NPS FAQs

About National Pension System (NPS)

Q1. What is NPS?

National Pension System (NPS) is a voluntary, defined contribution retirement savings scheme initiated by Government of India. The NPS has been designed to enable systematic savings during the employee's working life. It is an attempt towards finding a sustainable solution to provide adequate retirement income which is low cost, tax-efficient and flexible.

Q2. What are different NPS models?

There are 2 models, namely - Corporate NPS model and All Citizen model. Corporate NPS model is applicable for all corporate employees wherein the corporate is registered with the Bank for NPS.

Q3. What is the benefit of NPS corporate model over all citizen’s model?

Individuals who are employed and contributing to NPS would enjoy tax benefits on their own contributions as well as their employer’s contribution as under:

(a) Employee’s own contribution under 80CCE- Eligible for tax deduction up to 10% of Salary (Basic + DA) under Section 80 CCE within the overall ceiling of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

(b) Employee’s own contribution under 80CCD: Eligible for tax deduction up to 50,000 under section 80CCD (1) over and above limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh provided under Sec 80 CCE.

(c) Employer’s contribution – The employee is eligible for tax deduction up to 10% of Salary (Basic + DA) contributed by employer under Sec 80 CCC(2) over and above the limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh provided under Sec 80 CCE (Maximum tax exemption applicable on investment upto Rs.7.5 lakh made by employer towards NPS (National Pension System), PF (Provident Fund) and (Superannuation)).

Q4. What are the investment options available under NPS?

There are 4 types of individual funds in which your money can be invested:

• Asset Class E- Investment in predominantly equity market instrument
• Asset Class C-Investment in fixed income instruments other than Government Securities
• Asset Class G- Investment in Government Securities
• Alternate Assets Class A – Investment in Real Estate and Infrastructure projects
  
  

Based on these, there are 2 investment options available under NPS corporate:

Active choice - In active choice, you have to select a Pension Fund Manager and mention the ratio of funds to be invested among E, C, G and A. You can specify the percentage in which your money is to be invested in these asset classes. However, allocation in equity cannot be more than 75% and Alternate Assets cannot be more than 5%.

Auto choice - There is a lifecycle fund and you need to select a pension fund. Your funds will be invested as per the life cycle fund matrix based on your age.

You will have flexibility to choose one out of ten Pension Fund Managers (PFMs) and the percentage in which the selected PFM will invest the funds.

Q5. Will I have an option to select Pension Fund (PF) and Investment Option?

Yes, you have an option to select Pension Fund (PF) and Investment Option while applying for NPS account.

Joining NPS

Q6. How can I open an NPS account online?

• Visit www.hdfcbank.com
• Under 'Personal' click on 'Invest'
• Select the last option is ' National Pension System'
• Click on 'Apply Online'
• Select the CRA of your Choice (either NSDL or K-Fintech) and click on 'Apply now'
• Select individual or Corporate subscriber
• Select weather you wish to open Tier I or Tier I and Tier II both.
• Mention PAN number and generate acknowledgement number
• Complete the rest of the details in the NPS form.
• Upload the required documents.
• Make initial payment.
• PRAN will be generated with in 15 to 20 minutes
• Complete the e-sign/OTP authentication process online.

Q7. Do I need to submit any document post opening this account online?

No, HDFC Bank has a complete digital process for its customers. You will have to upload you latest photograph and signature sample online.

Q8. What is the cost that I will incur towards NPS account opening/ maintenance?

There are certain charges applicable for NPS account opening/ maintenance. The charges are mentioned below:

**Persistency fee is payable to such POPs to which the subscriber is associated for more than 6 months in a financial year

*GST and other levies, as applicable, will be levied as per the existing tax law

*KYC verification charges of eNPS application Rs 125 + taxes

*Processing of Exit / Withdrawal @0.125% of Corpus with Minimum ₹125/- and Max ₹500/-

*Other taxes / regulatory levies applicable from time to time

Q9. I already have NPS account. Can I have more than one NPS account?

