The difference between EPF and PPF is a common query among individuals seeking secure savings options in India. Both government-backed schemes help in wealth creation and retirement planning, but they have different eligibility criteria, contribution structures, and withdrawal rules.
Understanding the difference between EPF and PPF is crucial for making the right financial decision. While EPF is mandatory for salaried employees, PPF is a voluntary savings option available to all Indian residents. In this blog, we will break down their key distinctions to help you choose the best option for your financial goals.
Table of contents
What is EPF?
EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) is a government-backed retirement savings scheme for salaried employees in India. It is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and is mandatory for employees working in organizations with 20 or more employees.
It was introduced in 1952 under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act. The primary goal was to provide financial security to workers in the organized sector after retirement.
Over the years, the scheme has evolved with digital services like the Universal Account Number (UAN), online claims, and higher pension options.
The government periodically revises EPF rules and interest rates based on economic conditions and recommendations from the Central Board of Trustees.
Features of EPF
- Applicable to salaried employees working in organizations with 20 or more employees.
- Both employer and employee contribute 12% of the basic salary plus a dearness allowance.
- Current interest rate: 8.25% (for FY 2024-25).
- Partial withdrawals are allowed for medical emergencies, home loan repayment, and marriage.
- Full withdrawal is possible upon retirement or if unemployed for over two months.
EPF Interest Rate
The interest rate for the financial year 2024-25 is 8.25%. It is reviewed annually by the EPFO and approved by the Ministry of Labour and Finance. Factors like market performance, inflation, and EPFO’s investment returns impact the rate.
What is PPF?
PPF (Public Provident Fund) is a risk-free, government-backed savings scheme designed for long-term wealth creation and tax benefits. It was established in 1968 to encourage long-term savings among individuals, especially for those not covered by EPF or other pension schemes.
The government introduced it as a risk-free investment avenue backed by sovereign guarantees, making it a popular choice for small savers.
Over time, the government has modified deposit limits, withdrawal rules, and interest rates to align with economic policies and inflation trends.
Features of PPF
- Available to all Indian residents, including self-employed individuals.
- Minimum deposit: INR 500; Maximum deposit: INR 1.5 lakh per financial year.
- Current interest rate: 7.1% (for FY 2024-25).
- 15-year maturity period, extendable in 5-year blocks.
- Partial withdrawals allowed after 7 years.
PPF Interest Rate
The PPF interest rate for 2024-25 is 7.1%. The Ministry of Finance revises the PPF interest rate quarterly based on yields of government securities. While it offers stable returns, changes in economic conditions may lead to periodic fluctuations.
Key Differences Between EPF and PPF
The most basic difference between EPF and PPF is that EPF is a mandatory retirement savings scheme for salaried employees where both employer and employee contribute, while PPF is a voluntary long-term savings option open to all Indian residents with individual contributions.
Check out the other major differences between EPF and PPF:
| Feature | EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) | PPF (Public Provident Fund) |
| Eligibility | Salaried employees in eligible firms | Any Indian resident |
| Contribution | Employer & employee: 12% each of basic salary + DA | Voluntary: INR 500 to INR 1.5 lakh per year |
| Interest Rate | 8.15% (2024) | 7.1% (2024) |
| Lock-in Period | Till retirement or resignation | 15 years (extendable) |
| Withdrawals | Partial withdrawals allowed; full withdrawal on retirement | Partial withdrawal after 7 years |
| Tax Benefits | Tax-exempt under Section 80C | Tax-exempt under Section 80C |
| Premature Closure | Allowed after 2 months of unemployment | Allowed only under specific conditions |
Which One Should You Choose?
EPF and PPF are both reliable savings schemes, but they cater to different financial needs. While EPF is best suited for salaried individuals with employer contributions, PPF is a great option for self-employed individuals or those looking for long-term tax-free savings.
Here are quick details to help you decide:
- Choose EPF if: You are a salaried employee and want a retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
- Choose PPF if: You are self-employed or looking for a long-term tax-free investment with guaranteed returns.
