EPFO’s Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2026

On 1 November 2025, the Minister of Labour and Employment, declared the launch of a landmark initiative, EPFO’s Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025. This scheme aims to significantly expand social security benefits to workers who were not previously registered under EPF (Employee Provident Fund), thereby improving their long-term financial security.  

Purpose of the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2026

This scheme provides a time frame to give employers an opportunity to regularise past non-compliance and bring previously uncovered employees under the umbrella of formal social security.  

This scheme was launched on EPFO’s 73rd foundation day. It offers a six-month special window for employers to voluntarily register eligible employees who were left out of the EPF coverage between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2025. The enrolment period starts from 1 November 2025 and continues till 30 April 2026.  

Eligibility Under the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2026

  1. Establishments that were not earlier covered under EPF. 
  1. Employers who are facing inquiry regarding EPFO-related investigations are eligible. 
  1. Individuals who joined any establishment as an employee between 1 July 2017 to 31 October 2025 and are not covered under EPF scheme. 
  1. The past contributions of employees’ share are waived, if it was never deducted. They will need to pay a lump-sum penal amount Rs.100 per establishment. 

Why is Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2026 crucial? 

  • Increases formal workforce: Including previously uncovered employees will strengthen India’s workforce and make it more organised and secure. 
  • Help employers to correct past non-compliance: By offering one-time opportunity for employers to rectify non-compliance without facing legal actions or heavy penalties. 
  • Safeguards employees’ financial future: Enrolment of employees under EPF scheme allows for better interest accumulation and long-term savings, which significantly improve  
  • Reduces future disputes and administrative burden: With clear guidelines and framework, it will help both EPFO and employers to close pending issues and reduce administrative delays. 
  • Ensures accountability and fairness and ease of doing business. 

FAQs on EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme

  • What is the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025?

    It is a special initiative by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to allow establishments to voluntarily enrol workers who are not covered under the EPF scheme between 1 July 2017 to 31 October 2025. The scheme is open for six months, from 1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026. 

  • Who is eligible under the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025?

    Workers and establishments which are not previously covered between 1 July 2017 to 31 October 2025 are eligible to participate. 

  • Are employees required to pay past contributions under the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025?

    No, the employee’s share of past PF contributions is waived if it was never deducted but employers must pay a lump-sum penalty of Rs.100 per establishment. 

  • What is the duration of the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025?

    The duration of the scheme is six months, starting its launch on 1 November 2025 and closing on 30 April 2026. 

  • How does the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025 benefit employers?

    The scheme will benefit employees in getting access to their EPF accounts and have long-term retirement savings. 

  • How can employers enrol employees under the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025?

    To enrol employees, employers will need to declare eligible employees, generate their universal account number, and pay their share of contributions using the EPFO online portal or the UMANG app within the six-month window. 

  • Are establishments under inquiry eligible for the EPFO Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025?

    Yes, establishments facing inquiries under Section 7A of the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, paragraph 26B, and 8 of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 are eligible.  

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