No, multiple NPS accounts for a single individual are not allowed and there is no necessity also as the NPS is fully portable across sectors and locations. If you want to link your NPS account to corporate, to avail the benefits under the Corporate NPS model, you should shift existing NPS account to corporate model.

Contribution towards NPS account

Q10. How can I contribute individually to NPS?

You may contribute through HDFC Bank website or you may also login to your CRA portal to make contributions. SIP option is also available. 

Q11. Will I get an alert once my contribution has been credited to my NPS Account?
Yes, once the contribution is credited to your NPS Account, an e-mail alert as well as an SMS is sent to your registered e-mail ID and mobile number.

Q12. What is the minimum annual contribution to keep my NPS Account active?

You need to contribute minimum amount of Rs. 1,000 per annum to keep your NPS account active.

Q13. How will I know if my annual contribution towards NPS is less than Rs. 1,000?
You will receive an e-mail alert from CRA team.

Q14. Where can I view my contribution towards NPS?
CRA app gives you details of your account online. You can access latest account details as is available on the CRA website (https://cra-nsdl.com/CRA/ or cra.Kfintech.com) with your User ID (PRAN) and Password. The app accesses your account details online and provides you with user friendly interface to browse through your account information. It also enables you to maintain your latest contact details and password.

Q15. Will I receive any physical statement for NPS Account?
Yes. An annual statement containing details of the unit holdings is issued by Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) to your registered address 3 months after the end of every financial year.

Q16. How do I get Statement Of Transaction (SOT) on ad-hoc basis?
You can view/ print the SOTs by logging into CRA website.

Account Maintenance

Q17. What happens if the minimum annual contribution of Rs. 1,000 is not invested in NPS Account?
Your account will be frozen.

Q18. What is the process of unfreezing the NPS Account?
You can unfreeze the NPS Account by paying the minimum contribution.

Q19. Can I change/ modify data in the NPS system after joining NPS?

Yes. You need to submit the request form along with the service charge of Rs. 30 plus GST to the POP for initiating the modification. 

You may also login to your NPS account and make changes to Contact details, Nomination, Investment option, Pension Fund Manager (PFM), etc

Q20. Can I request for a duplicate PRAN card?
Yes. In case of loss or damage of PRAN card, you need to submit a duly filled S2 form to the POP for issuance of duplicate PRAN card. Rs. 40 plus applicable GST will be deducted by CRA for issuing duplicate PRAN.

Nominations

Q21. Is a nomination facility available under NPS-Corporate Model?
Yes, Nomination can be made by the employee.

Q22. Who can be a Nominee, how many nominees can be there and how are the details to be filled in
the form?
Only an Individual can be a nominee. You will be allowed to register up to three nominees only. Decimals/ fractional values shall not be accepted in the nomination(s) percentage share value. Sum of percentage share of all the nominees must be equal to 100. If sum of percentage is not equal to 100, all nominations will be rejected. The registration of nominee details will not be done unless all details are duly filled up in the nomination form.

Q23. Can a minor be a nominee?
Yes, minor can be a nominee. In such case, you will be required to provide guardian's details and date of birth of the minor. Partial withdrawal from NPS Account/ Early Termination

Q24. In case of PF, I can withdraw amount for the purpose of housing or children’s marriage etc. Do I have such facility under NPS?
Early withdrawals in NPS are permitted for specific purposes like child’s marriage, higher education, treatment of critical illnesses etc. You can withdraw up to 25% of self-contributed amount towards NPS Account after 3 years of contribution. Additionally, you can withdraw from NPS Account twice. Every subsequent withdrawal will be 25% of the incremental self-contribution made after the last withdrawal.

Q25. Do I have to pay any taxes at the time of withdrawal?

• NPS is currently under the Exempt, Exempt, Exempt (EEE) which means it is tax free on contribution, accumulation and on maturity
• 60% of corpus amount at the age of retirement can be withdrawn and is tax free.

Q26. Can I exit before 60 years? Can I deactivate my NPS Account at any point of time?
You can exit from NPS after 5 years or attainment of superannuation age (retirement age) defined by the corporate whichever is earlier. In case of exit before 60 years, 20% of the corpus can be withdrawn and the balance 80% goes to annuity. 

