PPF remains a long-term, tax-exempt savings anchor with strict but flexible access rules. Partial withdrawals are allowed after five complete financial years; loans can bridge years 3–6; premature closure is limited to specific conditions and attracts a 1% interest penalty. Full withdrawal is permitted at 15 years, with extension options.
India’s Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers EEE tax status and a government-notified quarterly interest rate. Access rules differ by tenure: loans first, partial withdrawals next, and full closure at maturity. Investors can extend in 5-year blocks with or without contributions, tailoring liquidity and compounding to their goals.
Notable updates
- Loan window: Available from year 3 to year 6; capped at up to 25% of the balance at the end of year 2, repayable with interest.
- Partial withdrawals: Allowed after five complete financial years; up to 50% of the lower of the balance at the end of the fourth year or the preceding year.
- Premature closure: Permitted after 5 years for specific reasons (serious medical treatment, higher education, change in residency); interest reduced by 1% on the entire tenure.
- Maturity: Full withdrawal at 15 years; choose extension in 5-year blocks with or without fresh contributions.
- Tax treatment: EEE regime; contributions eligible under Section 80C, proceeds and interest tax-free.
- Interest rate: Government-notified quarterly; check the latest Ministry of Finance circulars before transacting.
Major takeaway
PPF balances safety and disciplined liquidity—use loans early, partial withdrawals mid-term, and plan maturity or extension for optimal tax-efficient compounding.
Sources: Ministry of Finance (PPF Scheme, 2019), Economic Times, ClearTax, SBI