Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 2025: Eligibility, Benefits, Contribution Chart, Application Process
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a flagship old-age income security scheme launched by the Government of India for workers in the unorganized sector. It ensures a guaranteed pension for subscribers after retirement and also provides financial protection to their families.
The scheme is regulated by PFRDA and is available to all Indian citizens aged between 18 to 40 years (non-income tax payers).
Focus of Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- To provide financial security during old age.
- To target the poor, underprivileged, and unorganized sector workers.
- To encourage voluntary savings for retirement.
Benefits of Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
On attaining the age of 60 years, subscribers are entitled to three key benefits:
- Guaranteed Minimum Pension
- ₹1,000 / ₹2,000 / ₹3,000 / ₹4,000 / ₹5,000 per month (based on contribution).
- ₹1,000 / ₹2,000 / ₹3,000 / ₹4,000 / ₹5,000 per month (based on contribution).
- Pension to Spouse
- After the subscriber’s demise, the spouse will continue to receive the same pension amount until their death.
- After the subscriber’s demise, the spouse will continue to receive the same pension amount until their death.
- Return of Pension Wealth
- After the demise of both subscriber and spouse, the nominee will receive the accumulated corpus.
- After the demise of both subscriber and spouse, the nominee will receive the accumulated corpus.
👉 Contributions made under APY are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1) of the Income Tax Act.
Exit Rules
- Exit at 60 years – Guaranteed pension to subscriber and spouse, return of corpus to nominee.
- Exit before 60 years – Subscriber gets own contributions + accrued income (Govt. co-contribution, if any, not refunded).
- Death before 60 years –
- Option 1: Spouse can continue contributions until 60 years.
- Option 2: Entire accumulated corpus returned to spouse/nominee.
- Option 1: Spouse can continue contributions until 60 years.
Eligibility for Atal Pension Yojana
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 40 years
- Pension starts at: 60 years
- Contribution: Monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly (auto-debited from savings account).
- Subscriber must have an active savings bank account / post office account.
⚠️ From 1st October 2022, income tax payers are not eligible for APY.
Documents Required
- Active Savings Bank/Post Office account (KYC linked)
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number
- Nominee details
Contribution Details
Contribution depends on entry age and desired pension (₹1,000 to ₹5,000).
👉 Official chart: APY Contribution Chart PDF
Charges & Penalties
- Penalty for delayed payment will be levied (decided by PFRDA).
- Contribution is auto-debited from the savings account.
Application Process for APY
Online Process
- Login to Net Banking of your bank.
- Search for APY option in dashboard.
- Fill details (personal + nominee).
- Give consent for auto-debit of contributions.
- Submit form and complete registration.
Alternative Online Mode
- Visit eNPS NSDL Portal.
- Select Atal Pension Yojana → APY Registration.
- Fill details and complete KYC (via Aadhaar XML/OTP/Virtual ID).
- Decide pension amount & frequency.
- Enter nominee details.
- Complete e-Sign via Aadhaar OTP.
- APY account successfully created.
Offline Process
- Visit your bank branch / post office.
- Fill APY registration form.
- Submit with KYC documents.
Raising Grievances under APY
- Subscribers can raise grievances anytime free of cost at:
- www.npscra.nsdl.co.in → NPS-Lite/CGMS section.
- www.npscra.nsdl.co.in → NPS-Lite/CGMS section.
- A token number is generated for grievance tracking.
Helpline for Atal Pension Yojana
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-110-069
- Website: www.npscra.nsdl.co.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can join Atal Pension Yojana (APY)?
Ans. Any Indian citizen aged 18–40 years with a savings bank account and not an income tax payer.
Q2. When will pension start?
Ans. Pension starts from the age of 60 years.
Q3. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Ans. Yes, Aadhaar is required for APY registration and KYC verification.
Q4. Can government employees apply for APY?
Ans. No, government employees and income tax payers are not eligible.
Q5. What happens if contribution is delayed?
Ans. Penalty will be charged and deducted along with the next contribution.
Q6. Can I join APY without a savings bank account?
Ans. No, an active savings account (bank/post office) is mandatory.