National Pension System (NPS) — voluntary retirement pension (2026)

• Indian citizen (resident or NRI), age 18-70 entry
• NRIs eligible too
• Voluntary; all sectors (govt + private + self-employed)
• Aadhaar + bank account

Equity + corporate bonds + govt bonds + alternate (Tier 1, lock-in till 60) and Tier 2 (no lock-in). Tax benefits: Sec 80CCD(1) up to 10% of salary + Sec 80CCD(1B) extra Rs 50K + Sec 80CCD(2) employer contribution. At 60: 60% lump-sum (tax-free) + 40% annuity (taxable).

1. Open NPS account online (eNPS) — enps.nsdl.com or via bank/POP.
2. Choose POP-Service Provider — Banks, India Post, online platforms.
3. Choose investment mode — Active (you choose mix) or Auto (lifecycle-based).
4. Choose pension fund manager — 8 PFMs available; switching allowed once a year.
5. Contribute (no minimum after first Rs 500) — Online or auto-debit.
6. At 60 — withdraw 60% lump-sum, 40% annuity — Buy annuity from any of 7 ASPs.

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• Bank account
• Photograph + signature

PRAN (account number): same-day for online; 7 days postal.

• Official portal: npscra.nsdl.co.in
• Helpline: NPS: 1800-2222-80

• Annuity rates fall over time — choose right ASP (LIC, HDFC, etc.) at 60.
• Premature withdrawal restricted — only for terminal illness, marriage of children, or buying first home.
• Tier 2 less tax-advantaged but more flexible — separate account from Tier 1.
• Fund manager change allowed once a year only.

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 disbursement / decision.

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

More schemes for you: All senior citizens schemes

No — market-linked. Equity gives long-term growth; debt + bonds smooth volatility.

80CCD(1) up to 10% of salary (within 80C limit Rs 1.5L) + 80CCD(1B) extra Rs 50K = Rs 2L total.

No — at least 40% must buy annuity. Up to 60% lump-sum + 40% annuity. Pension lifelong.

Among lowest globally — 0.01% to 0.09% per annum. Cheaper than mutual funds.

• All 150 Sarkari Yojanas
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• Full RTI Playbook

• Official portal: npscra.nsdl.co.in
• Issued by: Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA)
• Launched: 2004
• Citizen feedback via %%AwaazRTI%% (composite, identifying details removed)

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.