Understand the PPF projection
Review the official scheme rules, annual model, timing assumption, constant-rate limitation, and boundaries of this educational estimate.
What PPF is
The Public Provident Fund is a Central Government-regulated small-savings scheme governed by the Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019. The notified rules cover deposits, interest eligibility, maturity, extensions, and account administration.
How to use this calculator
- Enter one annual contribution in whole rupees and multiples of ₹50.
- Review or edit the assumed constant annual rate.
- Choose 15 years or an illustrative five-year extension duration.
- Compare contributions, estimated interest, maturity, and the annual schedule.
Official annual deposit rules
The scheme allows annual deposits from ₹500 to ₹1,50,000 in multiples of ₹50. Deposits may be made in one lump sum or instalments, subject to the official limits.
How official interest eligibility works
The official scheme uses the lowest account balance between the close of the fifth day and the end of each month for interest eligibility, then credits interest at year-end. A deposit made later can earn less for that financial year.
Why this calculator uses an annual model
Official maturity and extension timing
Under the scheme, closure is available after fifteen years from the end of the financial year in which the account was opened. Extension with deposits uses further five-year blocks and requires the official option and timing procedure. The selector here counts projection years only; it does not calculate a calendar maturity date, submit an extension, or determine eligibility.
Reference rate and constant-rate limitation
7.1% is the editable reference default verified for deposits and balances on or after 1 april 2020 in the nsi scheme text. The calculator holds the entered rate constant, while actual government-notified PPF rates may change during the tenure.
How to read the results
Total contributions are the annual contribution multiplied by duration. Estimated interest is the projected maturity value above those contributions. Maturity is the final schedule balance under the entered assumptions.
Useful planning questions
- Compare eligible annual contribution levels.
- See the effect of a longer supported duration.
- Separate contributed money from modeled interest.
- Review how each illustrative year builds on the last.
Common projection mistakes
- Treating one rate as fixed for the full real account term.
- Ignoring the monthly fifth-day balance rule.
- Entering a contribution outside official annual limits.
- Reading an illustration as a guaranteed or official maturity value.
Practical checks
- Check the latest official rate notification before acting.
- Consider the actual date of each deposit.
- Verify extension and account-status requirements with the account office.
- Check current tax rules through official sources or a qualified professional.
PPF, FD, RD, and CAGR
| Tool | What it models | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| PPF | Annual contributions under a government-notified-rate assumption | Uses a simplified annual timing model |
| FD | One lump-sum deposit | Uses a selected deposit compounding convention |
| RD | Regular monthly deposits | Later instalments earn for less time |
| CAGR | Annualised change between endpoints | Measures past endpoints rather than projecting an account |
What the calculator does not model
It does not model rate changes, actual monthly deposit timing, missed deposits, discontinuation, revival fees, withdrawals, loans, premature closure, nomination, tax deductions, tax outcomes, or provider and account-office processing.
References
- Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 — Government of India, Ministry of Finance (Gazette copy hosted by Department of Posts)
- Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 (including G.S.R. 290(E) amendment) — National Savings Institute, Ministry of Finance, Government of India
- Revision of Intereset rates for Small Savings Schemes-reg. — Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India