GPF Balance Check: How to Check GPF Account Balance Online?

Provident funds are one of the most common tools for securing one’s future after retirement. In India, there are different types of provident funds, such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and General Provident Fund (GPF). While the PPF is entirely a voluntary scheme, EPF and GPF form the financial backbone for the future of private sector and government employees, respectively.

While the returns from a GPF account are given after retirement, you can also make early withdrawals under certain situations. To know the current savings you have accumulated in your GPF account before you make a withdrawal, go through this blog. Learn how to do a GPF balance check. 

What is a General Provident Fund?

The General Provident Fund (GPF) is a mandatory savings and retirement scheme whose benefits are available only to government employees. Under the GPF, an employee contributes a fixed amount of their salary to a GPF, while the government also pays a fixed amount as a part of the compensation package. The funds deposited accumulate interest over time and are payable after retirement. 

Having a GPF account ensures that you have substantial savings for your post-retirement years. It is a low-risk investment option with a fixed interest rate, subject to revision from time to time. Furthermore, it is eligible for a number of tax benefits, including deductions on contributions and an exemption on the maturity amount. All of these features make GPF a worthwhile investment for taking a government position. 

Methods to Check GPF Account Balance

There are different ways for government employees to check their GPF savings based on the state in which the employee lives. Pensioners covered by this scheme can check their savings via the mobile application of the respective state or relevant portal. One can also contact the state’s helpline number to address complaints or grievances. 

Another way to check your GPF balance is to get your GPF passbook updated at your state’s Office of Accountant General. In case of any discrepancies, you can submit a written application with supporting documents to this office as well. 

How to Check GPF Account Balance Online?

Each state has its own Accountant General’s portal where you can do a GPF account balance check online. Follow the general procedure detailed below:

Step 1: Click on the official web portal of the respective state’s Principal AG (for example- https://agwb.cag.gov.in/subs/login for West Bengal). 

Step 2: If you have not registered your account yet, you can register your phone number and generate a new password here.   
Step 3: Log in to the AG website. 
Step 4: Provide the required information, including the GPF Series Code based on where you work (state and department) and your unique GPF number. Next, enter your date of birth, password, and security code as given on the screen.
Step 5: You will receive an OTP (one-time password) on your registered mobile number. Type it in and click on ‘Submit’.
Step 6: Select the year for which you want a GPF account statement and click on ‘Search’. Finally, click on the PDF icon under 'Download'. 

How to Check GPF Balance on Mobile?

To check your GPF balance on your mobile phone, you will have to first download your state’s respective eGPF mobile application (e.g., myGPF for Himachal Pradesh and e-GPF Meghalaya for Meghalaya). The Office of Accountant General (A&E) allows you to check GPF balance, open a GPF ledger and register your mobile number or email ID. Here are two ways in which you can check your GPF balance:

Via SMS

• To avail the SMS service, you will need to register your mobile number from your respective state’s Office of Accountant General’s portal. 
• Once you send an SMS for the GPF balance enquiry, you will receive the updated account details on your phone. 
• In this way, you can check your monthly subscription amount, refund status, closing balance and opening balance. 

Via Mobile App

• Your state's GPF mobile app will allow you to view the latest GPF statement, annual statements for the previous five years, and missing credit information (if any). 
• Once downloaded, you can view these details offline on your mobile phone without any net connection. 

To view these details, open the mobile app and log in using the Series Code, GPF Number, and 4-digit PIN sent to your registered mobile number. Next, click on 'Latest Statement' or 'Annual Statement' based on what you need. 

Details Needed to Check GPF Balance

Here are all the necessary details you need to know to do a GPF balance check: 

• GPF Series Number: It comprises a department code followed by a region/state code, and all of it must be written in all caps. For example, the ‘BN’ code is used for all government employees in Marathwada and Vidarbha in Maharashtra, while codes like GA, PH, J and M are used for different departments. So, for an employee in general administration in Vidarbha, the Series No. is GABN. 
• GPF Number: Every employee has a unique GPF account number to sign in to their account. The account number should be all numeric. You can find this number in your GPF passbook or salary slip or ask your respective DDO (Drawing and Disbursing Officer). Usually, all new government employees get this number upon applying for GPF (within a year of joining). 
• Default Password: If you do not already have a password, use your GPF account number followed by your date of birth till you can change it. For instance, if your A/C no. is 78676 and your DOB is 14/02/1995, your password will be 7867614021995. However, if you have not provided your date of birth, the default password is your account number. 

Conclusion

There are multiple ways to check GPF balance, including through the official website or the respective state's mobile app. You should regularly check your account balance to ensure that you are on track with your retirement goals and report corrections or missing payments as soon as possible. Errors must be brought to the notice of the Principal Accountant General of your state within three months of the receipt. 

Related Articles:
1. How Is Income Tax On GPF Interest Is Calculated?
2. Income Tax on PF ( Provident Fund ) for Various Types of PF Account
3. GPF Withdrawal Rules for State & Central Govt Employees