The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has achieved a historic milestone, recording a net addition of 20.06 lakh members in May 2025—the highest monthly figure since the introduction of payroll data tracking in April 2018. This reflects a 4.79% increase in net payroll additions compared to April 2025 and a 2.84% year-on-year growth over May 2024.
Government Lauds Milestone
Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, hailed the record-breaking achievement. He stated, “The EPFO has recorded an all-time high net member addition in May 2025, a testament to the growing strength of India’s formal employment landscape. This historic achievement is the direct result of Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and the government’s unwavering commitment to pro-youth, pro-worker reforms.”
Surge in New Subscribers, Youth Drive Growth
EPFO enrolled approximately 9.42 lakh new subscribers in May 2025, registering an 11.04% increase over April 2025. Notably, the 18-25 age group dominated this growth with 5.60 lakh new subscribers, accounting for 59.48% of the total. This group saw a 14.53% month-on-month increase in new subscriptions.
Net payroll addition in the 18-25 age group stood at approximately 8.73 lakh, marking a 15.10% rise over April 2025 and a 0.11% increase over May 2024—highlighting a continued trend of first-time job seekers entering the organized sector.
Rejoining Members and Female Workforce See Notable Increases
Around 16.11 lakh members rejoined EPFO in May 2025, having switched jobs and opted to transfer their funds instead of withdrawing them. This marks a 2.12% increase from April 2025 and a 14.27% jump from May 2024.
Female participation also saw substantial growth. About 2.62 lakh new female subscribers joined EPFO in May 2025, reflecting a 7.08% rise from April 2025. Net female payroll additions reached approximately 4.25 lakh—up 7.54% month-on-month and 15.04% year-on-year—indicating increased gender diversity in the workforce.
Maharashtra Tops State-Wise Contribution
State-wise analysis revealed that the top five states and union territories contributed to nearly 60% of the net payroll additions, with Maharashtra alone accounting for 20.33%. Other significant contributors included Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.
Industry-Wise Insights: Expert Services Take the Lead
Industry-wise data showed notable growth in establishments related to:
- Expert Services
- Textiles
- Cleaning and Sweeping Services
- Electrical, Mechanical, or General Engineering Products
- Financing Establishments
- Garment Manufacturing
Nearly 44.61% of the total net payroll additions in May 2025 came from the expert services category, with manpower suppliers making up 51.71% of that segment.
The robust figures released by EPFO reflect India’s expanding formal employment sector and continued government efforts to bolster job creation, economic inclusion, and social security coverage.