Q27. How will I receive the pay-out if I exit from NPS before? What happens to my investments under NPS if contribution is discontinued before retirement?
Primary objective of NPS is to create a corpus which can be used at the time of retirement to buy pension for you/ your nominee. Hence, there is a restriction imposed on lump sum amount accessible on exit.

Q28. Is it mandatory to withdraw the amount immediately at the time of exit from NPS?In case of exit from NPS on retirement age defined by the corporate, you can defer the withdrawal option till 10 years depending on the market condition. You can withdraw this amount either in lump sum or take the same in 10 instalments before attaining the age of 70 years. However, in case of pre–mature exit from NPS (before attaining the age of 60 years), you do not have an option to defer the withdrawal. 

Q29. If I leave the job, what would happen to my corporate NPS Account?
You can shift the NPS account to new employer with same PRAN account if the new employer is already a registered entity under NPS. But if not, then you can continue the PRAN account under All Citizen Model (personal NPS). 

Q30. What benefits would family of NPS account holder get when the expire before NPS account exit?

• In such an unfortunate event, the nominee will receive 100% of the NPS pension

wealth in lump sum

• This amount will be completely tax free.

Q31. When can I withdraw the amount?
Exit at the age of 60

• Up to 60% of corpus can be withdrawn in lump sum. Balance amount needs to be invested in annuity
• If the corpus is less than or equal to Rs. 5 lakh, there is no need to invest into annuity. Entire amount can be withdrawn in lump sum.

Q32. Is it mandatory to withdraw the amount immediately at the time of exit from NPS?
In case of exit from NPS on retirement age defined by the corporate, you can defer the withdrawal option till 10 years depending on the  market condition. You can withdraw this amount either in lump sum or take the same in 10 instalments before attaining the age of 75 years.

Q33. Do I have to pay any taxes at the time of withdrawal or on maturity in National Pension Scheme?

• The NPS is currently under the Exempt, Exempt, Exempt (EEE) which means it is tax free on contribution, accumulation returns and maturity.
• Currently 60% of the corpus amount at the age of 60 is allowed to be withdrawn as lump sum and will be tax free.

Q34. What is annuity?
An annuity is a financial instrument which offers monthly/ quarterly/ annual pension at a guaranteed rate for the period you choose. Currently, only the registered life insurers offer annuities in Indian market. This needs to be upfront. Please create a glossary of terms.

Q35. What are the different types of annuities providing for monthly pension available under NPS?
Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) provide the following type of annuities to the subscribers of NPS, subject to the conditions like stipulated minimum corpus, age at entry etc.:
1. Pension (Annuity) payable for life at a uniform rate to the annuitant only.
2. Pension (Annuity) payable for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years certain and thereafter as long as you are alive.
3. Pension (Annuity) for life with return of purchase price on death of the annuitant (Policyholder).
4. Pension (Annuity) payable for life increasing at a simple rate of 3% p.a.
5. Pension (Annuity) for life with a provision of 50% of the annuity payable to spouse during his/ her lifetime on death of the annuitant.
6. Pension (Annuity) for life with a provision of 100% of the annuity payable to spouse during his/ her lifetime on death of the annuitant.
7. Pension (Annuity) for life with a provision of 100% of the annuity payable to spouse during his/ her lifetime on death of the annuitant and with return of purchase price on death of the spouse. If the spouse predeceases the annuitant, the payment of annuity will cease after the death of the annuitant and purchase price is paid to the nominee.

Q36. Which are the Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) empanelled by PFRDA?
The following insurance companies providing annuity services have been empanelled by PFRDA as Annuity Service Providers (ASPs):

• HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• Life Insurance Corporation of India
• SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• IndiaFirst Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
• Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited
• Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd.
• BAJAJ ALLIANZ LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
• Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance Company Limited
• PNB Metlife India Insurance Company Limited

Additional Features

Q37. Do I have a facility of loan/ advances under NPS? Whether lien can be marked on NPS Account?
No, as per existing guidelines there is no such provision under NPS.

