The Government of India has extended the cut-off date for opting into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to 30th September 2025, offering eligible individuals additional time to make an informed decision.
What is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
The UPS is a newly introduced pension framework under the National Pension System (NPS), designed to provide assured pension benefits similar to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). It became operational on 1st April 2025 and was officially notified on 24th January 2025.
Who Can Opt for UPS?
The scheme is open to:
- Existing central government employees covered under NPS as of 1st April 2025
- New recruits joining on or after that date
- Past retirees and legally wedded spouses of deceased retirees
Key Features of UPS
- Assured monthly pension: 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months before retirement (for 25+ years of service)
- Minimum pension: ₹10,000/month for those with at least 10 years of service
- Family pension: 60% of the employee’s basic pay in case of premature death
- Inflation indexation: Applied to all pension components
- Gratuity: Lump-sum payment on superannuation, calculated as per old rules
Why the Extension?
The original deadline was 30th June 2025, but the government extended it by three months in response to requests from stakeholders seeking more time to evaluate the scheme.
