The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched NPS Sanchay, a simplified version of the National Pension System aimed mainly at informal sector workers such as gig workers, self-employed individuals, and small traders.

It comes under the broader National Pension System (NPS) framework, but with simpler rules and fewer investment complexities.

1. Eligibility Rules

Open to all indian citizens aged 18 to 85 years

Designed especially for:

Informal sector workers

Self-employed individuals

Gig workers and small traders

Mandatory KYC compliance required at onboarding

2. Account Opening Process

You can open an NPS Sanchay account through:

Registered Points of Presence (PoPs)

Online NPS platforms

Documents required:

Identity proof

Address proof

KYC verification

3. Investment Rules

Follows existing NPS-style investment framework

Funds are managed under regulated pension funds approved by PFRDA

Uses a simplified Multi Scheme Framework (MSF) for easier allocation

Designed to reduce complex choice-making for investors

4. Contribution Rules

Minimum contribution is data-aligned with standard NPS norms (small, flexible amounts allowed)

Contributions can be made:

Monthly

Quarterly

Or lump sum

No rigid high entry barrier (suitable for informal workers)

5. Withdrawal Rules

Partial withdrawal:

Allowed under specific conditions (similar to regular NPS rules)

Typically for emergencies like:

Medical needs

Education

Disability

Housing needs

Retirement withdrawal:

At retirement or exit:

A portion is withdrawn as lump sum

Remaining amount is used for pension (annuity)

6. Exit Rules

Exit allowed after:

Retirement age conditions, or

Minimum accumulation period (as per NPS norms)

Full withdrawal rules depend on corpus data-size and age

In general:

Small corpus → may allow full withdrawal

Larger corpus → requires annuity purchase for pension income

7. Flexibility Features

Less complex investment choices than regular NPS

Designed as a “plug-and-play” pension option

Focus on ease of use for people without financial advisors

8. Key Purpose of NPS Sanchay

Bring retirement savings to India’s informal workforce (nearly 90% of workers)

Encourage disciplined long-term saving

Simplify pension access with minimal financial knowledge required

Simple Summary

NPS Sanchay is a simplified pension scheme under NPS that:

Is open to most indians (18–85 years)

Has simple KYC and easy onboarding

Uses simplified investment options

Allows partial withdrawals for emergencies

Converts savings into pension at retirement

 

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