Q38. Can I shift from EPF/ Superannuation fund to NPS?
Yes, Government has allowed investors covered by EPF and other superannuation funds to shift to the NPS.

Q39. Who can start a SIP in NPS?

Any Individuals having an active NPS account with a mobile and email ID registered under the same can setup Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) through their Point of Presence.

In addition, for setting up SIP, you must have an active Internet Banking enabled bank account with a mobile number and Email id registered with it to enable e-mandate for SIP deduction.

Q40. What is the benefit of SIP?

There are many benefits of setting up a SIP in NPS. Some of them are illustrated below-

• SIPs give you the ease of making small, recurring investments on a regular basis. It is ideal for subscribers who want to invest a certain amount on a monthly basis, and it is easier on the budget.
• Helps you better prepare for your goals because you will not have to make lump sum payments for your NPS account after you set up a SIP.
• SIP allows you to take advantage of the 'Power of Compounding' by investing frequently over a long period of time.
• Rupee Cost Averaging eliminates the need to time the market
• SIP helps you to mitigate risk through continuous investment over a period of time.

Q41.  Is SIP investment eligible for Tax benefit?

SIP is treated as a self-contribution and hence eligible for tax benefits under NPS. Investments under NPS made through SIP are eligible for the following tax benefits:

• Contributions made through SIP up to Rs. 1.50 Lacs is eligible for tax exemption u/s 80 CCE of Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Further, contribution through SIP up to Rs. 50,000 is also tax-exempted u/s 80 CCD (1B) of Income Tax Act, 1961. This exemption can be availed over and above the limit available u/s 80 C. This benefit is available exclusively for NPS.

Q42.  How can I setup my SIP under NPS?

Setting up SIP in NPS has never been so easy. The process is entirely online and should not take you more than a few minutes. You may complete entire process in 7 easy steps. Please refer below for the same:

• Step - 1  Visit https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/invest/national-pension-system/contribute-now and click on SIP link/ tab under NPS section and click on register.
• Step - 2  Authenticate yourself by entering PRAN, DOB and OTP.
• Step - 3  Click on ‘New SIP Registration in NPS’ and click submit.
• Step - 4  Enter SIP details like Tier Type, Amount and click ‘Calculate’
• Step - 5  Select frequency of payment, SIP date and SIP end month and click on ‘Submit’.
• Step - 6  Select Bank Account for setting up SIP mandate and mode of communication for SIP details.
• Step - 7  Post confirmation, you will be taken to your bank’s page for authorising NACH mandate. After successful authorisation, confirmation of the SIP setup shall be shown on the screen. You will also receive a separate Email/SMS confirmation for successful setup.

Q43.  Can I setup SIP deduction at any date of the month?

Currently, SIP deduction is available for 5th, 10th 21st of every month. If you set up SIP in the current month then deduction commences from the next month. For Example, if you set up SIP on 3rd of the month and select any of the dates available for deduction (5th/10th/21st of the month), SIP will start from next month.

Q44.  Can I have multiple SIPs at same time?

Yes, you may setup up multiple SIPs at the same time for the same NPS account.

Q45.  What are the payment options available to me for setting up SIP?

For setting up SIP, you must have an active Internet Banking enabled bank account with a mobile number and Email id registered with it to enable e-mandate for SIP deduction.

Q46.  Can I have a different Bank account for SIP than the registered one in NPS?

Yes, you have an option to setup SIP from different bank account, than the registered one in NPS.

Q47.  What is the minimum and maximum amount for which SIP can be set up?

SIP should be set up as per your retirement goals. SIP can be setup for minimum of Rs. 500 and maximum of Rs. 1, 00,000 (the amount mentioned is applicable for each recurring SIP transaction and not the overall amount contributed during the FY). However, you may set up additional SIPs if you wish to contribute more towards your NPS account.

Q48.  Is SIP option available for both type of NPS Account (Tier- I & II)?

Yes, SIP option can be availed for both Tier- I as well as Tier- II A/c simultaneously as well as independently.

Q49.  Where can I view my SIP status?

