PPF interest rates remain unchanged for Oct-Dec quarter: How much return depositors will get on 5 years extended period withdrawals? check calculation

The government has announced that the interest rates for small savings schemes viz PPF, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme will remain same for the third quarter of FY2026-27.

PPF interest rate remains at 7.1 percent per year, meaning investors will continue to earn the same rate as in the previous quarter.

PPF is a popular long-term savings scheme backed by the government. It helps people build a savings fund while enjoying tax benefits under the applicable rules.

PF calculation for 5 years extension

If members extend their account for another five years making the total investment period 20 years then they will have a total of around Rs 66.58 lakh. This includes Rs 30 lakh invested and Rs 36.58 lakh earned as interest.

How Much Will You Get After 15 Years of PPF Investment?

According to calculations, at the current interest rate of 7.1 percent per year, if members invest Rs 1.5 lakh every year in a PPF account for 15 years then their total investment will be Rs 22.5 lakh. At the end of 15 years, they will receive approximately Rs 40.68 lakh including Rs 18.18 lakh earned as interest.

Withdrawal rules applicable to PPF

PPF account holders can make one withdrawal each financial year after completing five years, excluding the year the account was opened. They can withdraw up to 50 percent of the balance from either the fourth year before the withdrawal or the previous year whichever amount is lower. If the account is extended with further deposits then members can withdraw once a year, up to 60 percent of the eligible balance. The account can also be closed before maturity under certain conditions.

Lock-in (maturity) period and extension

The PPF account has a lock-in period of 15 years. Account holders can extend it in blocks of five years. During the extension period, investors can withdraw money once every year. Members must extend the account within one year of its maturity. Members must deposit money at least once every year for the first 15 years and also during the extension period.

Opening a PPF account

Any resident individual can open a PPF account for themselves or as a guardian for a minor or a person of unsound mind. A person can deposit a minimum of Rs 500 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh per financial year in the PPF account. Under the old tax regime, investors can claim a tax deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per financial year.

Interest rate on PPF

The interest rate for PPF is 7.1 percent per year. Since the government has not changed the rate, investors will continue to earn the same interest as in the previous quarter.

PPF Interest Rate 2026

The central government has decided not to change the interest rates on small savings schemes. The PPF interest rate is 7.1 percent per annum for the October–December 2026 quarter.