For individuals with salaried jobs, having both EPF and PPF can be a good strategy to build a strong financial future.
Also Read: Difference Between BSBDA and No Frills Account
Common Myths About EPF & PPF
Despite being two of the most popular long-term savings schemes, several misconceptions surround EPF and PPF. Many investors believe these schemes are too rigid or that their money is completely inaccessible until retirement. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths.
Myth 1: EPF is Completely Locked Until Retirement
Reality: EPF allows partial withdrawals under specific conditions, even before retirement.
- Medical Emergencies: Employees can withdraw funds for medical treatment of self, spouse, children, or parents.
- Education or Marriage: Employees can withdraw up to 50% of their EPF balance for their own or their children’s higher education or marriage.
- Home Loan Repayment: EPF balance can be used to repay home loans after completing 10 years of service.
- Unemployment: If unemployed for more than two months, an individual can withdraw 100% of the balance.
Key Takeaway: EPF is not entirely locked; it offers liquidity in times of need.
Myth 2: PPF is Not Flexible
Reality: While PPF has a 15-year lock-in period, it offers several flexible options:
- Partial Withdrawals: Allowed after 7 years, up to 50% of the balance from the 4th year.
- Loan Facility: From the 3rd to the 6th year, account holders can take a loan against their PPF balance at a low interest rate.
- Extension Option: After maturity, the PPF account can be extended in 5-year blocks—with or without further contributions.
Key Takeaway: PPF offers liquidity through loans and partial withdrawals, and investors can extend the account beyond 15 years.
Myth 3: PPF Gives Higher Returns Than EPF
Reality: EPF generally offers higher interest rates than PPF.
- The EPF interest rate for 2024-25 is 8.25%, while PPF offers 7.1%.
- EPF also includes an employer contribution, making it more beneficial for salaried employees.
Key Takeaway: EPF is more rewarding for salaried employees due to employer contributions, while PPF is better for self-employed individuals.
Comparison of EPF and PPF with Other Savings Instruments
EPF and PPF are popular long-term savings schemes in India. However, they are not the only options. Other instruments like the National Pension System (NPS), fixed deposits (FDs), and mutual funds also help individuals grow their savings.
Here’s how they compare in terms of liquidity, returns, and risk.
| Feature | EPF | PPF | NPS | Fixed Deposits (FDs) | Mutual Funds (Equity) |
| Eligibility | Salaried employees | All Indian residents | Any Indian citizen | Any individual or HUF | Any individual |
| Returns | 8.25% (2024-25) | 7.1% (2024-25) | 8%-10% (market-linked) | 5%-7% (varies by bank) | 10%-15% (market-linked) |
| Risk Level | Low | Low | Moderate to High | Very Low | High |
| Liquidity | Limited (withdrawal restrictions) | Limited (partial withdrawal after 7 years) | Very limited (locked till 60, partial exit allowed) | High (varies by tenure) | High (can exit anytime, subject to market conditions) |
| Tax Benefits | EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) | EEE | EET (Taxable on withdrawal) | Interest taxable (except tax-saving FDs) | Taxable (except ELSS with 3-year lock-in) |
| Lock-in Period | Until retirement (partial withdrawals allowed) | 15 years (extendable) | Until 60 (partial withdrawal allowed) | 5 years (for tax-saving FDs) | No lock-in (except ELSS: 3 years) |
| Who Should Invest? | Salaried employees looking for retirement savings | Long-term investors seeking safety and tax benefits | Individuals planning for post-retirement income | Conservative investors wanting stable returns | Investors comfortable with market risks |
Key Takeaways
- EPF is ideal for salaried employees who want stable, tax-free retirement savings. It has limited liquidity but offers safe and guaranteed returns.
- PPF is a good choice for all individuals seeking risk-free long-term savings with tax benefits. However, it has a long lock-in period.
- NPS provides higher returns but is market-linked and has limited liquidity. It suits investors focused on retirement planning.
