v3.25.2
Retirement benefits
 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Retirement benefits
2
5
. Retirement benefits
Gratuity
In accordance with Indian law, the Bank provides for gratuity, a defined benefit retirement plan, covering eligible employees. The plan provides for lump sum payments to vested employees at retirement, resignation, death while in employment or on termination of employment in an amount equivalent to 15 days’ eligible salary (30 days for eHDFC employees until the date of the merger) payable for each completed year of service. Vesting occurs upon completion of five years of service. The Bank makes annual contributions to funds administered by trustees and managed by insurance companies for amounts notified by said insurance companies, and in respect of certain employees, the Bank makes contributions to a fund set up for the purpose and administered by the board of trustees. The contributions are invested in specific designated instruments as permitted by Indian law. The Bank accounts for the liability for future gratuity benefits using the projected unit cost method based on an actuarial valuation done on March 31 of every year.
The following table sets out the funded status of the gratuity plan and the amounts recognized in the Bank’s consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025:
 
 
  
As of March 31,
 
 
  
2024
 
  
2025
 
  
2025
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligations:
         
Projected benefit obligation (“PBO”), beginning of the period
    Rs.  11,491.6      Rs.  17,591.9      US$  205.9  
On merger of eHDFC
      5,421.2        —         —   
Service cost
      1,968.8        3,213.5        37.6  
Interest cost
      981.3        1,313.5        15.4  
Actuarial(gains)/ losses
      (303.0 )       611.7        7.2  
Benefits paid
      (1,968.0 )       (1,353.4 )      (15.8 )
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Projected benefit obligation, end of the period
      17,591.9        21,377.2        250.3  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Change in plan assets:
         
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of the period
      10,916.1        18,951.8        221.8  
Fair value of plan assets - Addition on account of acquisition of HDFC Ltd
      5,121.2        —         —   
Expected return on plan assets
      1,036.1        1,283.4        15.0  
Actuarial gains/(losses)
      2,893.5        237.5        2.8  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Actual return on plan assets
      3,929.6        1,520.9        17.8  
Employer contributions
      717.9        1,010.2        11.8  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Benefits paid
      (1,733.0 )       (1,252.9 )       (14.7 ) 
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Fair value of plan assets, end of the period
      18,951.8        20,230.0        236.7  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Funded Status
    Rs. 1,359.9      Rs. (1,147.2 )    US$ (13.6 )
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
The Bank’s expected contribution to the gratuity fund for the next fiscal year is estimated at Rs. 2,686.8 million. The accumulated benefit obligation as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 was Rs. 12,858.7 million and Rs. 15,065.6 million, respectively. The vested accumulated benefit obligation as on March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 was Rs. 
11,691.6 million and Rs. 13,143.1 million, respectively.
 
Net gratuity cost for the years ended March 31, 2023, March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 comprised the following components:
 
 
  
Fiscal years ended March 31,
 
 
  
2023
 
  
2024
 
  
2025
 
  
2025
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
Service cost
    Rs.  1,398.6      Rs.   1,968.8      Rs.   3,213.5      US$   37.6  
Interest cost
      773.4        981.3        1,313.5        15.4  
Expected return on plan assets
      (668.2 )       (1,036.1 )       (1,283.4 )       (15.0 ) 
Actuarial (gains)/losses
      137.6        (3,196.5 )       374.2        4.4  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Net gratuity cost
    Rs. 1,641.4      Rs. (1,282.5 )     Rs. 3,617.8      US$ 42.4  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
The assumptions used in accounting for the gratuity plan are set out below:
 
    
Fiscal years ended March 31,
  
    
2023
     
2024
     
2025
  
    
(% per annum)
  
Discount rate
(
*
)
     
5.1-7.9
       
7.2-8.3
       
6.5-8.1
  
Rate of increase in compensation levels of covered employees
     
6.0-11.0
       
3.0-15.0
       
4.0-14.0
  
Rate of return on plan assets
     
5.1-7.2
       
6.5-7.4
       
6.5-7.0
  
Mortality rates used are based on the published “Indian Assured Lives Mortality
(2012-2014)
Ultimate” table
         
 
(
*
)
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine both benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost.
The rate of return on plan assets is based on historical returns, the current market conditions, anticipated future assets allocation and expected future returns. The rate of return on plan assets represents a long-term average view of the expected return.
The following benefit payments, which includes benefits attributable to expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.
 
Fiscal years ending March 31,
  
Benefit payments
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
2026
    Rs. 2,788.5  
2027
      2,389.1  
2028
      2,262.6  
2029
      2,085.8  
2030
      1,969.3  
2031 - 2035
      8,266.1  
The expected benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Bank’s benefit obligations as of March 31, 2025.
 
