More than 1.22 lakh Central government employees have chosen to move to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) since its introduction, according to information shared in the Parliament. The figure includes newly- recruited employees, serving staff and retired personnel, with data recorded up to 30 November, 2025.
The UPS was rolled out with effect from 1 April, 2025, offering an assured pension structure under the National Pension System framework. Employees were initially given time until the end of June 2025 to exercise their option. This deadline was later extended twice, first till September and then till 30 November, to allow wider participation.
Alongside the uptake details, the government clarified that employees who opted for UPS have been granted a one-time opportunity to switch back to the National Pension System during their service period. However, this flexibility does not apply in cases involving dismissal, compulsory retirement as a penalty, or situations where disciplinary proceedings are underway or being considered.
To govern service-related aspects of employees covered under UPS, new rules have been notified under the Central Civil Services framework. These rules lay down eligibility criteria, payout structures and family pension provisions.
Under the scheme, employees completing at least 25 years of qualifying service are entitled to an assured pension amounting to half of the average basic pay drawn during the final 12 months before retirement. For those with fewer years of service, the pension amount will be proportionately reduced, with a minimum qualifying service requirement of 10 years. Employees completing 10 years of service are also assured a minimum monthly pension of Rs 10,000.
In the event of the pensioner’s death, the legally-wedded spouse is entitled to receive 60 per cent of the admissible pension amount. Children are not eligible for this assured family payout under the scheme.
