DFS sets 30 September 2025 as last date to opt for Unified Pension Scheme; one-time switch back to NPS allowed
The Department of Financial Services said on 18 September 2025 that 30 September 2025 is the last date for eligible central government employees and past retirees under NPS to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme.
Summary
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) said on 18 September 2025 that 30 September 2025 is the last date for eligible employees and past retirees under the National Pension System (NPS) to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The UPS was notified for eligible central government employees on 24 January 2025. Employees who choose to remain in NPS cannot opt for UPS after the deadline. A DFS Office Memorandum of 25 August 2025 allows employees who opted for UPS a one-time, one-way switch back to NPS. The switch must be made at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement, and is not allowed in cases of removal, dismissal or compulsory retirement as a penalty.
Key facts
- Last date to opt for UPS
- 30 September 2025
- UPS notified
- 24 January 2025
- Switch facility
- One-time, one-way, UPS → NPS (OM dated 25 August 2025)
- Switch timing
- ≥1 year before superannuation or 3 months before voluntary retirement
- Not allowed
- Removal, dismissal, compulsory retirement as penalty, or pending disciplinary proceedings
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What was the last date for eligible central government employees and past retirees under NPS to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 30 September 2025
The Department of Financial Services said the last date to opt for UPS is 30 September 2025.
Under the DFS Office Memorandum of 25 August 2025, at least how long before superannuation must a UPS subscriber exercise the one-time switch to NPS?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — One year
The switch must be exercised at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement, whichever is earlier.