Question 1

NPS vs PPF — which is better for retirement?

Accepted Answer

NPS gives higher potential returns (10–12% CAGR historically) but has market risk and mandatory 40% annuity at retirement. PPF gives guaranteed ~7.1% (government-set), full tax-free maturity after 15 years and no annuity compulsion. Best approach: use both — PPF for guaranteed corpus, NPS for growth and extra 80CCD(1B) tax benefit.

Question 2

PPF interest rate 2026 और maturity कितनी होती है?

Accepted Answer

PPF की ब्याज दर सरकार हर तिमाही तय करती है — वर्तमान में 7.1% प्रति वर्ष। PPF 15 साल में mature होती है, फिर 5-5 साल के block में extend हो सकती है। ₹1.5 लाख/year निवेश पर 15 साल में (7.1% पर) लगभग ₹40.7 लाख मिलता है — पूरा tax-free।

Question 3

FD vs PPF — कौन बेहतर है tax के लिहाज़ से?

Accepted Answer

PPF completely tax-free (EEE status) — investment, interest and maturity are all exempt. FD interest is fully taxable as income. 5-year tax-saving FD qualifies for 80C deduction but interest is taxable. For someone in the 30% tax bracket, PPF's effective post-tax return (~7.1%) beats a typical FD rate of 7–7.5%.

Question 4

NPS में कितना annuity लेना ज़रूरी है?

Accepted Answer

NPS maturity पर कम से कम 40% corpus से annuity (pension) खरीदना अनिवार्य है। बाकी 60% एकमुश्त tax-free निकाल सकते हैं। 60% lumpsum पर कोई tax नहीं। Annuity की income पर आपकी tax slab के अनुसार tax लगता है।

Feature	विशेषता	NPS	PPF	FD
Current Rate	वर्तमान दर	~10–12% (market)	7.1% (Q1 FY26)	6.5–7.5% (varies)
Lock-in	लॉक-इन	Till 60 years	15 years	As chosen
Liquidity	तरलता	Low	Partial (yr 7+)	High
80C Benefit	80C लाभ	Yes (80CCD)	Yes	Yes (5yr FD)
Tax on Returns	रिटर्न पर कर	60% tax-free at exit; 40% annuity taxable	Fully tax-free (EEE)	Fully taxable at slab rate
Market Risk	बाजार जोखिम	Medium	None	None
Best For	सबसे उपयुक्त	Retirement corpus building	Long-term safe savings	Short/medium-term fixed returns

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