> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsanek.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # National Pension System (NPS): how to open an account and build your retirement savings - URL: https://newsanek.com/national-pension-system/ - Published: 2026-11-07T04:32:43.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-07T15:20:18.000Z - Description: NPS is a voluntary retirement savings scheme run by the Central Government. Most of your money is invested in the market, and part of your corpus is used to buy an annuity at retirement. Here is who can join and how to open an account. - Author: Kumar Ujjwal - Tags: Govt Schemes, #scheme-finance, #scheme-for-all, #scheme-all-india Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check. __At a glance__ | Scheme | National Pension System (NPS) | | -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ministry | Ministry of Finance, Govt of India, regulated by PFRDA | | Benefit | Retirement corpus built through market-linked savings, with tax benefits | | Who can apply | Indian citizens, resident or non-resident, and OCI card holders aged 18 to 70 | | How it is paid | At retirement, 60% of corpus can be withdrawn and 40% must buy an annuity | | Apply at | npstrust.org.in, or through a bank or NPS point of presence (PoP) | | Cost to apply | Free to open, with small annual maintenance and fund charges | ### Key points - Open to all citizens aged 18 to 70, not only government employees. - Your money is invested in the market, so returns are not guaranteed. - Tax benefits under Section 80CCD, including an extra Rs 50,000 under 80CCD(1B). - At exit, 40% of the corpus must go into an annuity, which is taxable. ## So what exactly do you get from NPS? NPS builds a retirement corpus for you through regular contributions over the years. Your money is invested across equity, corporate bonds and government securities, as per the choices you make. At retirement, you can withdraw 60% of the corpus as a lump sum. The remaining 40% must be used to buy an annuity that pays a monthly income. Returns depend on the market and the fund manager you choose. They are not guaranteed, and the amounts can change. ## Who can join, and who cannot? Any Indian citizen, resident or non-resident, can join NPS. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can join too. You must be between 18 and 70 years of age to open an account. Government employees, private sector employees and self-employed people can all join under different models. Your account can be continued or deferred up to the age of 75. ## What are the two types of accounts, Tier I and Tier II? Tier I is your main retirement account. Withdrawals are allowed only as per the NPS exit and withdrawal rules. Tier II is an optional savings account. It gives you more flexibility, and you can withdraw as needed, subject to conditions. There is no tax benefit on contributions to Tier II. You need an active Tier I account to open a Tier II account. ## What tax benefits can you claim? Contributions to Tier I can be claimed under Section 80CCD(1), within the overall Rs 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C. You can claim an extra deduction of up to Rs 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B), over and above Rs 1.5 lakh. Under the old tax regime, these deductions apply. Please check the current tax rules or talk to a tax expert before you claim. ## What documents should you keep ready? Keep your Aadhaar card, PAN card and a valid mobile number ready. You will also need a bank account in your name and a passport size photograph. Keep your signature ready in the format asked on the form. ## How do you open an NPS account online, step by step? Go to npstrust.org.in and click on the option to open an NPS account. Fill in your personal details, your Aadhaar number, PAN and bank account details. Complete the e-KYC verification with an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Choose your pension fund manager and your investment option, then submit the form. You will get a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) once your account is opened. How to open an NPS account online 1. *1* **Go to npstrust.org.in**Click the option to open an NPS account. 2. *2* **Fill in your details**Enter personal details, Aadhaar number, PAN and bank account details. 3. *3* **Complete e-KYC**Verify with an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. 4. *4* **Choose fund manager**Pick your pension fund manager and investment option, then submit the form. 5. *5* **Receive your PRAN**You get a Permanent Retirement Account Number once your account is opened. Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report ## Can you open an NPS account offline? Yes, you can visit a bank branch or an NPS point of presence (PoP) to open an account. Take your documents with you and fill in the paper form with the help of the bank staff. Ask for a receipt and the PRAN details before you leave. ## How do you check your NPS balance, and what if something is stuck? You can view your holdings on the NPS Trust website under View My NPS Holdings. If you face a problem, first check your PRAN and contact your PoP or the CRA helpline. You can also file a grievance on the NPS Trust website. Keep your PRAN and receipt handy. ## What should you watch out for? Never pay money to an agent or a person who promises guaranteed returns from NPS. Open your account only on the official NPS Trust website or through a registered bank or PoP. Do not share your OTP, PRAN or bank password with anyone over the phone. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I open an NPS account if I am not a government employee? Yes. NPS is open to all eligible Indian citizens through the All Citizen Model. ### Is NPS money guaranteed? No. NPS is market-linked, so returns are not guaranteed and can change. ### Do I have to buy an annuity at retirement? Yes, 40% of the corpus must be used to buy an annuity. The remaining 60% can be withdrawn as per the rules. ### Can I open an NPS account for my child? Minors can join under NPS Vatsalya, which is run by a parent or legal guardian. Check the official site for details. ### Is there a last date to join NPS? There is no fixed last date to open an NPS account, but the maximum entry age is 70 years. [Official scheme document](https://www.pfrda.org.in/documents/33652/154008/Circular+on+Introduction+of+MSF+for+Non+govt+Sector+subscribers+under+NPS.pdf?ref=newsanek.com) ### Official links - [Official website](https://npstrust.org.in/?ref=newsanek.com) - [PFRDA (regulator of NPS)](https://www.pfrda.org.in/?ref=newsanek.com) This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.