India Finance
PPF vs NPS vs EPF in 2026: A Data-Driven Comparison of India's Three Big Retirement Vehicles
EPF rate for FY 2025-26 is 8.25% (EPFO CBT, March 2, 2026). PPF stands at 7.1% (MoF Q1 FY26 notification). NPS Tier I equity funds have historically returned 13–15% over 5 years (PFRDA data), though market-linked. We model all three at Rs 5,000/month for 25 years, compare the tax treatment at exit under new PFRDA December 2025 withdrawal rules, and provide a framework to choose based on your risk profile and employment type.
