Difference Between NPS and PPF
Criteria |
PPF |
NPS |
Eligibility for the Schemes |
Provident fund is a long-term retirement plan, which is for any Indian resident, except the NRIs |
The National Pension System does not have any such demarcations. It is open for every Indian including the NRIs. Anyone who belongs to the age group of 18-60 is eligible for NPS |
Minimum and Maximum Investment Amounts |
Minimum amount: Rs. 500 Maximum amount: Rs. 1,50,000 Only 12 contributions can be made in a year. |
Minimum amount: Rs. 6,000 Maximum amount: No limit as long as the amount does not exceed: 10% of the investors’ salary 10% of the investors’ gross total income |
Return of Investment |
PPF is all about fixed returns and there is no scope for added frills |
NPS is the higher return vehicle for a portion of what you invest goes towards equity trading which signifies higher returns |
Maturity Period |
15 years which can be extended further for 5 years |
Maturity tenure is not fixed. Contribution to be made till the age of 60 which can be extended to the age of 70 |
Tax Benefits |
All deposits are deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax can be exempted at the time of withdrawal. |
Tax benefit of Rs. 1,50,000 can be availed under Section 80CCD(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. |
Premature Withdrawals |
Can be made after the 7th year of the purchase |
Can be made after the 10th year only under special circumstances |
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Public Provident Fund (PPF)
One of the most popular investment schemes, the Public Provident Fund (PPF) is famous for its flexible nature. A famous savings plus investment plan, PPF was launched to promote small investments by providing reasonable returns.
Currently, the interest rate of PPF is 7.1% and it offers a tax exemption of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs per annum.
Eligibility Conditions and Other Restrictions
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Public Provident Fund account can be opened by any Indian resident above the age of 18
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The account can be opened on behalf of minor as well
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PPF account can be operational online as well
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The current rate of interest is 7.1%
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Premature withdrawals can be made but with some regulations
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Aadhar card needs to be linked with the bank account to open a PPF account
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It comes with a lock-in period of 15 years
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Partial withdrawals can be made starting from the 7th yearA
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National Pension Scheme (NPS)
Launched by the Government of India keeping in mind the senior citizens of the country, the National Pension Scheme (NPS) is completely administered and regulated by the PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority).
Available to all Indians including NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) between the age of 18 to 60, NPS also offers a tax exemption of Rs. 1,50,000 under Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Eligibility Conditions and Other Restrictions
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The age of the scheme holder should range between 18 to 60 years
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Any Indian resident, as well as NRIs, can avail of the benefits of the scheme
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A unique PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) is required for investment under Tier-I and Tier-II accounts
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NPS offers flexibility in asset allocation choices (Auto choice and Active choice) to the holders
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A ceiling of Rs. 1.5 lakh can be exempted from taxation under this scheme
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Contributions made towards the scheme are also flexible
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The scheme holder should be KYC compliant
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NPS account is mandatory to carry on the transactions
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In the End!
In any retirement portfolio, whether it is National Pension System or Public Provident Fund, both have their place and associated benefits. PPF is all about the safety cushion regarding your investments with solid returns. On the other hand, there is a dual benefit associated with NPS, which includes both capital safety and appreciation of investments. No wonder there is a higher interest regarding the National Pension System especially because of the recommended amendments in the system, which the government is going to implement in the coming times.