What is National Pension Scheme?
The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-initiated retirement savings program in India, designed to provide financial security to individuals after their retirement. It is a voluntary, defined contribution retirement savings plan regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). NPS is open to all Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 70 years and is particularly aimed at encouraging individuals to build a pension corpus for their later years.
Key Features of the National Pension Scheme:
Eligibility
Any Indian citizen (resident or non-resident) aged 18–70 years can enroll in the NPS.
Structure
The NPS is structured into two types of accounts:
Tier I Account: Mandatory for NPS subscribers, primarily for retirement savings with restrictions on withdrawals.
Tier II Account: A voluntary savings account with more flexibility in withdrawals.
Investment Options
NPS funds are managed by professional fund managers, and subscribers can choose between Active Choice
(where they select the asset allocation) and Auto Choice (age-based pre-defined allocation). Investments are made in a mix of equity (E), corporate debt (C), government securities (G), and alternate investment funds (AIF).
Tax Benefits
Contributions to NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C and an additional Section 80CCD(1B) (up to ₹50,000).
At retirement, 60% of the corpus is tax-free, while the remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity.
Low Cost
NPS is one of the lowest-cost retirement investment products available, with minimal fund management charges.
Portability
NPS accounts are portable across jobs, locations, and sectors, ensuring seamless continuity of contributions.
Withdrawal and Exit Rules
Partial withdrawals are allowed for specific purposes such as education, marriage, buying a house, or medical emergencies.
Upon retirement at the age of 60, subscribers can withdraw 60% of the corpus lump sum and must use the remaining 40% to buy an annuity.
Flexible Contribution
There is no fixed annual contribution. Subscribers can contribute any amount, subject to a minimum of ₹500 for Tier I accounts.
Benefits of the National Pension Scheme:
Retirement Security
Ensures a steady income post-retirement through systematic savings and investment during the working years.
Customizable Investment
Offers flexibility to allocate investments based on risk appetite and financial goals.
Tax Advantages
NPS provides significant tax benefits, making it an attractive option for tax planning.
Market-linked Growth
Offers potentially higher returns as funds are invested in a mix of equity, debt, and other instruments.
Encourages Financial Discipline
With mandatory contributions and withdrawal restrictions, it helps individuals save for the long term.
The NPS is ideal for individuals looking to build a secure retirement corpus while enjoying tax benefits and flexibility in investment choices.