Last Date to Opt for UPS: 30 September 2025 — One-time Switch to NPS Allowed
Central Government employees and past retirees registered under the National Pension System (NPS) must note an important deadline: 30 September 2025 is the final date to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This is a government-notified timeline — please take action well before the deadline to avoid processing delays.
Who should read this?
All eligible Central Government employees, departmental authorities handling pension options, payroll / HR teams, and past NPS retirees considering UPS should read this notice and act before 30 September 2025.
Summary of important points
- Last date to opt for UPS: 30 September 2025.
- One-time switch: Employees who already opted for UPS may switch back to NPS only once and this switch is one-way (no return to UPS later).
- Timing for switch: The switch to NPS must be requested at least one year before superannuation or at least three months before voluntary retirement, whichever occurs earlier.
- Restrictions: No switch will be allowed if the employee was removed/dismissed/compulsorily retired as a penalty or if disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or contemplated.
- Default: Those who do not opt for the switch within the stipulated time will continue under UPS by default.
Details: What the Office Memorandum says
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), via Office Memorandum No. 1/3/2024-PR dated 25.08.2025, has clarified the one-time switch rules and the cut-off dates for exercising the switch. The UPS Notification was earlier published vide Notification No. F. No. FX-1/3/2024-PR dated 24.01.2025.
Action checklist for employees
- Confirm eligibility for UPS with your HR / pension cell.
- If considering UPS: submit the option well before 30 September 2025.
- If you have already opted for UPS and might prefer NPS later: calculate whether your retirement date satisfies the "one year before superannuation / three months before voluntary retirement" condition.
- Do not wait for the deadline day — processing and documentation can take time.
FAQ (Short)
- Q: Can I opt for UPS after 30 September 2025?
- A: No — employees who remain in NPS after 30 September 2025 cannot opt for UPS later.
- Q: If I choose UPS now, can I later switch back to NPS?
- A: Yes, but only once and subject to the timing and disciplinary restrictions mentioned in the memorandum. This switch is one-way.
- Q: Who cannot use the switch facility?
- A: Employees removed/dismissed/compulsorily retired as a penalty, or those with ongoing or contemplated disciplinary proceedings, are not eligible for the switch.
Need help?
If you are a Central Government employee or a past NPS retiree, contact your department’s pension cell, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), or your payroll / HR department for step-by-step assistance. For official details, refer to the Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Finance release.