GPF , EPF PPF are all saving schemes, but they serve different groups of people. Let’s break down the differences in a way that’s easy to understand.
Quick Definitions Term Full Form Who Can Use It? GPF General Provident Fund Government employees only EPF Employees’ Provident Fund Private-sector salaried employees PPF Public Provident Fund Any Indian citizen (including kids)
Difference Between GPF, EPF, and PPF Eligibility Feature GPF EPF PPF Who can open Govt employees only Salaried (non-govt) workers Anyone (even minors) Employer needed? Yes (govt employer) Yes (registered with EPFO) No employer needed Age limit Active govt service Employed with PF employer No age limit
Eligibility for GPF, EPF, and PPF Contribution Rules Feature GPF EPF PPF Employee share Mandatory (6–10% of salary) 12% of basic salary (minimum) Voluntary (₹500–₹1.5 lakh/year) Employer share Govt contributes Employer matches 12% None Lock-in period Till retirement/resignation Till retirement/resignation 15 years (extendable)
Contribution Rules for GPF, EPF, and PPF Interest Rates (as of 2025) Returns in GPF, EPF, and PPF (Note: EPF interest is generally the highest; PPF is fixed by govt quarterly.)
Tax BenefitsFeature GPF EPF PPF Section 80C eligibleYes Yes Yes Tax on interest No No (if 5 yrs+) No Tax on maturity No No No
Tax Benefits for GPF, EPF, and PPF All three are EEE (Exempt–Exempt–Exempt) , making them excellent tax-saving tools!
Withdrawal Rules GPF EPF PPF After retirement/resignation After 2 months of no job OR retirement After 15 years (partial from 6th year) Partial withdrawal Allowed after 10 years Allowed for marriage, illness, etc.
Withdrawal Rules for GPF, EPF, and PPF Summary Table Feature GPF EPF PPF Type Govt employee savings Salaried employee fund Open to all citizens Managed by Govt department EPFO (under Labour Ministry) Govt through banks/Post Offices Tax benefits 80C + tax-free returns 80C + tax-free if held >5 yrs 80C + fully tax-free Best for Govt employees Salaried individuals Freelancers, business people, minors
Summary Table for GPF, EPF, and PPF Which One Should You Choose? If you’re a government employee → GPF If you’re a salaried person in a private firm → EPF If you’re a self-employed, business owner, or parent investing for child → PPF Many people use both EPF and PPF for broader savings and tax benefits.
