Full explanation
EPF: mandatory for employees in organisations with 20+ workers. Employee contributes 12% of basic salary; employer matches 12% (8.33% to EPS pension, 3.67% to EPF). Interest rate: 8.15% (FY 2023-24). Can withdraw in full on retirement or after 2+ months of unemployment. PPF: voluntary, open to anyone. Maximum ₹1.5 lakh/year contribution. Interest rate: 7.1% (government-set quarterly). 15-year lock-in with partial withdrawal from year 7. Both: contributions qualify for 80C deduction (under old regime). EPF interest is tax-free up to 2.5 lakh contribution; PPF interest is always tax-free.