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Who Should Invest in the NPS?

Now that you know what the National Pension System is, let’s see who the NPS scheme is suitable for:

  • Salaried individuals who want disciplined retirement savings with low costs.

  • Self-employed professionals and business owners seeking a regulated pension system.

  • Taxpayers looking for Section 80C deductions and additional relief under Section 80CCD(1B).**

  • Anyone aiming for long-term wealth creation combined with retirement security.

Note that NPS comes with market risks, and its returns depend on market performance. 

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How Does the NPS Scheme Work?

The NPS scheme is structured to help individuals build a retirement corpus during their working years and convert it into

a steady income after retirement. 
 

Things to know about the NPS scheme details:

 

Opening an NPS Account:

  • Individuals open an NPS account either through online portals like eNPS and NSDL, or offline via Points of Presence (PoPs).
     

  • There are two types of accounts: NPS Tier 1 & Tier 2. Tier 1 is mandatory for retirement with restrictions on withdrawal, while Tier 2 is voluntary and offers more liquidity.

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Regular Contributions:

  • Subscribers make periodic contributions (monthly or yearly).
     

  • Tier 1 requires a minimum of ₹1,000 annually, while Tier 2 requires ₹250 per contribution.

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Investment Allocation:
  • Contributions are invested in asset classes such as equity, corporate debt, government securities, and alternative assets.
     

  • Investors can choose either Active Choice (decide their own allocation) or Auto Choice (allocation changes automatically with age).

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Corpus Growth:

 

  • Over the years, the NPS contributions accumulate and grow with market returns.
     

  • With minimal charges, the power of compounding can boost your savings.

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Partial Withdrawals:

 

  • Allowed under specific conditions, such as higher education of children, medical treatment, or marriage.


Up to 25% of NPS contributions can be withdrawn without affecting the NPS account’s continuity.

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Exit and Retirement Benefits:

  • At the age of 60, subscribers can withdraw up to 60% of the NPS corpus as a lump sum, which is tax-free.
     

  • The remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity plan.
     

  • An annuity ensures a steady income stream and helps you safeguard financial independence in retirement.
     

  • Different annuity options are available depending on whether the subscriber wants a lifelong income, a joint annuity with spouse, or the return of purchase price feature.

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The NPS scheme combines disciplined savings during employment with lifelong retirement security.

Objectives of the National Pension System

You may be clear on what the NPS scheme is, but what are its objectives? 

 
  • The National Pension System aims to provide a steady retirement income by encouraging long-term savings during an individual’s working life.

  • It ensures financial independence after retirement and reduces reliance on family or external support.

  • One of the key objectives of the NPS scheme is to promote a culture of disciplined investing and saving among Indian citizens.

  • It offers a regulated and transparent way to save for retirement to the salaried, self-employed, and unorganised sector workers in India. 

  • NPS also supports financial inclusion by being affordable and flexible and ensuring access for a wide range of investors.

  • NPS promotes tax efficiency and motivates individuals to plan and secure their post-retirement years.
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Features and Benefits of NPS

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Flexibility

The NPS scheme offers flexible investment options. It allows investors to choose from different asset classes such as equity, corporate bonds, and government securities. The freedom of choice helps individuals customise their investment plan on the basis of risk tolerance and retirement goals.

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Market-linked Returns

Unlike traditional fixed schemes, an NPS investment is market-linked and hence, delivers potentially higher returns over the long term. It can be an effective tool for wealth creation and making long-term investments.

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Low Costs and Power of Compounding

NPS has one of the lowest fund management charges, which means more of your money works for you. When you combine it with the power of compounding over decades, it can boost your retirement corpus to a great degree.

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Highly Regulated

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) strictly monitors and regulates the NPS scheme. You can rest assured about your NPS account’s safety, transparency, and reliability.

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Online Access

NPS accounts can be opened, have the contributions made, and balances tracked conveniently from anywhere, thanks to easy investment processes on online platforms.

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Portability

Your NPS account is portable across jobs and locations. It is especially beneficial for professionals who frequently change employment or move cities.

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Retirement Security

By making it mandatory to buy an annuity with 40% of the corpus, the scheme ensures financial stability during post-retirement years.

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Tax Benefits**

Subscribers enjoy attractive NPS tax benefits, such as deductions under Section 80C and an additional ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) (depending on the Tier they have opted for).

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NPS stands out as a well-rounded investment plan. It offers solid growth potential while providing safety and reliability, making it one of the most effective choices for building a strong retirement foundation.

 

Tax Benefits of Investing in National Pension System**

The National Pension System is one of the most attractive retirement schemes in India, mainly due to the extensive tax advantages it offers. 