- Fixed deposits offer stability but lower returns than EPF and PPF. They are suitable for short-term goals.
- Mutual funds give the highest returns but come with market risks. They are best for those with a higher risk appetite.
Final Advice
Choose EPF or PPF for safety and tax benefits, NPS for retirement planning, FDs for secure short-term savings, and mutual funds for higher long-term returns.
Also Read: Difference Between NEFT, RTGS, IMPS
EPF & PPF for Students Planning to Study Abroad
Many Indian students move abroad for higher studies but still want to maintain their financial investments in India. The difference between EPF and PPF is crucial for students planning to study abroad, as these savings schemes have different rules for NRIs. Understanding how EPF and PPF work for international students can help in better financial planning.
PPF for Indian Students Abroad
- If a student has an active PPF account before becoming an NRI, they can continue contributing to it until maturity (15 years).
- However, NRIs cannot extend the PPF account beyond maturity or open a new one.
- Even though NRIs cannot extend their accounts, they still earn tax-free interest on their existing investments until maturity.
- Once the account matures, they must withdraw the amount or reinvest it in other financial instruments.
- This makes PPF a good option for students planning to return to India, as it provides safe, long-term returns.
EPF for Students
- Unlike PPF, EPF applies only to salaried employees in India. If an Indian student moves abroad for studies and later returns to work in India, they can become eligible for EPF contributions through their employer.
- The difference between EPF and PPF here is that EPF is employer-linked, whereas PPF is independent of employment status.
- If a student works abroad and later joins an Indian company, their EPF contributions will begin, helping in retirement savings with employer matching.
- EPF also allows higher pension benefits for those who contribute consistently.
Should Students Invest in PPF Before Moving Abroad?
For students planning to study abroad, opening a PPF account before leaving India can be a smart financial move due to:
- Tax Benefits: Contributions to PPF qualify for Section 80C tax deductions, helping parents or students save on taxes.
- Guaranteed Returns: Unlike mutual funds or stock investments, PPF offers stable, risk-free interest rates.
- Continued Investment: If opened before becoming an NRI, the account remains active until maturity, ensuring long-term savings.
- Compounded Growth: Even if no further contributions are made, the existing amount continues earning interest.
However, since NRIs cannot extend the PPF tenure, students should consider alternative long-term investments after maturity.
This was all about the differences between EPF and PPF. Both EPF and PPF are excellent long-term savings options, but they serve different financial goals.
EPF is ideal for salaried employees due to employer contributions and higher interest rates, while PPF is great for self-employed individuals or those looking for a secure, tax-free investment. If possible, maintaining both can help you build a strong retirement corpus.
For more details on withdrawals, tax benefits, and investment strategies, check out the FAQs.
FAQs
EPF is a mandatory retirement savings scheme for salaried employees with employer contributions, while PPF is a voluntary savings scheme open to all Indian residents.
EPF is better for salaried employees due to higher returns and employer contributions, while PPF is ideal for self-employed individuals and those looking for tax-free, long-term savings.
Yes, you can have both. Many salaried individuals use EPF for retirement and PPF for additional tax-free savings.
Full withdrawal is allowed at retirement or after 2 months of unemployment. Partial withdrawals are permitted for medical emergencies, home loan repayments, and marriage.
No, EPF follows the Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) tax rule, meaning contributions, interest, and withdrawals are tax-free if withdrawn after 5 years.
NRIs cannot open a new EPF or PPF account. However, if they had an existing PPF account before becoming an NRI, they can continue investing until maturity.
Partial withdrawals are allowed after 7 years, and you can also take a loan against your PPF balance after 3 years.
The PPF interest is compounded annually but calculated based on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month.
PPF offers higher tax-free returns (7.1% in 2024) compared to FDs (5%-7%) and has a longer lock-in period. FDs are better for short-term savings.
Yes, you can extend it in 5-year blocks, with or without further contributions, to continue earning tax-free interest.
To learn more about bank accounts for students, the best education loans, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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