NPS Guides
Practical, decision-oriented walkthroughs for the choices NPS actually asks of you — getting started, picking an investment mix, claiming every tax break, moving the account across jobs, and drawing an income in retirement.
Your first 30 days on NPS
A short checklist to go from nothing to a funded, well-configured account.
Open a PRAN
Register on eNPS with Aadhaar or PAN, or through a Point of Presence.
Pick your CRA
Choose Protean, KFin, or CAMS — you can migrate later.
Set investment choice
Start with Auto Choice if unsure; refine to Active later.
Make the first contribution
A small amount activates the account; set up regular top-ups.
Activate D-Remit
Register a virtual account for same-day NAV and easy SIP-style saving.
Choosing how your money is invested
The 2025 Multiple Scheme Framework widened the options — here is how to think about them.
Under Auto Choice a lifecycle fund tapers equity as you age; under Active Choice you set the split yourself. The Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF), live from October 2025, lets you run multiple schemes under one PRAN and, in schemes created under MSF, opt for up to 100% equity — beyond the earlier 75% cap.
Making the most of NPS tax breaks
NPS carries deductions that most other products do not — used together they add up.
80CCD(1)
Your own contribution, within the overall 80C ceiling.
80CCD(1B)
An extra deduction of up to ₹50,000 over and above 80C.
80CCD(2)
Employer contribution — deductible and available under the new regime too.
Plan the mix
Salaried subscribers often gain most from the 80CCD(2) employer route.
NPS when you switch jobs or sectors
The PRAN is portable — you carry the same account across employers, cities, and sectors.
Keep your PRAN
The same 12-digit number stays with you; never open a second one.
Update your employer
Give the PRAN to a new employer to route Corporate contributions.
Shift sector if needed
Use Inter-Sector Shifting (ISS) to move between Government, Corporate, and All Citizen models.
Reconcile
Check the Statement of Transaction after the switch to confirm credits.
NPS for the self-employed and NRIs
You do not need an employer to benefit — the All Citizen model is open to individuals.
Self-employed individuals join under the All Citizen model and contribute directly, claiming 80CCD(1) and the extra 80CCD(1B) deduction. NRIs and OCIs aged 18–70 can open NPS through eNPS using an NRE or NRO bank account, subject to FEMA rules.
Planning your retirement drawdown
Recent rules give far more flexibility in how and when you take the money out.
At exit you combine a lump sum with an annuity. Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal (SLW) lets you draw the lump-sum portion in phased instalments instead of one payout, keeping the balance invested. You can now continue the account up to age 85, and smaller corpuses face lighter annuity rules under the 2025 amendment.
Read more — SLW and deferral
SLW pays your lump sum in regular instalments after 60, up to age 85, with any balance redeemed at 85. It suits subscribers who want a steady drawdown while the rest keeps compounding.
Your levers at exit
- Lump sum vs annuity split (within the rules for your corpus band)
- SLW to phase the lump sum
- Defer the annuity purchase
- Continue contributing up to 85
Compiled from PFRDA (pfrda.org.in), the NPS Trust (npstrust.org.in), and CRA guidance, reflecting the 2025 Multiple Scheme Framework and exit-rule changes. These guides are educational and general, not personalised financial advice.
NPS Desk is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with PFRDA, the NPS Trust, or any CRA. Rules and figures change — verify on the official PFRDA, NPS Trust, or CRA channels before acting.
Find the right form or service
Jump to Forms & Downloads for the paperwork, or Account Services to make a change online.