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Govt scheme guide

Sukanya Samriddhi vs PPF for a daughter

If you are saving for a daughter, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSA) is purpose-built and pays a higher rate — but PPF is more flexible. Both are government-backed and completely tax-free.

Side by side

FeatureSukanya SamriddhiPPF
Interest rate8.2%7.1%
Who can openGirl child under 10Anyone
Deposit years15 years15 years (extendable)
MaturesAt age 2115 years
TaxTax-free (EEE)Tax-free (EEE)
FlexibilityLow (daughter-only)High

A worked example: ₹1.5 lakh a year

In Sukanya Samriddhi at 8.2%, 15 years of deposits keep compounding until the account matures at 21 — reaching roughly ₹72 lakh, tax-free. The same ₹1.5 lakh a year in PPF at 7.1% grows to about ₹40.7 lakh at 15 years. SSA’s higher rate and longer runway make a real difference for a young daughter.

How to choose

For a daughter under 10, prioritise Sukanya Samriddhi for its higher rate. Use PPF alongside it for flexible, tax-free savings you can direct to any goal.

Project both

See what each grows to for your daughter.

Sukanya Calculator →PPF Calculator →

Frequently asked

Which pays a higher interest rate?
Sukanya Samriddhi (8.2%) currently pays more than PPF (7.1%), and both are fully tax-free. For a daughter under 10, SSA usually builds a larger corpus for the same deposit.
What is the catch with Sukanya Samriddhi?
It is only for a girl child under 10, you deposit for 15 years, and the account matures at 21 (with a partial withdrawal allowed at 18 for higher education or marriage). PPF is more flexible and open to anyone.
Should I use both?
Often yes. Max out Sukanya Samriddhi for its higher rate as your daughter’s dedicated fund, and use PPF for flexible, tax-free savings you can also tap for other goals.

Rates as of FY 2025-26 (SSA 8.2%, PPF 7.1%); government-reset quarterly. Estimates for planning, not financial advice.