ESI Calculator (India)
ESI is mandatory only when an employee's gross monthly wage is ₹21,000 or below (₹25,000 for persons with disability). This calculator auto-detects whether ESI applies and shows both employee and employer contributions at the current rates.
Inputs
How ESI works
The Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 provides medical care, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, and disability/dependents' benefits to lower-wage employees. It's administered by ESIC.
Coverage threshold
- Gross monthly wage ≤ ₹21,000 → ESI mandatory
- Gross monthly wage ≤ ₹25,000 for persons with disability → ESI mandatory
- Gross above the threshold → ESI not deducted (employees can use private insurance)
Current rates (since 1 July 2019)
- Employee: 0.75% of gross
- Employer: 3.25% of gross
- Total: 4% of gross
The Government may exempt certain industries or geographies from ESI coverage if alternative health insurance is in place — check ESIC notifications for your region.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as 'gross wage' for ESI?▾
All cash payments earned in the wage period: basic, DA, HRA, conveyance, special allowance, overtime, attendance bonus. Excludes: employer PF/ESI contributions, gratuity, retrenchment compensation, encashment of unused leave on retirement, payments at the time of discharge.
What happens when an employee crosses ₹21,000 mid-year?▾
ESI continues till the end of the contribution period (April-September or October-March) in which the wage crossed. After that period, the employee is no longer ESI-covered.
Are part-time and contract workers covered?▾
Yes, if they earn ≤ ₹21,000/month and the establishment is registered under ESIC. This includes apprentices (other than those under the Apprentices Act) and probationers.
What benefits do employees get?▾
Free outpatient treatment at ESIC dispensaries and tie-up hospitals; sickness benefit (70% of wages for up to 91 days); maternity benefit (full wages for 26 weeks); disability benefit; dependent's benefit (death due to employment injury).