NPS to UPS migration: Can the surviving spouse of a deceased pensioner apply?

Yes. The legally wedded spouse, in case of a subscriber who has superannuated or retired and demised before exercising the option of UPS, can apply for migration from NPS to the Unified Pension Scheme before the extended deadline.

The central government recently extended the NPS to UPS migration deadline to November 30, 2025 from September 30, 2025.

"The Central Government of India has extended the cut-off date for exercising the option for UPS by two months ie., upto 30th November 2025," the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) said in a circular dated October 6, 2025.

It further said that the extension is applicable for migration to UPS from NPS by an existing Central Government employee in service as on April 1, 2025, who is covered under NPS.

The application for migration from NPS to UPS can also be made by the following, according to the circular:

1. "A Central Government employee who was covered under NPS and who has superannuated or voluntarily retired or has retired under Fundamental Rules 56 (j) (which is not treated as penalty under Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965), on or before 31st March 2025."

2. "The legally wedded spouse in case of a subscriber who has superannuated or retired and has demised prior to exercising the option of UPS."

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Operationalisation of the Unified Pension Scheme under National Pension System) Regulations, 2025 were notified on March 19, 2025.

The original deadline for NPS to UPS migration was June 30, which was extended to September 30 and then to November 30, 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) offers assured pension benefits to subscribers. Under UPS, subscribers are assured a monthly pension equal to 50% of the average basic salary drawn in the last 12 months of service.