New notification on Unified Pension Scheme from April 1: Who can join UPS, when and how to apply?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has notified PFRDA (Operationalisation of the Unified Pension Scheme under NPS) Regulations, 2025. These regulations will come into effect from April 1, 2025.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will be available as an option under UPS. Employees should, however, be fully convinced before opting for the scheme as they won't be able to go back to NPS after witching to UPS.

The PFRDA's notification provides a detailed explanation of how the UPS will be implemented. It also explains all the rules and benefits of the scheme, including examples of how it will provide an assured pension to employees upon retirement.

Who can join UPS?

According to the PFRDA's notification, three categories of central government employees will be able to enrol in UPS:

• An existing central government employee in service as on April 1, 2025, who is covered under NPS

• New recruit in the central government services, who joins service on or after April 1, 2025

• A central government employee who was covered under NPS and who has superannuated or voluntarily retired or has retired under Fundamental Rules 56(j) on or before March 31, 2025 and is eligible for UPS or the legally wedded spouse in case of a subscriber who has superannuated or retired and has demised before exercising the option for UPS.

How to apply for UPS?

Enrolment and claim forms for all these categories of central government employees will be available online from April 1, 2025 on website of Protean CRA.

Employees will also have the option to submit the forms physically.

When to apply for UPS?

Existing employees will get three months to switch from NPS to UPS. They will be able to apply later only if the government extends the deadline.

New employees can join UPS within 30 days from the date of joining Central Government services.

However, before opting for UPS, employees should ensure that they have properly considered their decision as they won't be able to go back to NPS.

"The option once exercised shall be final and irrevocable," PFRDA said in the notification.