EPF, PPF, NPS & Small Savings

India’s government-backed savings schemes — what each is for and how they are taxed.

• The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)The retirement scheme that quietly builds wealth from your salary — how it grows and when you can touch it.7 min
• The Public Provident Fund (PPF)A 15-year, tax-free, government-guaranteed compounding machine. Its rules and its sweet spots.7 min
• The National Pension System (NPS)Low-cost, market-linked retirement saving with an extra tax break — and the annuity catch.7 min
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)A high-rate, tax-free scheme for a girl child’s future. Who qualifies and how it compounds.6 min
• Sovereign Gold Bonds & RBI BondsGovernment ways to hold gold and earn fixed interest — features, lock-ins and tax quirks.6 min
• Comparing the SchemesEPF, PPF, NPS, SSY and FDs side by side on return, lock-in, liquidity and tax — one decision table.8 min