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ELSS vs PPF vs NPS Comparator
The same monthly investment, run through all three 80C-eligible options — compare the numbers before you compare the tradeoffs.
Same ₹10,000/month for 15 years produces very different corpora across the three — see below.
ELSS Corpus
₹50,45,760
Assumed 12% return, market-linked
PPF Corpus
₹32,16,241
Government-fixed rate, EEE tax-free
NPS Corpus
₹41,02,639
Default 50/30/20 allocation — see the NPS calculator to customize
Total Invested
₹18,00,000
- ELSS returns
- PPF returns
- NPS returns
There's no single better option — they trade off differently. ELSS has the shortest lock-in (3 years) and highest long-run return potential but full market risk. PPF is government-guaranteed with a 15-year lock-in and no market risk. NPS is market-linked like ELSS but with a much longer lock-in (until 60) and a mandatory annuity portion at exit. Compare the numbers here, then weigh the lock-in and risk tradeoffs that matter to you.
Yes — ELSS, PPF, and NPS (under Section 80CCD(1) within the overall 80C limit, plus an extra ₹50,000 under 80CCD(1B)) all qualify for tax deduction under the old regime, up to the respective statutory limits.
This comparator uses a representative 50% Equity / 30% Corporate Bonds / 20% Government Securities mix so all three columns use one clear default. Visit the dedicated NPS calculator to customize your own allocation and return assumptions.
This is a comparison, not a recommendation
ELSS, PPF, and NPS all reduce your taxable income under Section 80C (NPS gets an extra ₹50,000 under 80CCD(1B)), but they differ enormously in lock-in period, risk, and expected return. This calculator runs each through the tool that already models its own real rules — the mutual-fund SIP engine for ELSS, the PPF calculator for PPF, the NPS calculator for NPS — so the comparison reflects each option's actual mechanics, not a simplified average.
Disclaimer: ELSS and NPS returns shown are based on editable assumptions, not guarantees — actual market returns will differ. This is not investment advice; consider your own risk tolerance and lock-in requirements before choosing.
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