | ₹32,54,569 |
| ₹1,50,000/yr | ₹22,50,000 | ₹18,18,208 | ₹40,68,208 |
PPF offers 7.1% guaranteed tax-free returns with a 15-year lock-in, while SSA offers 8.2 (current rate)% returns with 21 years (partial at 18 for education) lock-in. PPF has EEE tax status making it fully tax-free, whereas SSA: Fully tax-free (EEE).
SSA has a higher interest rate and EEE status like PPF, but is only for girl child. PPF is available to everyone with shorter lock-in.
Yes, you can invest in both PPF and SSA. However, the combined Section 80C deduction limit is ₹1,50,000 per year. Many investors diversify across both instruments to balance risk and returns.
PPF is backed by the Government of India and carries zero risk with guaranteed returns. SSA has zero (government backed) risk. If capital preservation is your priority, PPF is the safer choice.
PPF has EEE status — deposits, interest, and maturity are all tax-free. SSA Section 80C: Yes (up to ₹1.5 lakh). Tax on returns: Fully tax-free (EEE).