The gratuity contributions of the Bank which are administered by a trust set up for the purpose are managed by two insurance companies, and, in respect of certain employees, the funds are invested by the trust set up for said purpose. The overall asset allocation of the gratuity fund by the two insurance companies is structured so as to provide stable earnings while still allowing for potentially higher returns through an investment in equity securities. As of March 31, 2025, the plan assets as a percentage of the total funds were as follows:
 
 
  
As of March 31, 2025
 
 
  
Funds managed
by insurance
company (1)
(
*
)
 
 
Funds managed
by insurance
company (2)
(
*
)
 
 
Funds
managed
by trust
 
Government securities
      75.2 %      44.6 %      45.3 % 
Debenture and bonds
      8.6 %      13.8 %      30.5 % 
Equity securities
      9.9 %      39.2 %      5.1 % 
Other
      6.3 %      2.4 %      19.1 % 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
  
Total
      100.0 %      100.0 %      100.0 % 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
  
 
(
*
)
 
The data pertaining to plan investment assets measured at fair value by level and total at March 31, 2025 are provided separately.
Pension
In respect of pensions payable to certain eCBoP employees, which are payable pursuant to a defined benefit scheme, the Bank contributes 10% of basic salary to a pension fund set up by the Bank and administered by the board of trustees, and the balance amount is provided based on an actuarial valuation at the balance sheet date conducted by an independent actuary. In respect of employees who have moved to a cost to company (“CTC”) driven compensation structure and have completed services up to 15 years as on the date of movement to a CTC driven compensation structure, any contribution made until such date, and any additional
one-time
contribution made for employees (who have completed more than 10 years but less than 15 years) stand frozen and will be converted into an annuity on separation after a
lock-in-period
of two years. Hence, for this category of employees, liability stands frozen and no additional provision is required except for interest, if any. In respect of employees who accepted the offer and have completed services for more than 15 years, the pension would be paid based on the employee’s salary as of the date of movement to a CTC driven compensation structure and a provision is made based on an actuarial valuation at the balance sheet date conducted by an independent actuary.
 
 
The following table sets out the funded status of the pension plan and the amounts recognized in the Bank’s consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025:
 
 
  
As of March 31,
 
 
  
2024
 
  
2025
 
  
2025
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligations:
         
Projected benefit obligation (“PBO”), beginning of the period
    Rs.  1,018.0      Rs. 987.3      US$ 11.6  
Plan amendment (prior service cost)
      —         —         —   
Service cost
      16.0        28.4        0.3  
Interest cost
      76.4        71.6        0.8  
Actuarial (gains)/losses
      (24.6 )       274.7        3.2  
Benefits paid
      (98.5 )       (111.7 )       (1.3 ) 
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Projected benefit obligation, end of the period
      987.3        1,250.3        14.6  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Change in plan assets:
         
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of the period
      3.0        161.5        1.9  
Expected return on plan assets
      6.5        10.5        0.1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial gains/(losses)
      8.8        1.3        —   
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Actual return on plan assets
      15.3        11.8        0.1  
Employer contributions
      241.7        99.9        1.2  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits paid
      (98.5 )       (111.7 )      (1.3 )
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Fair value of plan assets, end of the period
      161.5        161.5        1.9  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Funded Status
    Rs. (825.8 )     Rs.  (1,088.8 )    US$  (12.7 )
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
The Bank’s expected contribution to the pension fund for the next fiscal year is estimated at Rs. 129.8 million. The accumulated benefit obligation as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 was Rs. 637.6 million and Rs. 833.9 million, respectively. The vested accumulated benefit obligation as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 was Rs. 352.4 million and Rs. 545.7 million, respectively.
Net pension cost for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023, March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 comprised the following components:
 
 
  
As of March 31,
 
 
  
2023
 
  
2024
 
  
2025
 
  
2025
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
Service cost
    Rs.  18.5      Rs.   16.0      Rs.  28.4      US$  0.3  
Interest cost
      57.3        76.4        71.6          0.8  
Expected return on plan assets
      (0.4 )       (6.5 )       (10.5 )       (0.1 ) 
Actuarial (gains)/losses
      219.2        (33.4 )        273.4        3.2  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Net pension cost
    Rs.  294.6      Rs. 52.5      Rs. 362.9      US$ 4.2  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
 
The assumptions used in accounting for the pension plan are set out below:
 
    
Fiscal years ended March 31,
  
    
2023
     
2024
     
2025
  
    
(% per annum)
  
Discount rate
(
*
)
      7.9        7.7        7.2  
Rate of increase in compensation levels of covered employees
      10.0        7.0        7.0  
Rate of return on plan assets
      6.5        6.5        6.5  
Mortality rates used are based on the published “Indian Assured Lives Mortality (2012-2014) Ultimate” table.
 
 
(
*
)
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine both benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost.
The following benefit payments, which include benefits attributable to expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.
 
