Published: 4 March 2026PIB / Business StandardGovernance
EPF Interest Rate Retained at 8.25% for FY 2025-26; CBT Approves Amnesty Scheme for Exempted Establishments
In early March 2026, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The board resolved to retain the EPF interest rate at 8.25% for Financial Year 2025-26, consistent with the previous year's rate, benefiting approximately 7 crore active EPF subscribers across India.
The CBT also approved a one-time Amnesty Scheme for exempted establishments — private trust-managed provident funds that hold their PF corpus independently rather than depositing with EPFO — to regularise outstanding dues and compliance lapses. Additionally, the Board authorised the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to conduct EPFO's recruitment examinations, enhancing transparency and independence in the hiring process.
For Rajasthan, which has a large number of EPFO-covered workers in sectors like textiles (Bhilwara), gems & jewellery (Jaipur), and organised retail, the retention of the 8.25% EPF interest rate is significant for the financial security of the organised workforce. Rajasthan's organised sector employs over 25 lakh formal workers covered under the EPF Act, making the EPFO policy decisions directly relevant to workers and their families in the state.
0Mains angle
Q: Examine the significance of the EPFO retaining the EPF interest rate at 8.25% for FY 2025-26 and the Amnesty Scheme approved for exempted establishments at the 239th CBT meeting.
Answer (50 words):
The 239th CBT meeting chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya retained EPF interest at 8.25% for FY 2025-26, benefiting approximately 7 crore active subscribers. The board approved an Amnesty Scheme for exempted establishments to regularise outstanding dues and authorised IBPS for recruitment examinations, enhancing transparency in EPFO hiring.
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Frequently asked questions
What EPF interest rate was retained for FY 2025-26 and how many subscribers benefit from this?
The EPF interest rate was retained at 8.25% for FY 2025-26, the same as FY 2024-25. This decision benefits approximately 7 crore subscribers of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation.
Who chaired the 239th CBT meeting of EPFO and what was the key outcome?
The 239th Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting of EPFO was chaired by Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in early March 2026. The key outcomes were retention of the 8.25% EPF interest rate and approval of a one-time Amnesty Scheme for exempted PF establishments.
What is the Amnesty Scheme approved at the 239th CBT meeting and who does it target?
The one-time Amnesty Scheme was approved for exempted PF establishments — companies that manage their own provident fund trusts instead of routing them through EPFO. The scheme allows these establishments to regularise past compliance defaults without penal action, encouraging them to clear pending dues.
What role does IBPS play in EPFO recruitment and why was this decision significant?
IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) was authorised to conduct EPFO recruitment examinations at the 239th CBT meeting. This is significant because it brings a credible and experienced examination body into the EPFO recruitment process, improving transparency and efficiency.
How is the EPF interest rate decided before it is credited to subscriber accounts?
The EPF interest rate is first proposed and decided by EPFO's Central Board of Trustees (CBT). It is then sent to the Ministry of Finance for ratification. Only after Ministry of Finance approval is the interest actually credited to the accounts of approximately 7 crore subscribers.
