The EPFO Central Board of Trustees met on March 18, 2026 and declared the EPF interest rate for FY 2025-26 at 8.25% — unchanged from FY 2024-25. The notification has been forwarded to the Finance Ministry for ratification.
The crediting timeline
EPFO does not credit interest the day it's declared. The historic pattern from the last five years:
- FY 2020-21: 8.50% declared March, credited October
- FY 2021-22: 8.10% declared March, credited September
- FY 2022-23: 8.15% declared March, credited August
- FY 2023-24: 8.25% declared March, credited July
- FY 2024-25: 8.25% declared March, credited July
Based on this pattern, expect FY 2025-26 interest to credit between July 15 and August 30, 2026.
The math on a ₹5 lakh balance
If your EPF balance was ₹5,00,000 on March 31, 2026, you'll receive:
₹5,00,000 × 8.25% = ₹41,250 as the FY 2025-26 interest credit.
This is calculated on the monthly running balance, not just the year-end balance. So if you contributed throughout the year, your actual credit will reflect the average balance.
How to check your EPF balance
Method 1: EPFO Member Portal 1. Visit unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in 2. Login with UAN + password 3. Click "View Passbook" 4. Enter UAN again on the next page (security step) 5. Download the year-wise passbook
Method 2: UMANG App 1. Download UMANG from Play Store / App Store 2. Login with mobile + OTP 3. Search "EPFO" → "View Passbook" 4. View or download
Method 3: Missed call / SMS - Missed call: 9966044425 (from your UAN-registered mobile) - SMS: EPFOHO UAN ENG to 7738299899
Method 4: WhatsApp (newer option) - Save 9966044425 to contacts - Send "Hi" → follow the menu
What to do if not credited by September 30, 2026
If your passbook still shows zero interest by October 1, 2026:
1. Raise a grievance via EPFiGMS portal (epfigms.gov.in). Login with UAN, choose "Interest not credited", attach your latest passbook PDF. Resolution SLA: 30 days.
2. Visit your regional EPFO office in person. Carry UAN card, Aadhaar, and a printed passbook. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) can escalate.
3. Tweet @socialepfo with your UAN (last 4 digits only) and a screenshot of the missing credit. Public escalation often gets a faster reply than the formal grievance route.
Tax treatment
EPF interest is fully tax-free if your annual contribution stays under ₹2.5 lakh (₹5 lakh for government employees with no employer match). Interest on contributions above this cap is taxable as "Income from other sources" — TDS at 10% applies.
For a salary that pushes EPF contributions over ₹2.5 lakh/year (typically ₹20,800/month or more), check your Form 16 Part B for the "Interest on excess EPF contributions" line.
Bottom line
8.25% remains one of the best risk-free returns in India today — better than every bank FD, every PPF rate (7.1%), and every government bond yield (currently 6.85% on 10-year G-Sec). Don't withdraw EPF for short-term needs. Run your retirement projection in our EPF calculator with the 8.25% assumption.