The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has given central government employees another chance to join the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
This opportunity is available to employees who joined service between April 1, 2025, and August 31, 2025.
Those who are currently under the National Pension System (NPS) can switch to the UPS by applying before September 30, 2025.
Earlier, the deadline was June 30, 2025.
The government extended this deadline to ensure better financial security for employees after retirement.
Details from the Ministry of Finance
The Ministry of Finance issued a new notification regarding this change.
A previous notification, dated January 24, 2025, had already explained the UPS.
Now, with some updates made to the scheme, employees have been given another opportunity to switch.
Who Can Benefit from This Opportunity?
Employees who joined government service between April 1 and August 31, 2025, and initially chose the NPS, are eligible to switch to the UPS.
They must take this decision before the September 30, 2025 deadline.
Flexibility to Switch Back
One key benefit of the Unified Pension Scheme is flexibility.
Employees who join the UPS can later switch back to the NPS if they wish.
This move aims to help employees plan their retirement more effectively by giving them the freedom to choose between the UPS and NPS based on their future needs.
About the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
The UPS is a new retirement plan introduced by the Government of India as an alternative to the NPS for central government employees.
It came into effect on April 1, 2025.
The scheme is designed to provide a balanced approach between the National Pension System (NPS) and the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), ensuring long-term financial stability for employees after retirement.
