Scheme Performance
See how the three core NPS asset-class schemes — Equity (E), Corporate debt (C) and Government securities (G) — behave on return and risk, plus how the Auto-Choice lifecycle funds blend them as you age.
Why your scheme choice matters most
In NPS, the single biggest driver of your final corpus is your asset mix — how much sits in Equity versus debt and government securities. Each scheme trades return for stability differently, so understanding their long-term behaviour is the first step to choosing an allocation that fits your horizon and risk appetite.
Return vs risk trade-off
Equity offers the highest long-run growth but swings the most; government securities and corporate debt are steadier but grow slower.
The equity cap
NPS caps Equity at 75% of the portfolio and tapers it with age — balancing growth early with protection near retirement.
Auto vs Active
Auto-Choice lifecycle funds shift the mix for you by age; Active-Choice lets you set E/C/G/A yourself.
What this dashboard contains
A side-by-side look at how each scheme performs — unlocked once you register.
Scheme profiles
What E, C and G each invest in, with indicative long-term returns and risk level.
Return comparison
A visual comparison of indicative long-term returns across the asset classes.
Lifecycle funds
How LC75, LC50 and LC25 blend equity and debt, and who each suits.
Risk & horizon guide
Matching schemes to your years-to-retirement and comfort with volatility.
Scheme performance analysis
The full scheme comparison, return chart and lifecycle breakdown are available to registered members.
The NPS asset-class schemes
What each scheme invests in, with indicative long-term category returns and risk.
Equity
Invests in a diversified basket of large-cap and index equities. Highest long-term growth, highest short-term volatility. Capped at 75% of the portfolio.
Corporate debt
Invests in high-quality corporate bonds and money-market instruments. Steadier accrual-style returns with moderate interest-rate risk.
Government securities
Invests in central and state government bonds. The safest NPS scheme on credit risk; returns move with interest rates.
Alternative assets
Previously an Active-Choice-only sleeve (InvITs, REITs and AIFs) capped at 5%. PFRDA merged Scheme A into Schemes C and E, effective December 2025, so it is no longer a separate allocation option for Tier I — Active Choice now runs on E, C and G.
Indicative long-term returns
A visual comparison of typical long-run category returns across schemes.
Indicative long-term (10-year) category averages compiled from PFRDA NPS scheme disclosures and public NPS return data. Actual returns are market-linked, vary by Pension Fund Manager and period, and past performance does not guarantee future results.
Auto-Choice lifecycle funds
If you don’t pick your own mix, Auto Choice glides from equity toward debt as you age.
| Lifecycle fund | Max equity (E) | Style | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| LC75 — Aggressive | 75% | Growth-tilted | Younger subscribers with a long horizon and higher risk appetite. |
| LC50 — Moderate | 50% | Balanced | Mid-career subscribers wanting growth with a cushion. |
| LC25 — Conservative | 25% | Stability-tilted | Those near retirement or with lower risk tolerance. |
Under every lifecycle fund the equity share tapers automatically as you approach 60, shifting the portfolio toward Corporate debt and Government securities to protect the accumulated corpus.