Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) updated as on 13.09.2025: CGA, FinMin O.M. dated 17.09.2025
TA-3-07001/3/2025-TA-CGA/e-19475/341
Ministry of Finance
Controller General of Accounts
Department of Expenditure
Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan
E-Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi-110023
Dated: 17-09.2025
OFFICЕ МЕМОORANDUM
Subject: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
Reference is invited to Gazette Notification Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Operationalisation of Unified Pension Scheme under National Pension System) Regulations dated 19.03.2025.
2. In this regard, O/o CGA has been closely monitoring the problems in collaboration with PFRDA that is associated with Unified Pension scheme at the level of DDOs/PAOs/Subscribers. For smooth and seamless implementation of the Scheme, a FAQS has been prepared and is circulated for wide circulation (copy enclosed).
This issues with the approval of the Competent authority.
(Samya Bhushan)
Assistant Controller General of Accounts
Updated on 13.09.2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
1. What is Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is introduced by the Central Government as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for Central Government employees with effect from 1st April 2025. The UPS provides assured pay-out based on the prescribed conditions.
2. Whether existing central government employee is eligible to opt for UPS?
Yes, an existing Central Government employee in service as of 1 April 2025, who is covered under National Pension System (NPS) is eligible to opt for UPS.
3. Whether newly recruited Central government employee is eligible to opt for UPS?
Yes, Central Government employees joining service on or after 1 April 2025 will be eligible to opt for UPS.
4. Whether Central government employee retired prior to 31 March 2025 is eligible to opt for UPS?
Yes, a Central Government employee who was covered under NPS and retired on or before 31st March 2025 is eligible to opt for UPS, provided they meet any of the following prescribed conditions:
(i) Has superannuated after minimum 10 years of qualifying service; or
(ii) Has voluntarily retired or retired under the provisions of Fundamental Rules 56(j) (which is not treated as penalty under Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965), on or before 31st March 2025, or
(iii) the legally wedded spouse in case of a subscriber who has superannuated or retired and has demised prior to exercising the option for UPS.
5. What are the forms to be filled by eligible Central Government employee to opt for UPS?
| Name of Form | Eligibility to opt UPS |
|---|---|
| Form A1 | Newly recruited Central Government employees joining service on or after 1st April 2025. |
| Form A2 | Existing Central Government Employee covered under NPS |
6. From where the forms for enrollment under UPS can be obtained?
The forms A1, A2, along with the instructions and list of documents to be attached can be downloaded from the website of the Protean CRA at www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php
7. What is the timeline to exercise the option of UPS under NPS by an eligible existing (as on 31.03.2025) Central Govt employee?
Option has to be exercised by 30th September 2025 or within such extended timelines if any, allowed by the Central Government.
8. What is the timeline to exercise the option of UPS under NPS by an eligible retired (as on 31.03.2025) Central Govt employee?
Option has to be exercised by 30th September 2025, or within such extended timelines if any, allowed by the Central Government.
9. What is the timeline to exercise the option of UPS under NPS by the legally wedded spouse in case of a subscriber who superannuated or retired and demised prior to exercising the option for UPS?
Option has to be exercised by 30th September 2025, or within such extended timelines if any, allowed by the Central Government.
10. What is the timeline to exercise the option of UPS under NPS by new recruit to the Central Govt services joining on or after 1st April 2025?
Option has to be exercised within thirty (30) days from the date of joining Central Government services or within such extended timelines, if any, allowed by the Central Government.
11. Can a UPS subscriber switch to NPS at a later date?
Yes, a “one-time, one-way switch” facility is available for reverting to the National Pension System at any time during the service of the subscriber, within following timelines:
(a) twelve months prior to the date of superannuation;
(b) three months prior to the deemed date of voluntary retirement;
(c) at the time of resignation or compulsory retirement under Fundamental Rule 56(j), which is not a penalty.
12. What happens if the switch facility is availed by the subscriber?
The subscriber shall be eligible for the employer contribution at the rate of fourteen percent as available under the NPS. The additional four percent contribution for the period during which subscriber was under UPS (before the switch facility becomes effective) shall be computed on the default investment pattern, as notified by the Authority, and credited to the NPS Account of the subscriber.
The future contributions of the Central Government, after the switch facility become effective, will be credited to the NPS account of the subscriber, at the rate of fourteen per cent. as per the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2021, in the following month in which switch facility has been exercised. The subscriber may also exercise investment choices for such future contributions.
Provisions of the PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) Regulations, 2015 shall apply in respect of such subscribers. Such subscribers will not be eligible for assured payout and other benefits under the Unified Pension Scheme.
(For more details on the switch facility, refer Rule 11 of the Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025)
13. What happens if the employee fails to opt for UPS within the specified time period?
An eligible person, who does not exercise the UPS option under NPS within the timelines laid down shall be deemed to have opted to continue under NPS without UPS option.
14. What is Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) under UPS?
PRAN is a Permanent Retirement Account Number allocated to subscriber opening/opting for UPS, and under which all the transactions are recorded by the CRA system.
15. What are the proofs of Identity and address documents required in form for opening UPS account?
Identity and address proof are the key KYC documents. Any one of the following to be submitted:
-
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID Card
- CKYC Number
- National Population Register
- Proof of possession of Aadhaar
16. Where the option form/ account opening forms under UPS is to be submitted by the subscriber?
The form can be submitted online or physically to the Head of Office / DDO where the subscriber is employed. Subscribers are advised to retain the acknowledgement slip signed/stamped by the designated respective nodal office where they submit the application.
17. Whether there is an online process for enrolment under UPS?
Yes, subscriber can submit their request for enrolment online by filing required forms through CRA website. Once it is submitted, the form goes to the DDO and then to PAO for verification.
18. What are the details to be filled by Nodal Office in the account opening form for UPS?
Employment Details (At the time of exercise of UPS option)
i. Date of joining
ii. Date of Superannuation
iii. Date of commencement of qualifying service
iv. Employee Code/ID
v. Basic Pay
vi. Pay Scale (Optional)
vii. Name of the office
viii. Department
ix. Ministry
x. DDO Registration Number
xi. PAO / CDDO / Pr.AO Registration Number.
19. What is qualifying service under UPS?
Qualifying service shall be the completed months for which UPS subscriber has rendered regular services under the Central Government, determined by the Head of Office, in terms of Regulation 13 of the PFRDA (Operationalization of Unified Pension Scheme under National Pension System) Regulations, 2025.
20. Where the forms are to be submitted/processed by the nodal office?
Through the online system of the CRA.
21. How the subscriber can obtain the status of his/her application?
The Subscriber can obtain the status of his/her application from CRA and respective Nodal Office.
22. Will UPS subscribers still be able to open/maintain/hold voluntary NPS Tier-I/II accounts?
Yes, UPS Subscriber may, in addition to his UPS account, have additional account under NPS (Tier I and Tier II) on a voluntary basis under All Citizen model.
FAQs related to Contributions under UPS
FAQs related to Investment of Contributions
FAQs related to Benefits under UPS
FAQs on Effect of Disciplinary or Judicial Proceedings on Benefits under UPS
FAQs related to operational issues on Payment of Benefits under UPS
Disclaimer:
This FAQ document is intended solely for informational and reference purposes based on the PFRDA (Operationalisation of UPS under NPS) Regulations, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it should not be treated as a legal interpretation or a substitute for official regulations, circulars, or notifications issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) or the Government of India. Users are advised to consult the relevant statutory documents and seek professional guidance, if required, for any specific queries or decisions.
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