Source: PPF, NSC data from India post, 5 year Fixed Deposit rate from SBI website (as on 30th Sept'16), EPF rate from EPFO.
* Premature closure is not allowed before 15 years. Withdrawal is permissible every year from 7th financial year from the year of opening account.
^ Interest rate of SBI 5 year deposit of less than a crore for non-senior citizen. Bank fixed deposit are relatively safer as they are covered under Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India to the extent of `1 lakh per account.
** Interest Compounded six monthly but payable at maturity.
^^ Taxable if withdrawn before 5 years of continuous service (in case of job change, the investor can transfer account to new employer to maintain continuity).
# Fund is locked in for 3 years.