Have National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana's AUM Surpassed Rs 16 Lakh Crore?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Total AUM of NPS and APY has crossed Rs 16 lakh crore.
- Subscriber count has surpassed 9 crore.
- PFRDA introduced Multiple Scheme Framework for better investment choices.
- NPS Vatsalya Scheme promotes early savings for minors.
- Tax deductions available for contributions under NPS-Vatsalya.
New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) The total assets under management (AUM) for the National Pension System (NPS) and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has now exceeded the Rs 16 lakh crore threshold, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance on Thursday.
The number of subscribers for these prominent pension investment schemes has also surpassed the 9 crore milestone.
"This marks a significant achievement in India's pension landscape, with the subscriber count now exceeding 9 crores," the ministry highlighted.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has rolled out important initiatives aimed at reinforcing the NPS and promoting wider pension participation.
One such initiative is the Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF), which will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a broader range of investment options.
Additionally, the NPS platform now includes models for gig workers and a consultation document proposing an overhaul of NPS to introduce graded payouts and flexible annuity alternatives to improve retirement readiness, as noted by the ministry.
The ongoing outreach campaign seeks to increase participation among farmers, MSME workers, members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), and other informal sector workers.
This showcases PFRDA's persistent commitment to inclusion, flexibility, and long-term financial stability. With this achievement, PFRDA is dedicated to its goal of ensuring old-age income security for all citizens, according to the government.
In a report to Parliament last month, the Union government disclosed that approximately 1.3 lakh minors have been enrolled in the NPS Vatsalya Scheme.
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary mentioned in a written response to the Lok Sabha that 130,000 minor subscribers were registered in the NPS Vatsalya Scheme from September last year to August 3.
The NPS Vatsalya, or NPS Vatsalya Yojana, is a retirement savings initiative aimed at young children.
“NPS-Vatsalya fosters inter-generational equity and financial security by motivating early savings for children and cultivating a culture of retirement planning across generations,” Chaudhary explained.
Under the previous tax regime, an income tax deduction under Section 80CCD (1B) up to Rs 50,000 has been extended to contributions made towards NPS-Vatsalya by parents or guardians, effective from April 1.