Here’s a detailed look at the NPS’s tax benefits:

 

Tax Benefits to Employees on Self-Contribution

Employees can claim deductions under Section 80CCD(1) for contributions up to 10% of salary (Basic + DA), capped at ₹1.5 lakh within the overall Section 80C limit.
 

An additional deduction of ₹50,000 is available under Section 80CCD(1B).
 

Note: Benefits can be claimed by Tier-1 subscribers under the old tax regime only. Tier-II subscribers can claim the ₹1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C (if they have opted for the old regime) only if the NPS account has a minimum lock-in period of 3 years. 

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Tax Benefits on Employer Contributions

  • Under the old tax regime: 

Employer contributions qualify for deduction under Section 80CCD(2), up to 10% of salary (14% for central government employees).
 

  • Under the new regime: 

Employer contributions can be claimed as deductions up to 14% of salary for government employees, as well as other employees. 

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Tax Benefits for Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed subscribers can claim deductions up to 20% of gross income under Section 80CCD(1), subject to a ₹1.5 lakh overall limit under Section 80CCE. Self-employed individuals with an NPS Tier-1 account can also avail the extra deduction of ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B). These NPS account benefits are only available under the old regime. 

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Tax Benefits on Lump Sum Withdrawal at Age 60

Subscribers can withdraw up to 60% of their corpus at retirement. The lump sum value is fully exempt from tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act.

If the total corpus is ₹5 lakh or less, 100% withdrawal will be tax-free without the need to buy an annuity.

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Tax Benefits on Partial Withdrawals

Partial withdrawals of up to 25% of the subscriber’s own NPS contribution are tax-exempt under Section 10(12B). The exemption is applicable only if the PFRDA-prescribed conditions are met.

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NPS Withdrawal Rules after Retirement

Here’s an overview of National Pension System withdrawal rules:
 

When a subscriber reaches 60 years of age under the NPS pension plan, they can withdraw up to 60% of their accumulated corpus as a lump sum. The amount is fully exempt from tax. 
 

The remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity, which provides a steady income stream after retirement. The dual usage of the NPS corpus can ensure that every retiree continues to receive monthly financial support (rather than exhausting their savings too quickly).
 

If the total NPS corpus is less than or equal to ₹5 lakh, subscribers are allowed to withdraw the entire amount without the mandatory annuity purchase. 
 

The annuity income received after buying the plan is taxable as per the applicable income tax slabs (similar to regular income). Importantly, partial withdrawals of up to 25% of the individual’s contributions are also permitted during the subscription period. The withdrawals are allowed only for specific purposes, such as higher education, medical emergencies, or children’s marriage.
 

The rules make the NPS scheme a reliable product for retirement savings. It can be the best pension scheme in India for those who not only want a lump sum withdrawal option, but also an opportunity to earn income after retirement in the form of annuity payouts. NPS subscribers can, therefore, enjoy both flexibility in accessing their funds at retirement and the assurance of lifelong income. The tax benefits are a great addition to an already strong package.

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National Pension Scheme Eligibility

 

The National Pension Scheme is designed to cover a wide range of citizens. Here are the eligibility criteria and models:

NPS Model for the Government Sector

  • NPS is mandatory for central and state government employees who joined service after January 1, 2004. 

  • Employees contribute a portion of their salary, which is matched by government contributions.

Note: After September 2025, central government employees cannot choose to opt out of NPS and select the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which provides a minimum pension amount of ₹10,000 and similar tax benefits. 

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NPS Model for the Private Sector

  • Employers can adopt the NPS scheme for their workforce.

  • Both employer and employee can contribute to NPS and enjoy tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD.

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NPS for all Eligible Indian Citizens

  • NPS is open to all Indian citizens aged 18 to 70 years, including NRIs.

  • Individuals can voluntarily open an NPS account and contribute regularly.

  • Individuals can enjoy flexible entry and exit, subject to withdrawal rules.

  • As NPS is meant for individuals; Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are not eligible to apply for NPS.

  • Subscribers must maintain the minimum contribution requirement to keep the account active.

  • Just like you have to complete your KYC verification in insurance and banking processes, you must also carry out your KYC for opening an NPS account. 
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Thus, the National Pension Scheme ensures broad coverage for government and private employees, as well as voluntary participants.

How to Invest in NPS?

 

Investing in the NPS scheme is straightforward, and anyone can get started online or offline. You can contribute directly or through your employer, if they offer National Pension Scheme as part of your compensation package. In the latter option, you may not have to open an NPS account yourself. 


