The Indian government has approved an interest rate of 8.25% for over 7 crore Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers for the financial year 2024–25.

This decision follows the recommendation made earlier by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).

Government Approves 8.25% EPF Interest Rate for Over 7 Crore Subscribers in FY 2024–25

The approved interest rate mirrors the rate from the previous financial year (2023–24), providing consistency in returns.

The interest amount for 2024–25 will soon be credited to the subscribers’ accounts.

In February, the CBT proposed the 8.25% annual interest rate on EPF accumulations for FY 2024–25.

The final implementation required approval from the finance ministry, which has now been granted.

The EPFO had raised the interest rate to 8.25% in 2023–24, up from 8.15% in 2022–23.

In March 2022, the interest rate for 2021–22 was set at 8.1%, the lowest in more than 40 years, down from 8.5% in 2020–21.

The 8.1% rate for 2021–22 was the lowest since 1977–78, when it stood at 8%.

The EPF continues to offer higher and more stable returns compared to many other fixed-income investment options.

Interest earned on EPF deposits is tax-free up to a specified limit, making it especially appealing for salaried individuals.

The government believes the stable rate reflects confidence in EPFO’s creditworthiness and its capacity to generate competitive returns for its members.

Provident Fund Transfer Becomes Easy & Fast: Employer’s Approval Not Needed

Recently, we reported that the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has rolled out major software updates to Form 13, benefiting over 1.25 crore members. Effective January 2025, employees changing jobs will no longer need their employer’s approval to transfer PF balances—ushering in a new era of efficiency and transparency in PF management.

Previously, PF transfers required coordination between the source and destination EPFO offices and employer involvement, which led to delays. With the revamped Form 13 functionality:

• Employer approvals are waived in most cases.
• Once approved by the source office, the PF amount is automatically credited to the employee’s new account.
• Destination office approval is no longer required, reducing processing time drastically.

This reform aligns with the government’s broader goal of easing procedural burdens on Indian workers and enabling annual transfers worth nearly ₹90,000 crore.