NPS pension issues — withdrawal, annuity, RTI (2026 guide)

• NPS Tier 1: lock-in till 60
• Tier 2: no lock-in
• At 60: 60% lump-sum + 40% annuity (mandatory)
• 7 ASPs (Annuity Service Providers) for annuity
• Pre-mature exit: terminal illness / death / first-home / marriage

1. At 60: submit exit form to POP — Online via eNPS.
2. Choose ASP for annuity — 7 providers (LIC, HDFC, ICICI, etc.).
3. Lump-sum to bank — Tax-free.
4. Annuity begins immediately — Lifelong pension.
5. Pre-mature withdrawal: specific events only — PFRDA approval needed.
6. RTI for delays — PFRDA + NPSCRA.

• PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number)
• PAN
• Bank account
• Aadhaar

• Exit form delayed — RTI to NPSCRA.
• Annuity selection limited — only 7 ASPs; choose at maturity.
• Pre-mature withdrawal denied — RTI for criteria.
• Pension annuity rate dispute — RTI to ASP.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. Likely date of resolution / decision.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

Yes — 60% lump-sum is tax-exempt at withdrawal.

Set by ASP at purchase. RTI for current rates.

Annuity rates vary 2-5% across ASPs. Compare before choosing.

Limited: terminal illness, death, first-home, child marriage. PFRDA approval.

• All pension guides
• 25 status-check guides
• 25 how-to-apply guides
• 16 rejection-recovery guides
• 32 helplines + grievance routes
• Full RTI Playbook

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.