Here’s the general procedure in case you are investing in NPS on your own:

  • Visit the NSDL portal, or approach Point of Presence (PoPs) like banks and post offices.

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  • Complete the registration form with personal and employment details.

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  • Submit KYC documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details.

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  • Contributions can be made online through net banking, debit card, or UPI, once your NPS account is up and running. Offline contributions can be deposited via cash or cheque at PoPs.

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If your employer offers NPS, it is advisable to reach out to your Human Resources team or Compensation & Benefits (C&B) team. They will help you understand how your contributions are deducted from your salary.

 

You can compare NPS Tier 1 vs Tier 2 and choose the right option depending on your goals. For each type of NPS account, the minimum contribution requirement can differ. 

 

  • Tier 1: ₹500 minimum per contribution; ₹1,000 per year required to keep the account active.

 

  • Tier 2: ₹250 minimum per contribution, with no annual requirement.


Investors can switch fund managers or change asset allocation as per preference. With flexible NPS Tier 1 & Tier 2 options, the NPS scheme caters to a wide range of audiences. 

Types of NPS

The NPS pension scheme offers two types of accounts that serve different financial needs and offer varying withdrawal flexibility.

  • Tier I Account 

    It is the primary and compulsory account opened when an individual subscribes to NPS. It is designed to build a retirement corpus and therefore has restrictions on withdrawals until the subscriber turns 60.
  • Tier II Account 

    It is an optional NPS account that works more like a savings account linked to the main Tier I. Subscribers can deposit and withdraw money freely without restrictions as per their short-term needs. To open an NPS Tier II account, an individual must already have an active Tier I account.
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Feature

NPS Tier I Account (Compulsory)

NPS Tier II Account (Voluntary)

Purpose

Long-term retirement savings

Flexible savings with easy withdrawals

Withdrawals

Restricted till 60; partial (25%) allowed for critical cases

Unlimited, anytime withdrawals

Tax Benefits**

Eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C and Section 80CCD

Limited tax benefits, subject to completion of the lock-in period

Minimum Contribution

₹500 per contribution, ₹1,000 annually

₹250 per contribution, no annual requirement

Who Can Open?

Mandatory for all NPS subscribers

Only for those with an active NPS Tier I account

Best For

Retirement planning and pension accumulation

Short-term liquidity and flexible savings


When comparing NPS Tier I vs Tier 2 accounts, know that the latter is only available for those who have the former type of account. Together, NPS Tier 1 & Tier 2 accounts give investors a mix of security and flexibility. It makes the NPS scheme suitable for both retirement-focused saving and day-to-day liquidity needs.

Asset Allocation Options Under NPS

Under the National Pension Scheme, subscribers can spread their contributions across four asset classes:
 

  • Equity (E): Equity and related instruments for high returns and growth.

  • Corporate Bonds (C): Corporate debt options for moderate risk and stable returns.

  • Government Securities (G): Government bonds and related options for low risk and safe but lower returns.

  • Alternative Investment Funds (A): REITs, AIFs, or Infrastructure Trusts, to be invested in small portions for diversification.
     

Up to age 50, the maximum equity allocation (Asset Class E) in an NPS account allowed is 75%. From age 51 onwards, equity exposure can gradually reduce with increasing age. The total distribution across E, C, G, and A must always equal 100%.

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Equity Allocation Rules

  • NPS gives subscribers the flexibility to allocate their contributions across different asset classes - including equity, corporate bonds, and government securities. 
  • However, to balance risk and long-term stability, there are certain restrictions on equity exposure in the NPS scheme. 
  • For investors under the age of 50, the maximum equity allocation allowed is capped at 75%.
  • The equity exposure for NPS also depends on the type of investment allocation you have opted for: Active Choice or Auto Choice. In the former option, you can choose where to place your funds, and in the latter, your investments are decided based on age. Older individuals are allocated more stable options (i.e. less equity exposure).
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How to Log in to the NPS Account?

 

Once you have successfully opened your NPS account, you can manage it online through different portals such as the NSDL NPS portal and the KFintech NPS portal. You can even access your NPS account through your bank’s net banking service (if enabled). 


Following is the breakdown of how to log in to your NPS account through the two main portals:

Logging in through the NSDL NPS Portal

If you are a new user accessing the NSDL NPS portal for the first time, you will need to set up a password.

  • Go to the NSDL NPS website and choose the option to log in with your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number). 

  • Select ‘Reset Password’ and provide details, such as your PRAN, date of birth, and a new password of your choice. 

  • After confirming the details and entering the CAPTCHA, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. 

  • Enter the OTP, confirm your new password, and your account will be ready for login.

Existing users can simply visit the portal, enter their PRAN and password, and complete the CAPTCHA. They will be able to access the eNPS account instantly.

