SSY offers 8.2% rate versus PPF’s 7.1% in 2026

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers an interest rate of 8.2 per cent per annum as of 16 August 2026, while the Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers 7.1 per cent, Livemint reports. Both are government-backed long-term savings schemes but differ in eligibility, tenure, and flexibility. SSY is open only for a girl child below 10 years, with a 21-year maturity and a maximum deposit of Rs 1.5 lakh annually. PPF is available to any resident individual, matures in 15 years (extendable by five-year blocks), and allows loans and partial withdrawals.

Both schemes qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C, and interest and maturity proceeds are tax-exempt. SSY's higher rate makes it attractive for building a dedicated corpus for a daughter's future. PPF offers greater versatility for goals such as retirement planning or children's education. Livemint notes that the choice depends on individual needs, and eligible investors may use both schemes strategically.

Interest rates, rules, and tax provisions are subject to change. The report advises verifying the latest details on official government or India Post websites before investing.