PPF · maturity at 15 yrs
₹ 40,68,209
₹1,50,000 / year · 7.1%, tax-free · 15-year lock-in
The EEE advantage
₹33,65,608
same 7.1%, but interest slab-taxed yearly
₹40,68,209
PPF keeps · tax takes ₹0
Balance over time
Explained
The rate looks modest. It's also the only number here tax never touches — exempt on the way in (80C-deductible in the old regime), while growing, and on the way out. In the 30% (incl. cess) slab, matching PPF with a taxable instrument would need a headline rate of 10.32%.