NPS vs PPF | Which offers better returns for your Retirement Plan?

Retirement planning is one of the most important facets of a person’s financial life. The two well-known Indian retirement saving schemes are the National Pension System (NPS) and the Public Provident Fund (PPF). Both receive support from the government and provide tax incentives; however, they target different risk and reward profiles of investors. To aid your decision on which of these two reigns supreme for your retirement plan, let us discuss the differences between NPS and PPF.

Topics Covered :

• Understanding the Contenders:
• Return on Investment: Growth Potential vs. Stability
• Choosing Your Champion: Factors to Consider
• Is NPS Better Than PPF?
• NPS vs PPF vs EPF
• Beyond the Ring: Diversification is Key
• The Final Bell: Choosing Your Retirement Champion

Understanding the Contenders:

National Pension System (NPS): NPS was started in the year 2004 and is a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme that is mandatory. You pay a part of your remuneration (or any amount that is convenient for you) towards constructing the retirement corpus. Currently, NPS provides a blend of instruments in which people can invest; equities or stocks, corporate bonds, and government securities. It is flexible and offer market-indexed returns and is thus affected by the market trends.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): It is a long-term investment policy that started in 1888, whose interest rates are determined by the government at a quarterly rate. This confirms that it offers surety of returns with negligible exposure. Contributions to PPF schemes are eligible for deductions from taxable income under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Return on Investment: Growth Potential vs. Stability

This is one of the main areas of conflict. The equity aspect of NPS offers it the possibility of even higher returns. In the past, equity markets have provided better returns compared to other fixed-income instruments such as PPF. However, equity investments are associated with certain market risks as inherent with any investment. The worth of your investment may vary from time to time in the short run; however, the risk is usually balanced for long-term periods like retirement funds.

PPF, however, has the benefit of ensuring that the investor gets a set amount of returns with little risk

and volatility. You know to the penny, how much your corpus is going to increase every year. PPF is ideal for conservative investors who want to have a steady income after their working years are over.

Choosing Your Champion: Factors to Consider

The ideal choice between NPS and PPF depends on your circumstances and risk tolerance. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Risk Appetite: Do you like the uncertainty of the market? Or do you prefer being sure that you will get a fixed percent of return during a period? NPS is preferable for those who can afford higher risks in comparison with the PPF which is more suitable for risk-averse individuals.
• Investment Horizon: The long-term investment horizon means that the market fluctuations can be eliminated in NPS computationally. If you are very close to retirement age then PPF might be a better option.
• Financial Goals: In pursuit of retirement goals, would you like a higher probable retirement corpus or a stable inflow of pension income? NPS can help build a larger corpus, while PPF provides a continuous and more predictable income source post-retirement.
• Tax Benefits: Both provide tax relief under section 80C of the Income Tax Act. NPS also comes with an additional tax benefit under Section 80CCD (1B).

Is NPS Better Than PPF?

Deciding whether NPS is better than PPF depends on individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and retirement plans. Here are some factors to consider:

• Risk Appetite:

• If you have a higher risk tolerance and seek potentially higher returns, NPS might be more suitable due to its equity exposure.
• If you prefer guaranteed returns with minimal risk, PPF is a better option.

• Tax Efficiency:

• PPF offers better tax benefits as the entire investment, interest, and maturity amount are tax-free.
• NPS offers good tax deductions on contributions but has partial taxability at maturity.

• Investment Horizon:

• NPS is ideal for long-term retirement planning, especially for individuals starting their careers.
• PPF is also long-term but can serve as a safe component of a diversified retirement portfolio.

Recommended Read: NPS vs ELSS

NPS vs PPF vs EPF

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is another retirement savings scheme primarily for salaried employees. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Investment Risk and Returns:

• EPF: Provides a fixed interest rate, lower risk compared to NPS, but higher than PPF.
• NPS: Higher risk and returns.
• PPF: Lowest risk and stable returns.

• Taxation:

• EPF: Similar to PPF, contributions, interest, and maturity amounts are tax-free under certain conditions.
• NPS: Partial tax benefits.
• PPF: Fully tax-free.

• Liquidity and Lock-in:

• EPF: Withdrawals are allowed under certain conditions before retirement.
• NPS: Restricted liquidity until retirement.
• PPF: Partial withdrawals from the seventh year, full maturity after 15 years.

Using an NPS vs PPF Calculator

To make an informed decision, you can use online calculators to compare NPS and PPF returns. These calculators consider various factors like contribution amount, tenure, expected returns, and tax benefits to provide a comprehensive comparison.

Steps to Use an NPS vs PPF Calculator:

• Enter Basic Details: Age, expected retirement age, and annual contribution.
• Choose Investment Options: For NPS, select the type of funds (equity, corporate bonds, government bonds).
• Input Expected Return Rates: Based on historical performance for NPS and current government rates for PPF.
• Calculate Returns: The calculator will provide an estimated corpus at retirement, tax savings, and net returns.

Beyond the Ring: Diversification is Key

While you may choose a champion between NPS and PPF based on your needs, diversification is crucial for a robust retirement plan. Consider these additional options:

• Employee Provident Fund (EPF): If you’re a salaried employee, you likely contribute to EPF, a mandatory contribution scheme. Your employer contributes an equal amount, creating a significant retirement corpus. EPF offers fixed returns similar to PPF.
• Mutual Funds: Consider investing in equity or debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance and investment goals. Mutual funds offer professional management and the potential for higher returns compared to PPF.
• Real Estate: Investing in property can provide rental income and potential capital appreciation over time. However, real estate comes with high initial investment costs and management hassles.

Crafting Your Retirement Strategy: Combining Strengths

A winning retirement plan often involves a combination of these instruments. Here’s how NPS and PPF can complement each other:

• Start with a Secure Base: Begin by investing in PPF to build a solid foundation for your retirement income. The guaranteed returns and tax benefits make it a reliable option.
• Boost Your Corpus with NPS: Once you have a secure base, consider investing in NPS to potentially build a larger retirement corpus. The market-linked returns and additional tax benefits can significantly increase your retirement savings.
• Factor in EPF: Don’t forget the contributions you make to EPF. This mandatory scheme automatically accumulates a significant corpus for your retirement.
• Explore Additional Avenues: Consider diversifying further with mutual funds or real estate based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.

The Final Bell: Choosing Your Retirement Champion

There’s no single “better” option between NPS and PPF. It’s about understanding your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Analyze the features, benefits, and limitations of each scheme. Utilize online calculators to project potential returns. Most importantly, consider diversification strategies to create a robust and secure retirement plan. Remember, a well-planned retirement journey starts with taking the first step today.

Recommended Read: NPS account opening