Understanding the Difference Between EPF and PPF
Please understand that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is different from the Public Provident Fund (PPF). They are two distinct funds, and their purposes are also different.
EPF is a contributory fund, and one needs to be an employee under the EPF Act to participate in it.
The Public Provident Fund is for the public who want to save money. There is no contribution from others. It earns interest only and is similar to the National Savings Certificate. You can open a PPF account at any nearby post office or in many banks.
Do not get confused between these two funds.