Employees’ Pension Scheme 2026 Amendment: ₹15,000 Wage Limit

Employees’ Pension Scheme 2026 Amendment: ₹15,000 Monthly Wage Limit

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has notified an amendment to the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, through Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 890(E), dated 15 October 2026.

The notification amends Paragraph 4(2) of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, by specifying a monthly wage limit of ₹15,000.

The amendment has been issued under Section 15(1)(b) of the Code on Social Security, 2020, and is effective from 17 September 2026.

Key Highlights of the EPS 2026 Amendment

The important provisions of the notification are outlined below.

1. Monthly Wage Limit of ₹15,000

The notification replaces the existing wording in Paragraph 4(2) of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, referring to an amount specified by the Central Government.

The revised wording specifies:

“Wages upto rupees fifteen thousand (Rs. 15,000/-) per month.”

This amendment expressly incorporates the monthly wage limit into the relevant provision of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026.

2. Amendment to the First Proviso

The notification also removes the words “and the Central Government” from the first proviso to Paragraph 4(2).

Employers and HR professionals should refer to the amended provision when interpreting the applicable pension scheme requirements.

3. Effective Date of the Amendment

Although the Gazette notification was issued on 15 October 2026, it expressly states that the amendment comes into force from 17 September 2026.

Accordingly, the specified effective date precedes the date of publication of the notification.

What Should Employers and HR Teams Review?

Employers, payroll professionals and HR compliance teams should review the amendment and assess its relevance to their existing compliance processes.

Recommended review points include:

• Employee records: Review employee wage details and pension-related records.

• Payroll compliance: Check whether existing payroll and statutory compliance processes require any changes under the amended provision.

• Pension eligibility: Examine the applicable provisions of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, when assessing employee eligibility.

• Compliance documentation: Retain the Gazette notification and relevant supporting records for future reference.

• Professional review: Seek clarification where the amendment's application to specific employee categories or existing arrangements requires interpretation.

Any changes to employee coverage or pension-related contributions should be evaluated against the complete applicable legal framework rather than this amendment in isolation.

Important Compliance Clarification

The notification specifies a monthly wage limit of ₹15,000 in Paragraph 4(2) of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026.

This notification should not be interpreted, by itself, as announcing an increase in the EPF wage ceiling or as establishing that every employee earning above ₹15,000 is excluded from pension benefits.

The applicability of the provision must be assessed in the context of the complete scheme and other applicable legal requirements.

Official Gazette Reference

The details of the notification are as follows:

Source: Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i), G.S.R. 890(E), dated 15 October 2026.

How Sankhla Corporate Services Can Help

SANKHLA CORPORATE SERVICES PVT. LTD. provides labour law consultancy, payroll management and statutory compliance support to businesses.

Our services help employers review regulatory changes, assess compliance requirements, maintain statutory records and strengthen payroll compliance processes.

For professional assistance with labour law and payroll compliance, visit www.sankhlaco.com.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the Gazette notification identified above. Employers should refer to the official notification and the complete applicable legal provisions before making compliance decisions.