PPF

A government-guaranteed fixed income security, this is very apt as a long-term savings instrument. Yearly subscriptions can be as low as Rs. 500 to as high as Rs. 70,000.

It counts being among the most secure investments you can have in this country. The interest earned on the PPF subscription is compounded; that means you not only earn interest in the money you put in, but you earn interest on the interest earned too. All the balance that accumulates over time is exempt from wealth tax.

A flip side, its an extremely illiquid investment instrument. Its lengthy lock-in period works out to 16 years since the last contribution is made in the 16th financial year. In all, the PPF is a very good savings instrument, and you should consider investing in it.