SIP status view, list of SIPs and cancellation of existing SIPs can be done online via SIP link provided by your POP. Following steps may be followed to do any of the above transactions:

• Step -1 Click on SIP Tab/ link on https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/invest/national-pension-system/contribute-now . You will be taken to the landing page.
• Step - 2 Log in to the account by entering PRAN and DOB and authenticating through OTP.
• Step - 3 You may now register new SIP, check status of existing SIP, view list of SIP transactions or cancel any existing SIP by selecting the appropriate option.

Q50.  What happens, if SIP Payment is missed for any month during the SIP cycle?

It is not advisable to miss SIP for any month and you should maintain sufficient balance in your bank account through which you have set up the SIP. However, if by chance the payment is missed, you may still make self-contribution in your NPS account of the same amount. The investment for missed SIP transaction will not happen in your NPS A/C, however, SIP deduction will continue from the next month of the SIP cycle.

Q51.  I am having active SIP in my NPS account; can I do lump sum contribution too?

Yes, you may continue to have SIP and still continue to make lump sum contributions towards your NPS Account as and when you wish.

Q52.  Can I stop SIP at any point of time?

It is advised to continue SIP in disciplined manner as per the mandate provided. However, if you wish to stop SIP due to any reason, it can be done after 03 months of its activation

Q53.  How is NAV allocated for contribution made through SIP?

Credit of units to PRAN takes place as part of regular settlement process for your SIP contribution as well. If your accredited bank registered for SIP, has remitted the amount debited from your account towards SIP contribution to Payment Gateway Service Provider (PGSP), then credit of units will take T+1 days (i.e. two working days) where T is day of receipt of clear funds by PoP (Service Provider for SIP) from PGSP.

Q54.  How will I receive intimation about SIP Transaction?

You will receive an intimation about your SIP transactions on your registered Mobile No. or Email ID or Both, as per your selection during the process of setting up the SIP.

Q55. Can any other person setup the SIP on my behalf in my NPS A/C?

As per PMLA guidelines, self-contribution in NPS account should be made through your bank account itself. Therefore, SIP setup can only be done by the Individual who owns the NPS Account.

Q56. Can I modify my SIP amount?

SIP mandate once set cannot be modified currently under NPS. However, you may cancel the existing SIP after 03 months of its activation and restart a new SIP with a modified amount.

Q57.  What are the charges for SIP?

There are two charges associated with setting up an SIP under NPS:

1. One time SIP Initiation & Cancellation charge is INR 3.50 per mandate (to be charged directly from subscriber through unit deduction by CRA during the quarterly billing activity)
2. PoP charges for recurring contribution SIPs to the NPS account

Contribution charges under NPS are defined by the Regulator i.e. Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA). Thus, all recurring SIP transactions are treated as contribution transactions and charges as prescribed by PFRDA are levied by your Point of Presence (POP) for the services rendered to you. Illustration of the charge mechanism is below for your perusal:

E.g., If intended recurring SIP amount is: Rs. 1,000

+

Contribution charge as per guidelines levied by PoP: Can be anywhere between 0.30% to 0.50% of contribution amount (subject to a min of Rs. 30 and max. Rs. 25,000) will be Rs. 30/- for the transaction

+

GST: @ 18% of Rs. 30/- (i.e. PoP charge for processing contribution)

The final SIP amount deducted: Rs. 1035.40

Q58.  While setting up SIP, the final amount shown at time of submission is Rs. 1,00,000 irrespective of the amount entered by me. What shall I do in that case?

You do not need to worry, as the amount shown is the maximum amount for which NACH mandate is presented to your bank. As NPS is a long term investment vehicle, this is done to ensure uninterrupted contributions and avoid any inconvenience to you in future arising out of change in regulatory guidelines regarding charges. Rest assured, only the amount intended/mandated to be contributed through SIP will be debited from your account. You will also receive intimation about the same on the mode of communication (email ID/mobile number/both) post authorisation by you on your bank’s Internet Banking page.

Q59. How many banks are available for SIP setup?

All major Scheduled Indian Banks are available for making SIP payment. Currently, you may setup SIP through 43 banks. The list is continuously expanding with more and more Banks coming forward for participation on the NPCI platform facilitating this service (eNACH).