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UPS switch deadline: Your guide to forms, steps, and FAQs as September 30 nears

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By Sangeeta Ojha

3 min read | Updated on September 22, 2025, 13:57 IST

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SUMMARY

Only 8 days are left until the September 30 deadline, for central government employees to exercise their option of selecting either the National Pension System (NPS) or the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

ups switch deadline

Those who do not opt for the UPS switch within the stipulated time will continue under UPS by default.. | Image: Shutterstock

As the last date to exercise the switching option to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is nearing, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is urging all eligible employees to exercise their option well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute difficulties and to ensure timely processing of their requests.

Now, only 8 days are left until the September 30 deadline, for central government employees to exercise their option of selecting either the National Pension System (NPS) or the UPS.

PFRDA posted a message on X (formerly Twitter): "Do you know how to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?To ensure a smooth opt-in, follow these simple steps: Download the migration & claim forms from Protean CRA https://npscra.nsdl.co.in. Submit the physical form to your Drawing & Disbursing Officer (DDO). Don’t miss the deadline- 30th September!"

Last week PFRDA posted a message on X warning against the technical glitches one may face as the last date approaches. "In case of unavailability of the online system or any technical glitch in the CRA system, we advise physical submission of #UnifiedPensionScheme (UPS) requests to nodal offices till September 30 2025," it read.

FAQs on UPS switch

What are the forms to be filled?

Form A1: Newly recruited Central Government employees joining service on or after 1st April 2025.

Form A2: Existing Central Government Employee covered under NPS

From where the forms can be accessed?
The forms A1, A2, along with the instructions and list of documents to be attached can be downloaded from the website of the Protean CRA at, www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php
Are existing central govt employees eligible for UPS?

Yes, an existing Central Government employee in service as of 1 April 2025, who is covered under National Pension System (NPS) is eligible to opt for UPS.

Are newly recruited central govt employees eligible for UPS?

Yes, Central Government employees joining service on or after 1 April 2025 will be eligible to opt for UPS.

What happens if the employee fails to opt for UPS within the specified time regime?

An eligible person, who does not exercise the UPS option under NPS within the timelines laid down shall be deemed to have opted to continue under NPS without UPS option.

Will UPS subscriber still be able to hold NPS account?
Yes, UPS subscriber may, in addition to his UPS account, have additional account under NPS (Tier I and Tier II) on a voluntary basis under All Citizen model.
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About The Author

sangeeta-ojha.webp
Sangeeta Ojha is a business and finance journalist with over 18 years of experience across leading media platforms, including Mint and India Today. Passionate about personal finance, she has built a reputation for covering a wide range of PF topics—from income tax and mutual funds to insurance, savings, and investing.

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