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Logging in through the KFintech NPS Portal

  • Head to the KFintech NPS website and click on ‘Login’ under ‘Existing Subscriber’.

  • If you are a first-time user and do not yet have a password, choose the reset option. Enter your PRAN, date of birth, and CAPTCHA code. 

  • Once submitted, an OTP will be sent to your registered number. After entering the OTP, you can create a new password, which will enable you to log in going forward.

Returning users can select ‘Existing Subscriber’, input their PRAN, password, and CAPTCHA, and view their account dashboard.

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Features Available After Login

  • Once logged in, whether through NSDL, KFintech, or net banking, you can:
  • Check contribution history and current balance.

  • Switch between NPS Tier 1 & Tier 2 accounts.

  • Download NPS transaction statements or update personal information.

  • Request changes in fund allocation or the Pension Fund Manager.

If you want to make changes to your NPS scheme allocation, you can use an NPS calculator to make wise decisions. The online tool allows you to estimate the future pension corpus based on your inputs. According to the results you get, you can take well-informed decisions and tweak your NPS allocation as needed. 

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NPS Customer Care Number

For assistance related to NPS accounts, subscribers can contact the Central Recordkeeping Agency’s toll-free helplines (for registered subscribers only): 

For NPS Subscriber – 1800 2100 080

Note that PRAN is mandatory to get access to customer care services. You can ask questions related to NPS contributions, withdrawals, fund switches, and account-related issues. 
 

You can also write to the grievance redressal system in case of major issues. 
 

The National Pension System (or NPS) is a reliable, regulated retirement product combining savings, investment, and income security. Any individual looking for flexibility, tax benefits, and portability in their financial portfolio can benefit from learning what NPS is and how it works.
 

While NPS alone may not be enough for high-income groups, it serves as a strong foundation that can be complemented with private options like ₹75 lakh term insurance or other pension policies. Together, they can help build a comprehensive retirement safety net. Ensure to compare pension plans and review their features to check their suitability for your retirement goals.

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FAQs

View All FAQ

Who is eligible for the NPS scheme?

Answer

Any Indian citizen between the ages of 18 and 70 can open an NPS account, provided they comply with the KYC process - including salaried employees, self-employed individuals, and even NRIs. Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) cannot participate. By meeting the basic criteria, individuals can start building long-term savings under the NPS scheme.

Is there NPS for private sector employees?

Answer

Yes, private sector employees can also join the National Pension Scheme. Many companies offer NPS as part of their benefits package. Employees can also open accounts individually if their employer does not provide this option.

What are Tier 1 and Tier 2 NPS accounts?

Answer

A NPS Tier 1 account is the default and mandatory account in the NPS pension scheme, designed primarily for retirement savings. Withdrawals under this NPS account are restricted until age 60, although up to 25% partial withdrawals are allowed for reasons like higher education, children’s marriage, housing, or treatment of illness. Tier 1 also offers tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD.

The NPS Tier 2 account is optional and works more like a savings account. Subscribers can withdraw money freely at any time. To make an NPS investment in Tier 2, one must already have an active Tier 1 account. While Tier 2 offers flexibility, it does not provide tax benefits. Understanding NPS Tier 1 vs NPS Tier 2 helps investors balance long-term savings and short-term liquidity.

Is it good to invest in NPS?

Answer

Yes, NPS is considered a good option for retirement planning because it combines equity, debt, and government securities. It provides both growth and stability. It also comes with tax benefits, making it a cost-effective way to build a pension corpus.

What is the NPS interest rate?

Answer

NPS does not have a fixed interest rate because returns are market-linked. The performance depends on the asset allocation chosen: equities, corporate bonds, government securities, and alternative funds. Historically, returns have ranged between 8–10% annually, though this may vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 

Do I earn a fixed return on NPS?

Answer

No, your NPS account will not offer fixed returns. Since it is a market-linked product, your returns will depend on the performance of the underlying assets and fund managers.

Is NPS tax-free on maturity? **

Answer

The NPS pension scheme is partially tax-efficient while providing a regular income after retirement. At maturity, 60% of the accumulated NPS corpus can be withdrawn, and this portion is tax-free. The remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity, and the income received from the annuity is taxable as per the subscriber’s income tax slab.

How does NPS annuity income get taxed? **

Answer

The income received from an annuity plan purchased with your NPS corpus is taxable. It is added to your total income and taxed according to the applicable income tax slab. While withdrawals from your NPS account at maturity are partly tax-free, annuity payouts are treated as regular income.

** Tax exemptions are as per applicable tax laws from time to time.

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