India Finance
Section 80C Last Date Is March 31, 2026: ELSS vs PPF vs NSC — Complete Last-Minute Guide
March 31, 2026 is the last date to invest under Section 80C for FY 2025-26 — and it is a Tuesday, a fully functional working day. With the ₹1.5 lakh deduction limit untouched in Budget 2026, investing the full amount saves ₹46,800 in tax at the 30% slab. ELSS, PPF at 7.1%, NSC at 7.7%, and tax-saving FDs are all valid instruments — but they differ sharply on lock-in, returns, and tax treatment at maturity. Here is the complete last-minute guide.