Pension scheme rules revised; EPS wage ceiling fixed at ₹15,000

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified an amendment to the Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, prescribing a pensionable wage ceiling of ₹15,000 per month. The amendment, issued on 15 October 2026, is deemed to have come into force from 17 September 2026.

The amendment was issued under Section 15(1)(b) of the Code on Social Security, 2020. Paragraph 4(2) of the Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026 has been amended to specify the wage ceiling up to which the Central Government will contribute to the scheme. The wage ceiling for contribution purposes has been expressly fixed at ₹15,000 per month.

The revision provides a definite statutory wage ceiling for the contribution framework, bringing greater certainty to the pension scheme's operations. The amendment also omits the words "and the Central Government" from the first proviso to Paragraph 4(2).