Unified Pension Scheme Rollout: A&N Administration Employees Must Submit Option by June 30

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 April 2025

The Government of India has launched the Unified Pensions Scheme (UPS) effective from April 1, 2025, for Central Government employees, including those serving under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

The scheme, introduced through a circular issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), New Delhi, outlines clear timelines for different categories of employees and pensioners to opt for UPS:

– Existing Employees (enrolled under NPS before April 1, 2025): Must exercise their option within three months, i.e., by June 30, 2025.

– New Recruits (joining service on or after April 1, 2025): Must opt for UPS within 30 days of joining.

– Retired Employees (retired or voluntarily retired under FR 56(j) on or before March 31, 2025): Have until June 30, 2025 to make their choice.

– Legally Wedded Spouses of Deceased Retirees (if the retiree passed away without opting for UPS): Also have three months from April 1, 2025, to exercise the option.

Employees under the A&N Administration who are currently governed by the National Pension System (NPS) have been formally notified about the change. Those wishing to switch to UPS must do so by June 30, 2025. In the absence of a submitted option within the deadline, the default NPS scheme will continue.

To opt for the Unified Pensions Scheme, employees can either:

– Submit their option online at the official web portal: https://npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php, or

– Fill out Form A2 and submit it to their respective Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO).

The PFRDA has urged all concerned to act within the specified timeframes. For additional information, employees are advised to contact their DDOs or visit the official portal linked above.