🇮🇳 India · Guide

Tax Saving Investments (Section 80C)

A comparison of the main 80C-eligible investment options — by returns, lock-in period, and risk — to help you pick what fits your situation.

FY 2025-26Last reviewed 24 Jul 2026

Comparing your options

Instrument	Approx Returns	Lock-in	Risk
EPF	~8.25%	Till retirement	Very low
PPF	~7.1%	15 years	Very low
ELSS Mutual Funds	Market-linked (historically 10-14%)	3 years	Moderate-High
NSC	~7.7%	5 years	Very low
Tax-saver FD	~6.5-7%	5 years	Very low
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana	~8.2%	Till daughter turns 21	Very low
ULIP	Market-linked, minus charges	5 years	Moderate-High
Life insurance premium	N/A (protection, not investment)	Policy term	N/A

How to choose

Shortest lock-in + growth potential: ELSS (3 years, equity-linked)
Safest, guaranteed returns: PPF or tax-saver FD
Already have EPF from salary: Your employer's EPF deduction often fills a large chunk of the ₹1.5L limit automatically — check before investing more elsewhere
Have a daughter under 10: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers among the best guaranteed rates

See how much of your ₹1,50,000 limit you've already used.

Use the 80C Deduction Calculator →

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE

This is general educational content, not investment advice. Returns mentioned are indicative and can change. Consider your risk tolerance and consult a financial advisor before investing.