Central Govt Employees Must Decide Between UPS and NPS by September 30

The Ministry of Finance under the Government of India notified Central Government employees who were eligible for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) dated January 24, 2025.

The Department of Financial Services released an Office Memorandum on August 25, 2025, in which it introduces a one-time, one-way switch facility for Central Government employees who have been selected for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to shift back to the National Pension System (NPS). But under the following conditions:

• Employees who are eligible under UPS can shift to NPS only once and cannot shift back to UPS.
• The switch option will not be permitted in case of removal, dismissal or mandatory retirement as a penalty or in cases where disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or being inspected.
• The shift must be implemented at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement. (Whichever is applicable)
• Employees who do not select for the switch within the mentioned time will resume under UPS only.
• Employees who choose to remain in NPS cannot select for UPS after September 30, 2025.

The main motive of this move is to give informed choice to Central Government employees in planning their post-retirement financial security.

Note: The last date is September 30, 2025 for eligible employees and ex-retirees under NPS to choose for UPS.