◷ Pension and savings · Central scheme

National Pension System (NPS)

National Pension System (NPS) is a central government scheme run by the Department of Financial Services (regulated by PFRDA). A low-cost, market-linked pension account. Who qualifies: Indian citizens aged 18 to 70, including NRIs. Applying is free on pfrda.org.in.

Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources

You getSee benefit below
WhereAll India (central government)
Run byDepartment of Financial Services (regulated by PFRDA)
Last checked1 November 2026

What do you get under NPS?

A low-cost, market-linked pension account. You choose how much to invest; at 60 you can take part of the corpus as a lump sum and use the rest to buy a pension. Extra tax deduction of up to ₹50,000 under section 80CCD(1B) in the old tax regime.

Who is eligible for NPS?

  • Indian citizens aged 18 to 70, including NRIs.
  • Minimum contribution ₹1,000 a year.

Documents needed for NPS

0 of 5 ready

Offices may ask for more. Check the official list before you go.

How to apply for NPS

  1. Open an account online through the eNPS sites of the central record-keeping agencies (linked from pfrda.org.in), or at a bank or post office that is a point of presence.
  2. You get a PRAN (permanent retirement account number).

Go to the official site ↗

How to check NPS status

  1. Log in with your PRAN on the CRA website or app linked from pfrda.org.in to see contributions and statements.

Never share an OTP with a caller or a message. Official portals end in .gov.in.

Common questions

Who is eligible for NPS?

Indian citizens aged 18 to 70, including NRIs. Minimum contribution ₹1,000 a year.

How much do I get under NPS?

A low-cost, market-linked pension account. You choose how much to invest; at 60 you can take part of the corpus as a lump sum and use the rest to buy a pension. Extra tax deduction of up to ₹50,000 under section 80CCD(1B) in the old tax regime.

What documents do I need for NPS?

Aadhaar card (linked to your mobile number); PAN card; Bank passbook or account details (Aadhaar-seeded account); Passport-size photo; Mobile number for OTP.

How do I apply for NPS?

Open an account online through the eNPS sites of the central record-keeping agencies (linked from pfrda.org.in), or at a bank or post office that is a point of presence. You get a PRAN (permanent retirement account number). Official site: https://www.pfrda.org.in/

How do I check NPS status?

Log in with your PRAN on the CRA website or app linked from pfrda.org.in to see contributions and statements.

Do I have to pay anyone to apply for NPS?

No. Applying for a government scheme is free on the official portal, and at Common Service Centres you pay only the notified service fee, if any. Never pay an agent who promises approval.

Official sources

Last checked 1 November 2026; next review by 1 May 2027. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on the official site before you apply. IndiaDigital is independent and not a government site.

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