There is an important update for National Pension System (NPS) and NPS Lite subscribers.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has revised the charges for service providers, which means some investors may have to pay new fees from October 1, 2026.
Here’s what has changed and how it could affect you.
New Onboarding Fee for NPS Accounts
As per the PFRDA notice issued on August 28, 2026, anyone opening a new NPS account will have to pay a one-time onboarding fee of ₹200 per PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number).
This amount will not be deducted all at once. Instead, the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) will recover ₹50 every quarter by deducting units and transfer the amount to the Point of Presence (PoP).
There is some relief for digital users. People who complete the entire NPS account opening process online without any physical paperwork will pay only ₹100.
However, this lower fee will apply only if the account meets the PoP’s eligibility rules.
Annual Charges Also Revised
PFRDA has also introduced a new annual charge for active NPS accounts. Active subscribers will now pay 0.20% of their total investment every year.
This amount will be adjusted through the account’s NAV and paid to the PoP every quarter.
For example, if your NPS account has ₹5 lakh, the annual charge will be ₹1,000. GST and other applicable taxes will be charged separately.
Who Will Not Have to Pay PoP Charges?
Subscribers who opened their account directly through e-NPS and continue making contributions using e-NPS or D-Remit will not have to pay any PoP charges.
This exemption applies as long as they continue using these digital contribution methods.
When Will the New Rules Start?
The revised charges will come into effect from October 1, 2026. The CRA will start collecting these charges from the October-December quarter (Q3) of FY 2026-27.
However, these revised PoP charges will not apply to certain schemes covered under Regulation 4A, as they will continue to follow their existing charging rules.
