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EPS vs NPS

Retirement planning is one of the most crucial decisions you make. Most importantly, it has to be taken while you are already on the job. From carefully analysing retirement income requirements to assessing your current financial commitments, there's a lot to consider. To help you in your retirement planning, the government of India also contributes. With welfare schemes like NPS (National Pension Scheme) and EPS (Employee Pension Scheme), planning your safe retirement income becomes easier.

EPS and NPS are both government-backed retirement plans. However, these two are quite different on various grounds. While EPS is a contribution made by the employer, NPS can be contributed by both employees and employers. Read on as we discuss EPS vs NPS, the two popular retirement schemes.

Key differences between EPS and NPS

Employees Pension Scheme was launched by the government on 16th November 1995. It is open to anyone who is a member of EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation).¹ On the other hand, the National Pension Scheme is a voluntary pension scheme open to anyone who wants to build a retirement corpus.

Some of the striking differences between the two are given in the table below:

Particulars

EPS

NPS

Define

EPS is a government-backed retirement scheme where the employees do not directly contribute. The employer contributes 8.33% of the basic pay of the employee (Basic +DA)

The National Pension Scheme is a retirement savings scheme introduced by the government. It is managed by the PFRDA ( Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India). Individuals can contribute wilfully towards NPS accounts (Tier 1 and Tier 2)

Scheme’s nature

EPS is a mandatory retirement plan applicable to members of EPFO. A total of 12% of the salary (basic + DA) of the employee must be contributed towards EPFO. Out of this 12%, 8.33% goes towards the EPS account and the remaining goes into the EPF account

The National Pension Scheme is a voluntary retirement plan. So, anyone willing to participate in the scheme may do so without any compulsion.

Contribution by the employer

Employers contribute towards EPS and not the employees. So, there is no direct participation of the employee in EPS contribution. 8.33% out of the total 12% EPFO contribution by the employer goes towards the EPS account. This 12% is calculated based on the basic pay + dearness allowance of the employee

Being a voluntary retirement savings scheme, there is no compulsion for the employer to participate in the contribution. The employer may or may not contribute towards NPS on behalf of their employees.

Contribution by the employee

Not applicable

Employees can contribute a voluntary amount towards NPS Tier 1, Tier 2, or both accounts.

ROI

EPS offers stable returns once the employee retires. The returns are offered as a regular monthly pension to the employee. After attaining the age of 58, one can start receiving the benefits

NPS yields around 9-12% annualised returns. However, these are market-linked securities. So, the returns are dependent on the performance of the assets

Eligibility criteria

Anyone who is a member of EPFO and has a fixed salary can participate in EPS. However, it is necessary for the employer to be the contributor

Anyone can participate in the National Pension Scheme as per their will. To start with, one has to open a Tier 1 account, after which they may open a Tier 2 account.

Limit on contribution

8.33% of the basic pay of the employee

There is no limit on the maximum investment permitted in the NPS account

Tax benefits

There is no tax on the pension received

NPS subscription is eligible for tax benefit of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 and up to ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act of 1961

Withdrawal of funds

Individuals are eligible to apply for withdrawal of EPS funds after attaining 58 years of age or if they have been unemployed for 60 days¹

NPS funds can be withdrawn after attaining 60 years of age or retirement. NPS Tier 2 account has no withdrawal restrictions

Premature withdrawal

Only in specified conditions like marriage, higher education, etc. can one claim partial premature withdrawal

NPS Tier 1 account does not allow premature withdrawal. You can only withdraw after attaining the age of 60 years. There are no withdrawal restrictions on the NPS Tier 2 account

Eligibility criteria of NPS and EPS

There are different eligibility criteria sets for NPS and EPS accounts. These are:

Eligibility Criteria for NPS³

  • The individual must be an Indian resident or a Non-Indian resident

  • The age limit for NPS accounts is between 18-70 years of age

  • Must comply with KYC norms

  • Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cannot subscribe to NPS

Eligibility Criteria for EPS¹

  • Anyone who is a member at EPFO can participate in the EPS

  • One must serve 10 years of service or attain 58 years of age to receive a pension

  • One may apply for a reduced pension after the age of 50 years.

EPS vs NPS – Which is better for retirement?

EPS and NPS are both retirement savings schemes. If you are willing to choose to invest in either or both of these, here are a few factors that you may consider:

Employment status

As a salaried employee and a member of EPFO, it is mandatory for you to participate in the EPS account. However, NPS is a voluntary scheme and anyone can subscribe to NPS.

Risk appetite

NPS is exposed to market-linked securities like government bonds and corporate bonds, equity, etc. However, that's not the case with the EPFO. So, if you have a low-risk appetite, EPS is suitable.

Retirement goals

You need to assess your retirement goals and retirement financial needs to plan accordingly. Both of the schemes offer stable monthly pensions. With a higher risk tolerance, you may invest in NPS for higher returns or in EPS for stable returns.

Tax planning

Both NPS and EPS offer various tax benefits under the Income Tax Act of 1961. You may claim tax deductions and exemptions under both NPS and EPS.

Conclusion

Planning retirement is crucial during your working days. Be it NPS or EPS, it is essential to make informed decisions. While EPS offers stable returns, NPS has the potential for higher returns due to exposure to marked-linked securities. So, based on your risk appetite and financial goals, start investing in the most suitable retirement schemes today! 

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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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