India's EPFO Sets 8.25% Interest Rate and Prepares UPI‑Based Digital Withdrawals

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has confirmed an 8.25% per‑annum interest rate for the financial year 2025‑26, the third year the rate remains unchanged. The rate was approved by the Central Board of Trustees on 28 February 2026 and will be credited to members’ accounts after the usual government approval and account‑updating process, which typically takes several weeks.

EPFO is also readying a major digital upgrade, dubbed EPFO 3.0, that will allow members to withdraw funds through UPI and ATM‑like channels. Testing of the platform is complete, but an official launch date has not yet been announced. The new system is expected to let eligible members withdraw 50‑75% of their PF balance while retaining at least 25% in the account, and will include features such as face‑authentication, online correction of personal details, and faster access to passbooks.