Did EPFO Achieve an All-Time High by Adding 20.06 Lakh Members in May?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The EPFO recorded a historic net addition of 20.06 lakh members in May 2025.
- There was a 4.79 percent increase in net payroll additions compared to April 2025.
- Approximately 5.60 lakh new subscribers were aged 18-25, representing 59.48 percent of total additions.
- Over 16 lakh members rejoined EPFO, showing a growing trend of job switching.
- The growth in female subscribers indicates a move towards a more diverse workforce.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a remarkable net increase of 20.06 lakh members in May 2025, representing the most significant rise since the initiation of payroll data tracking in April 2018, as stated in an official release on Monday.
This impressive figure illustrates a growth of 4.79 percent in net payroll additions for May 2025 in comparison to April.
Moreover, a year-over-year assessment reveals a 2.84 percent increase in net payroll additions compared to May 2024, highlighting enhanced job opportunities and growing awareness of employee benefits, driven by EPFO's effective outreach programs.
Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, remarked, "The EPFO has reached an unprecedented net member addition figure in May 2025, reflecting the expanding strength of India’s formal employment sector. This landmark accomplishment is a direct outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and the government's steadfast dedication to youth and worker-friendly reforms."
“Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, our emphasis on business facilitation and economic empowerment is producing tangible results, and we are committed to establishing a strong and inclusive labor ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat," he added.
In May 2025, EPFO registered approximately 9.42 lakh new subscribers, marking an 11.04 percent increase from April.
A notable trend is the dominance of the 18-25 age group, which saw 5.60 lakh new subscribers, accounting for a significant 59.48 percent of the total new members in May 2025. The influx of new subscribers in this age bracket represents a 14.53 percent increase compared to April 2025.
Additionally, the net payroll addition for the 18-25 age group in May 2025 is around 8.73 lakh, signifying a 15.10 percent rise from April 2025 and a slight growth of 0.11 percent from the previous year, May 2024. This aligns with previous trends indicating that most entrants into the organized workforce are young individuals, particularly first-time job seekers, as per the statement.
Approximately 16.11 lakh members who had previously exited rejoined EPFO in May 2025, showcasing a 2.12 percent increase over April 2025. This also reflects a significant 14.27 percent year-over-year growth compared to May 2024. These former members transitioned jobs and returned to establishments under EPFO's oversight, opting to transfer their accumulations rather than applying for final settlements, thereby ensuring long-term financial security and extending their social security benefits.
In May 2025, around 2.62 lakh new female subscribers joined EPFO, a 7.08 percent rise compared to the previous month, and a year-over-year growth of 5.84 percent compared to May 2024.
Furthermore, the net female payroll addition for the month was approximately 4.25 lakh, with a month-on-month increase of 7.54 percent compared to April 2025, and a significant year-over-year increase of 15.04 percent compared to May 2024. The rise in female member registrations indicates a broader shift toward a more inclusive and diverse workforce, as noted in the official statement.