How to Open NPS National Pension System Account 2026

About This Guide

National Pension System (NPS) for retirement savings. Tier 1: mandatory for tax benefit, locked till 60. Tier 2: flexible, withdraw anytime. Min ₹500 contribution. Tax benefit: ₹1.5L 80C + ₹50,000 80CCD(1B) extra. Online via eNPS at enps.nsdl.com or Karvy. Returns 9-12% (equity-debt mix).

Eligibility Criteria

• Indian citizen 18-70
• PAN mandatory
• Aadhaar (for online)
• Bank account
• Both salaried + self-employed eligible
• NRIs eligible too

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• Address proof
• Photo
• Signature image
• Bank account details (cancelled cheque)
• Email + mobile

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Key Benefits

• Tier 1: ₹50K extra tax 80CCD(1B)
• + ₹1.5L Section 80C
• Returns 9-12% (mix)
• Withdraw 60% tax-free at 60
• 40% mandatory annuity for pension
• Low cost (0.01% PFM)
• Govt-backed
• Pan-India
• Portable PRAN

What Happens After Application?

PRAN immediately. Welcome kit 30-60 days. Annual ₹250 minimum to keep active. Increase contributions for higher corpus. Monitor performance via portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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