Comparing Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Public Provident Fund in 2026

Picking between government savings schemes depends on your financial goals. As of 16 August 2026, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) pays 8.2% interest yearly. Meanwhile, Public Provident Fund (PPF) pays 7.1% yearly. Both schemes give tax breaks under Section 80C. Your interest and final payout are tax-free.

Comparing SSY and PPF

SSY is for a girl child under 10 years. You need to put in at least ₹250 each year. The account matures in 21 years. It is a good way to save money specifically for a daughter. On the other hand, anyone living in India can open a PPF account. It is more flexible. The tenure is 15 years and you can extend it later. You can also take loans or withdraw money early. This makes it useful for retirement or other long-term goals.

Which one you choose depends on your family needs. Many people use both schemes to balance their savings. Always check the current rules on the official India Post website before you invest.