A popular feature of ELSS is the benefit of having the shortest lock-in period, as compared with other Section 80C products. Bank Fixed Deposit (FD), National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) come with a lock-in of 5 years, while Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a lock-in of 15 years. On the other hand, ELSS comes with a comparatively shorter lock-in, of minimum 3 years. This lock-in feature of ELSS offers access to funds faster than any other tax-saving alternative. This benefits the investor to either re-invest the capital in the same or other scheme, making it a long-term investment option or utilize it as per requirement.