NPS for Traders Scheme is a government pension initiative designed to provide financial support in old age to eligible small traders, shopkeepers and self-employed people.
The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has urged eligible traders and shopkeepers to register for the scheme.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries can receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after reaching the age of 60, subject to the applicable conditions.
NPS for Traders Scheme Benefits
The pension scheme is aimed at traders and self-employed people who are not covered under formal retirement pension schemes such as EPFO.
It is a voluntary and co-contributory scheme. The central government contributes an amount equal to the beneficiary’s contribution, subject to the scheme’s rules.
The monthly contribution depends on the age of the subscriber at the time of joining. The contribution can range from ₹55 to ₹200 per month, according to the supplied information.
After reaching 60 years of age, eligible subscribers receive an assured pension of ₹3,000 per month for life, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
Who Can Join the Scheme
The scheme is intended for eligible small traders, shopkeepers and self-employed persons who meet the prescribed conditions.
It is particularly aimed at people working in the unorganised sector who may not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement pension.
Interested applicants should check the current eligibility requirements before registering because the scheme has specific conditions relating to age, occupation and other factors.
How to Register for NPS Traders
Eligible traders and self-employed people can register through their nearest Common Service Centre. Applicants generally need their Aadhaar details and savings bank account information for registration.
Self-enrolment is also available through the official online portal of the scheme, subject to the current registration process.
Government data cited in the supplied information shows that 60,538 people had registered under the National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons as of November 26, 2025.
What to Know About the Pension
The ₹3,000 monthly pension provides a fixed level of support after the subscriber reaches the eligible pension age. However, the real value of a fixed pension can change over time because of inflation.
Financial expert Amit HL, co-founder of Floatr, said that while ₹3,000 may have value today, inflation could reduce its purchasing power over the next two or three decades.
He suggested that the pension amount could be reviewed periodically so that its value remains meaningful in the long term.
People considering the scheme should therefore understand the contribution requirements, eligibility conditions and pension rules before enrolling.
