News and Updates | SP Jain School of Global Management in Dubai

EPF: Higher take-home pay or bigger retirement savings?

Written by Dr Arindam Banerjee (Program Director - MFWM) | Jul 16, 2026, 6:45:00 PM

EPF offers a disciplined way to save for retirement, but it can also affect how much you take home each month. For employees weighing immediate financial needs against long-term savings, the right contribution can depend on their goals, age and investment habits.

 Dr Arindam Banerjee, Program Director - MFWM



In an article for The Economic Times, Dr Arindam Banerjee, Professor (Finance) and Director of the Master of Applied Finance & Wealth Management (MFWM) program at SP Jain Global, examines the financial implications of choosing between the minimum EPF contribution of INR 1,800 and contributing 12% of basic pay.

Dr Banerjee explains that the additional money available from a lower contribution could be directed towards other investments or immediate expenses. However, this approach requires the discipline to invest the difference consistently rather than simply spend it. 

The article also considers how age, investment habits and long-term financial priorities can influence which option makes greater sense for different employees.

To read the full article, please click here