Fiscal years ending March 31,
  
Benefit payments
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
2026
    Rs. 106.4  
2027
      118.6  
2028
      128.1  
2029
      184.0  
2030
      197.2  
2031-2035
      993.1  
The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Bank’s benefit obligations as of March 31, 2025.
The retirement funds of a section of the employees are managed by a trust set up for the purpose. The trust essentially manages the defined retirement benefit plans belonging to certain employees. The funds are mainly invested in government securities and other corporate bonds. The weighted-average asset allocation of said plan assets for the pension benefits as of March 31, 2025 is as follows:
 
Asset category
   
Funds managed
by trust
  
Government securities
      89.3 % 
Debenture and bonds
      10.7 % 
Other
      —   
  
 
 
  
Total
      100.0 % 
  
 
 
  
For information on fair value measurements, including descriptions of Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation methods employed by the Bank, see note 33—Fair value measurements.
 
Plan investment assets for gratuity funds and the pension fund measured at fair value by level and in total as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 are summarized in the table below.
 
 
  
As of March 31, 2024
 
  
As of March 31, 2025
 
 
  
Level 1
 
  
Level 2
 
  
Level 3
 
  
Level 1
 
  
Level 2
 
  
Level 3
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
Funds managed by insurance company (1)
    Rs. —       Rs. —       Rs. 859.1      Rs. —       Rs. —       Rs. 769.1  
Funds managed by insurance company (2)
      —         14,478.3        —         —          15,803.1        —   
Funds managed by trust
                  
— Government securities
      —         1,792.6        —         —         1,799.5        —   
— Debenture and bonds
      —         1,200.9        —         —         1,131.1        —   
— Others
      581.9        200.5        —         649.8        238.9
 
      —   
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Total
    Rs.  581.9      Rs.  17,672.3      Rs.  859.1      Rs.  649.8      Rs. 18,972.6      Rs.  769.1  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
            US$ 7.6      US$ 222.0      US$ 9.0  
           
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
The table below presents a reconciliation of all Plan investment assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
 
 
  
Funds managed by Insurance
companies as of March 31,
 
 
  
2024
 
  
2025
 
  
2025
 
 
  
(In millions)
 
Particulars
         
Opening balance
    Rs.   864.5      Rs.   859.1      US$   10.1  
On merger of eHDFC
      25.1        —         —   
Realized interest credited to fund
      64.0        70.2        0.8  
Contribution during the period
      70.9        88.6        1.0  
Amount paid towards claim
      (165.4 )       (248.8 )
 
      (2.9 ) 
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Closing balance
    Rs. 859.1      Rs. 769.1      US$  9.0  
  
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
  
Superannuation
Eligible employees of the Bank are entitled to receive retirement benefits under the Bank’s superannuation fund. The superannuation fund is a defined contribution plan under which the Bank annually contributes a sum equivalent to 13% of the employee’s eligible annual salary (15% for the Managing Director, Executive Directors and for certain employees of eCBoP) to the insurance companies in India, which administer the fund. The Bank has no liability for future superannuation fund benefits other than its annual contribution, and recognizes such contributions as an expense in the year incurred. The Bank incurred Rs. 2,322.0 million, Rs. 3,106.6 million and Rs. 3,576.8 million towards superannuation expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023, March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively.
 
Provident fund
In accordance with Indian law, eligible employees of the Bank are entitled to receive benefits under the provident fund, a defined contribution plan in which both the employee and the Bank contribute monthly at a determined rate (currently 12% of an employee’s eligible salary). These contributions are made to a fund set up by the Bank and administered by a board of trustees, except that, out of the employer’s contribution, an amount equal to 8.33% of the lower of employee’s monthly eligible salary or Rs. 0.015 million, is contributed by the Bank to the Pension Scheme administered by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner. Employees are credited with interest, which is subject to a government specified minimum rate. The Bank has no liability for future provident fund benefits other than its annual contribution and the shortfall, if any, between the government-specified minimum rate and the yield on the fund’s assets, and recognizes such contributions as an expense in the year incurred. The amount contributed being Rs. 8,238.2 million, Rs. 11,683.9 million and Rs. 12,569.0 million to the Provident Fund Trust and Regional Provident Fund Commissioner for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023, March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively.
National Pension Scheme
In respect of employees who opt for contribution to the National Pension Scheme, the Bank contributes a certain percentage of the basic salary of employees to the aforesaid scheme, a defined contribution plan, which is managed and administered by pension fund management companies. The Bank has no liability other than its contribution, and recognizes such contributions as an expense in the year incurred. The amount contributed being Rs. 78.0 million, Rs. 161.6 million and Rs. 310.0 million to the National Pension Scheme for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023, March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively.
Compensated absences
The Bank has provided for unutilized leave balances as on March 31, 2025 standing to the credit of each employee on an actuarial valuation conducted by an independent actuary.