Quick answer: You can open a National Pension System (NPS) account online through eNPS in a few minutes. Choose Aadhaar or DigiLocker for KYC, verify with an OTP, add your PAN and bank details, pick your pension fund and investment choice, and make your first contribution. Any Indian citizen (resident or NRI) or Overseas Citizen of India aged 18 to 85 can join, according to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
What is NPS?
The National Pension System is a voluntary, market-linked retirement savings scheme regulated by PFRDA under the PFRDA Act, 2013. It started for central government employees from 1 January 2004 (except the armed forces) and was opened to all citizens from 1 May 2009.
When you join, you get a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). Your record is kept by a Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA). Protean eGov Technologies (formerly NSDL e-Governance) and KFin Technologies are among the CRAs.
Why Aadhaar makes it easier
Opening an NPS account used to mean filling in a paper form, attaching a photograph and KYC documents, and posting the form to the CRA. That is the process this article originally described. With Aadhaar-based registration on eNPS:
- Your basic details are taken from your Aadhaar record after OTP verification, so there is less to type and fewer mismatches.
- No physical form has to be posted.
- The application is signed electronically with an Aadhaar OTP (eSign) instead of a wet signature.
The OTP goes to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar, so that number must be active. Aadhaar is not the only route. Protean’s eNPS site also offers DigiLocker and other registration options, and you can open an account in person at a bank or other Point of Presence (PoP) using your documents.
How to open an NPS account online with Aadhaar
- Go to the eNPS site of your chosen CRA. Protean’s is enps.nps-proteantech.in. You can also start from the NPS Trust website or your bank’s NPS page if your bank is a PoP.
- Choose new registration as an individual subscriber, and select Aadhaar (or DigiLocker) for KYC.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Your details are filled in from your Aadhaar record.
- Enter your PAN, which PFRDA lists as a required document, and your bank account details. Then add nominee details and contact information.
- Choose a pension fund and an investment option: Active Choice or Auto Choice (explained below).
- Upload a scan of your signature if asked, and review all details.
- Make your first contribution by net banking, debit card or UPI.
- eSign the application with an Aadhaar OTP. Your PRAN is generated, and the confirmation is sent to your registered mobile and email.
The original article said you “need a Demat account” to apply through a bank. That is not required. Any PoP bank can open an NPS account for its customers.
Opening NPS offline
If you prefer paper, or cannot complete Aadhaar OTP verification:
- Visit a PoP. These are mostly banks, plus some other registered entities.
- Fill in the subscriber registration form.
- Submit it with a recent photograph, your PAN and proof of address.
- The PoP verifies your KYC and sends the details to the CRA, and your PRAN is issued.
An earlier version of this article said the PoP charges “Rs. 5” to create an e-signature. We could not verify that figure. PoP charges are set by PFRDA and change from time to time, so check the current charge sheet on pfrda.org.in or ask your PoP.
Tier I and Tier II accounts
| Tier I | Tier II | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pension (retirement) account; opened by default | Optional investment account |
| Withdrawals | Restricted under PFRDA’s exit and withdrawal regulations | Withdraw at any time |
| Tax benefits | Eligible under the Income Tax Act | Not eligible |
| Who can open | Every subscriber | Only those with an active Tier I account; not NRIs or OCIs |
PFRDA’s page sets no upper limit on contributions. Check the minimum contribution shown on eNPS or by your PoP when you open the account.
Investment choices: where your money goes
This article originally listed three fund options. PFRDA describes them as three asset classes:
- Equity (E);
- Corporate bonds (C);
- Government securities (G).
You then choose how to split your money:
- Active Choice: you decide the split yourself, with equity capped at 75%.
- Auto Choice: a life-cycle fund reduces equity automatically as you age. There are four options, from Low (LC25) to Aggressive.
You can change your pension fund once a year and your asset allocation four times a year. Since 1 October 2025, non-government subscribers can also invest in schemes under PFRDA’s Multiple Scheme Framework. These schemes carry their own risk levels and a 15-year minimum lock-in.
This guide explains how the system works. It is not investment advice. Which option suits you depends on your age, other savings and risk tolerance, so consider speaking to a SEBI-registered investment adviser.
Exit and withdrawals (rules as of October 2026)
PFRDA has recently relaxed the exit rules for the All Citizen model. According to its website:
- The entry and exit age now goes up to 85.
- The old five-year lock-in has been removed.
- At normal exit, after age 60 or 15 years, you can take up to 80% of the corpus as a lump sum. At least 20% must buy an annuity (a regular pension). Smaller corpuses have more flexible options.
- Premature exit allows up to 20% as a lump sum.
These rules have changed several times, so check PFRDA’s current page before you plan an exit.
After your PRAN is generated
- Log in to your CRA account with your PRAN to see contributions and statements.
- Contribute any time through eNPS, the NPS app, your PoP or D-Remit (a virtual account that accepts UPI).
- Keep your mobile number, email and nominee details updated. Changes can be authorised with Aadhaar OTP or eSign.
If you have no PAN yet, see how to apply for a PAN card, including the free instant e-PAN. For how Aadhaar-based electronic signatures work, read our guide to Aadhaar eSign. Already retired on a government pension? See how to submit a Jeevan Pramaan life certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aadhaar mandatory to open an NPS account?
No. Aadhaar makes online registration quick, but you can also register through DigiLocker or open an account at a Point of Presence with other KYC documents. PAN is listed as a required document.
Who can open an NPS account?
Any Indian citizen, resident or non-resident, or Overseas Citizen of India aged 18 to 85 who meets KYC requirements. Hindu Undivided Families and Persons of Indian Origin cannot open an account, and an account cannot be opened on someone else’s behalf.
Can NRIs open NPS online?
Yes, NRIs and OCIs can join NPS, with an NRE or NRO bank account and the documents PFRDA lists, such as a passport or OCI card. They can hold only a Tier I account.
What is the NPS helpline?
PFRDA’s toll-free number is 1800 110 708. Protean’s NPS-CRA helpline is 1800 210 0080.
Can I open NPS for my child?
Yes. NPS Vatsalya is the version for minors, opened and run by a parent or guardian. Regular NPS is only for adults aged 18 and over.
Rules in this guide were checked in October 2026 against PFRDA’s All Citizen Model page and Protean CRA’s NPS and eNPS websites. NPS rules, charges and exit options change, so confirm current details on pfrda.org.in or your CRA’s site before you invest. This article is general information, not financial advice.
