FINANCE MINISTRY UPDATE
GPF Rate Frozen at 7.1% (Jan-Mar 2026)
By Central Pay Commission Admin
Bad News for Savers: Finance Ministry Freezes GPF Interest Rate at 7.1% for Jan-March 2026 Quarter; No Hike Despite 8th Pay Commission Buzz
New Delhi | January 4, 2026
NEW DELHI: The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, has issued the notification for the General Provident Fund (GPF) interest rates for the 4th Quarter of Financial Year 2025-26. Dashing the hopes of millions of central government employees, the rate has been maintained at 7.1% w.e.f. January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026.
This marks the 16th consecutive quarter where the GPF rate has remained stagnant, despite the fact that banks are offering FD rates as high as 7.5% to 8.0%. The circular [F.No. 5(3)-B(PD)/2025] applies to all subscribers of GPF, CPF, and other similar provident funds of the central government.
Historical GPF Rate Chart (Last 5 Quarters)
Employees can verify the trend below. The last major change was seen way back in 2020.
| Quarter | Period | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Q4 (Current) | Jan 2026 – Mar 2026 | 7.1% |
| Q3 | Oct 2025 – Dec 2025 | 7.1% |
| Q2 | July 2025 – Sep 2025 | 7.1% |
| Q1 | Apr 2025 – June 2025 | 7.1% |