If you’re a salaried employee in India, chances are you’re familiar with the good old EPF – Employee Provident Fund. It’s been around forever, and it’s usually the first step into the world of retirement savings. But now, there’s a new kid on the block – Corporate NPS or cNPS. It’s flexible, tax-efficient, and gaining traction fast.
So naturally, a question pops up – Can you have both EPF and Corporate NPS at the same time?
 Short answer? Yes, you absolutely can.
 But wait, don’t run off just yet – let’s break it down in a fun, easy-to-understand way, because there’s more to this combo than meets the eye.

## First Things First – What Are EPF and cNPS?
EPF is a mandatory retirement savings scheme where both you and your employer contribute 12% of your salary (basic + DA). It’s managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The interest is fixed annually by the government and it's relatively low-risk.
Corporate NPS (or cNPS) is part of the National Pension System (NPS) – a voluntary long-term retirement savings scheme regulated by PFRDA. In the cNPS model, your employer can open an NPS account for you and contribute to it as part of your salary structure. You can contribute too, of course.
## So, now comes the big question – can you ride both horses at once?
Absolutely! You Can Have EPF and cNPS Together
It’s not only allowed – it’s encouraged!
There’s no rule that says you have to choose between EPF and cNPS. In fact, many companies offer both. The logic is simple – the more diversified your retirement savings, the better. EPF offers steady returns with government backing, while NPS, especially corporate NPS, allows you to potentially earn higher returns depending on the asset allocation.
Think of EPF as your fixed deposit and cNPS as your mutual fund. Why not have both?

## Why Would You Want Both?
Good question! Here’s why you should seriously consider having both EPF and corporate NPS:
#### Double Tax Benefits
Yep, that’s right. One of the biggest perks of combining EPF and cNPS is the sweet, sweet tax saving.
1. Your EPF contribution (up to ₹1.5 lakh) qualifies for deduction under Section 80C.


2. For NPS, under Section 80CCD(1B), you get an additional deduction of ₹50,000, over and above the 80C limit.


3. And under Section 80CCD(2), your employer’s contribution to cNPS (up to 10% of your salary) is not taxable in your hands.


All this adds up to serious tax savings. Just ask any savvy investor who’s already on board.
#### 2. Diversification
EPF invests mostly in government bonds and gives a fixed rate of interest. NPS, on the other hand, lets you choose between equities, corporate bonds, and government securities. You can even let a fund manager decide for you with auto-choice options.
In short – EPF = safety, NPS = growth potential. That’s a solid combo for any retirement portfolio.
#### Long-Term Wealth Building
Let’s be honest – retirement might seem a long way off, but it sneaks up faster than you think. Having both EPF and corporate NPS means more contributions, more compounding, and more corpus when you need it the most. [PensionBox](https://pensionbox.in/) makes it super easy to track both EPF and NPS in one place, so you’re always in control.

## But Wait – Are There Any Challenges?
Sure, a few. Let’s not sugarcoat it.
1. Contribution Limits: You need to make sure you’re not breaching income tax limits or salary structure caps.


2. Withdrawal Rules Differ: EPF and NPS have different maturity and withdrawal rules. EPF allows partial withdrawals and full withdrawal after retirement or job change. NPS, on the other hand, allows only 60% lump sum withdrawal at retirement; 40% must be used to buy an annuity.


3. Tracking Can Be Tricky: If you don’t use a platform like PensionBox, managing two separate retirement schemes can feel like juggling blindfolded.


Still, these are minor bumps on an otherwise smooth ride.

## Real Talk: How Do You Actually Get cNPS?
If your company is already registered with NPS under the corporate model, then it’s pretty simple – they can open a corporate NPS account for you. If not, you can gently (or assertively!) suggest that they register under cNPS.
Alternatively, you can also open your own NPS account independently and enjoy the tax benefits. But yes, cNPS has its perks – like employer contributions and added tax exemptions.
The easiest way to do this? You guessed it – [PensionBox](https://pensionbox.in/). With PensionBox, you can open an NPS account in minutes, track all your retirement savings (yes, even your EPF), and get expert support without the jargon.

## Myth-Busting Time: NPS vs EPF
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.
“If I have EPF, I don’t need NPS.”
 Nope. You absolutely can and should have both. They’re not competitors; they’re teammates.
“NPS is risky.”
 Only if you go all-in on equity. NPS is super flexible – you can choose your asset mix based on your risk appetite. Plus, it’s regulated by the PFRDA, so it’s safe and transparent.
“NPS is complicated.”
 Not when you use platforms like [PensionBox](https://pensionbox.in/). Everything from opening an account to tracking your pension fund is made easy.

## Final Verdict: Should You Go for Both?
If you’re looking to build a strong, balanced retirement plan – then yes, 100% go for both. EPF gives you stability, NPS gives you flexibility and growth, and PensionBox brings it all together in one place.
The truth is, the government is encouraging us to take retirement planning seriously. By combining EPF and corporate NPS, you’re not just playing it safe – you’re playing it smart.
So next time someone tells you it’s either EPF or NPS, you know better – it’s EPF and NPS, for the win!

## How PensionBox Helps You Manage Both
Managing EPF and NPS on your own can feel overwhelming. That’s where [PensionBox](https://pensionbox.in/) steps in. Whether it’s helping you open a cNPS account, track your EPF, or plan your retirement goals, it’s your all-in-one pension partner.
No paperwork, no stress – just smart, simple retirement planning.

## Conclusion: Future You Will Thank Present You
So yes, you can absolutely have both EPF and corporate NPS. In fact, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your financial future. Take advantage of the tax benefits, diversify your retirement savings, and let platforms like [PensionBox](https://pensionbox.in/) do the heavy lifting.
Because when you retire with a comfortable corpus, that beach house or hilltop cabin won’t be just a dream – it’ll be your reality.

<img src="https://pensionbox-public-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/BlogInnerImages/Investment%20Failure.jpg" width="100%"></img>

If you’re a salaried employee in India, chances are you’re familiar with the good old EPF – Employee Provident Fund. It’s been around forever, and it’s usually the first step into the world of retirement savings. But now, there’s a new kid on the block – Corporate NPS or cNPS. It’s flexible, tax-efficient, and gaining traction fast.

Can you have both EPF and Corporate NPS?

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