As the deadline for exercising the option to switch to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is approaching on 30 September 2025, the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) has informed that subscribers put in their request via physical submission also.
In case a subscriber is unable to submit the UPS request online through the CRA system due to any reason, including non-availability of the online platform or technical issues, they may submit a duly filled physical application form to their concerned Nodal Office on or before the due date, PFRDA has said.
Such requests will be processed by the Nodal Office as per the prescribed procedure.
Ministry of Finance has asked all eligible employees to exercise their option well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute difficulties and to ensure timely processing of their requests. Employees who choose to remain in NPS cannot opt for UPS after this date.
Further the one-time, one-way switch facility for Central Government employees who have already opted for UPS, allowing them to revert to the National Pension System (NPS) under specified conditions:
Eligible employees under UPS can switch to NPS only once, and cannot switch back to UPS.
The switch must be exercised at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement, whichever is earlier.
The switch facility will not be allowed in cases of removal, dismissal, or compulsory retirement as a penalty, or where disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or contemplated.
Those who do not opt for the switch within the stipulated time will continue under UPS by default.
