The 80C menu
| Option | Lock-in | Expected return | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELSS | 3 yr | 12–14% | Equity |
| PPF | 15 yr | 7.1% | Sovereign |
| NPS | Till 60 | 9–11% | Mixed |
| Tax-saving FD | 5 yr | 6.5–7% | Bank |
Our suggestion
For most working professionals: max ELSS first (shortest lock-in, highest return), then PPF for the debt allocation, NPS only if you're sure about retirement-linked withdrawal rules.

