EPF vs NPS vs PPF Comparison Calculator
Compare EPF, NPS and PPF for the same annual contribution — see which builds the biggest retirement corpus, at each scheme's rate and tax treatment.
Contribution & Horizon
₹1.5 Lakh
EPF & PPF use fixed govt rates
Highest Corpus — NPS
₹1.48 Crore
On ₹37,50,000 invested over 25 years
How It Works
EPF, PPF and NPS are India's three main long-term retirement vehicles, and they differ in returns, flexibility, and tax treatment. EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) currently earns ~8.25% and is EEE — contributions, interest and withdrawal are all tax-free within limits; it is mandatory for salaried employees at firms with 20+ staff. PPF (Public Provident Fund) earns ~7.1%, is also EEE and government-guaranteed, but caps contributions at ₹1.5 lakh per year with a 15-year lock-in. NPS (National Pension System) is market-linked, so its return depends on your equity/debt mix (historically ~9-12% for equity-heavy funds), but at retirement only 60% of the corpus is withdrawn tax-free while the remaining 40% must buy an annuity that pays a taxable pension. This calculator projects the corpus each scheme would build from the same annual contribution over your chosen horizon, so you can compare them fairly — while remembering their different liquidity and tax rules.
Formula
Each corpus = annual contribution compounded at its rate: EPF ~8.25%, PPF ~7.1% (₹1.5L/yr cap, EEE), NPS market-linked (~10%, 60% tax-free + 40% annuity at exit).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gives higher returns — EPF, PPF or NPS?
NPS usually has the highest potential return because it is market-linked (equity exposure), but with risk. EPF (~8.25%) and PPF (~7.1%) are fixed and government-backed — lower but guaranteed and fully tax-free (EEE).
What is the tax treatment of each?
EPF and PPF are EEE — fully tax-free at contribution, growth and withdrawal (within limits). NPS lets you withdraw 60% tax-free at 60, but the mandatory 40% annuity pays a pension taxed at your slab.
Which NPS tax deductions apply in the new regime?
The employer contribution under 80CCD(2) — up to 14% of Basic+DA for private-sector employees (from April 2025) — is deductible in BOTH regimes. The extra ₹50,000 self-contribution under 80CCD(1B) is available only in the old regime.
Can I invest in all three?
Yes, and many people do. EPF is often automatic for salaried employees; PPF adds a guaranteed tax-free base (up to ₹1.5L/yr); NPS adds market-linked growth plus extra tax deductions. Diversifying across all three balances safety and growth.
What is the contribution limit for PPF?
PPF allows a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. This calculator automatically caps the PPF column at ₹1.5 lakh even if you enter a higher annual contribution.