80C Investment Showdown
Enter how much you invest, for how long, and your tax slab — see PPF, ELSS, NSC, and SSY battle it out on post-tax maturity.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Four 80C champions, one honest comparison — post-tax maturity on your amount, horizon, and slab:
- PPF (7.1%): EEE — deposit, interest, and maturity all tax-free. 15-year lock-in. The safe anchor.
- ELSS (12% assumed): market-linked, 3-year lock-in (shortest), LTCG 12.5% on gains above Rs 1.25L. Highest expected return, only one with real risk.
- NSC (7.7%): 5-year lock-in, interest taxable yearly at slab — the slab quietly eats the rate edge over PPF for high earners.
- SSY (8.2%): EEE and the highest assured rate, but needs a girl child under 10 and a 21-year commitment.
- The slab effect: at 30%, NSC's 7.7% becomes ~5.4% post-tax — below PPF's tax-free 7.1%. At 5% slab, the ranking can flip.
Frequently asked questions
Which 80C investment is best?
Depends on horizon and slab. ELSS usually wins long-term on post-tax returns (with risk); PPF wins for guaranteed tax-free returns; SSY wins if eligible. Run your numbers above.
Is ELSS better than PPF?
On expected returns, yes — 12% assumed vs 7.1% assured, even after LTCG tax. On certainty, no — ELSS can have flat or negative 3-year stretches.
Why does tax slab change the ranking?
NSC interest is taxed yearly at your slab — at 30%, its 7.7% becomes ~5.4% post-tax, losing to PPF's tax-free 7.1%. At low slabs the gap shrinks.
What is the SSY eligibility?
A girl child below 10 years. 21-year maturity (deposits for 15 years), EEE tax status, 8.2% — the best assured rate in 80C.
Can I split 80C across options?
Yes, and most people should — e.g. EPF (automatic) + PPF for safety + ELSS for growth. Diversification applies to 80C too.
Does 80C matter in the new regime?
No — the new regime has no 80C deduction. This entire comparison only matters for old-regime filers.
What is the lock-in for each?
ELSS: 3 years. NSC: 5 years. PPF: 15 years. SSY: 21 years. Match lock-in to when you'll need the money.
Is NSC interest really taxable?
Yes, yearly at slab — though the reinvested interest also qualifies for 80C each year (except the final year).
ELSS vs index fund for 80C?
ELSS is the only equity option with 80C. Without needing 80C, a plain index fund (no lock-in) is usually simpler.
What if I exceed Rs 1.5 lakh?
The excess gets no 80C benefit but keeps earning — PPF/ELSS beyond 1.5L are still fine investments, just not tax-savers.