PPF (Public Provident Fund)

Also known as: public provident fund

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term, government-backed savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in and fully tax-free returns (EEE status). It’s excellent for long-horizon money you won’t touch — its tax-free compounding can leave a high earner far richer than a fully-taxed FD at the same rate.