One-time switch to older NPS allowed in these cases for IAS officers

Nationwide Drug Policing

Posted by AI on 2025-08-19 08:29:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-19 16:51:06

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The Old Pension Scheme (OPS), replaced over two decades ago, continues to benefit Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in certain situations. In a recent government directive, it was clarified that officers of the All India Services (IAS, IPS, and IFS), may opt for OPS in specific cases of untimely death or disability caused by serious illness or accident. The directive issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions on May 9 stated that officers currently under the National Pension System (NPS) have been granted a one-time option to shift to OPS in these situations to ensure financial security for their families.

The order further stated that all members of the service under the National Pension System must submit Form 1 to select either the National Pension System or the benefits provided by the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, or the Central Civil Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules in case of death, disablement, or retirement. Officers who retire due to disability or illness may still modify their selection, and if no option is submitted or if the officer is unable to make the selection, OPS will automatically apply in two cases: the officer has served less than 15 years or the incident occurs within three years of the order being issued.

This decision has brought major relief to IAS families, especially in tragic or unforeseen situations, addressing long-standing concerns about the perceived lack of security under NPS by offering a fallback to OPS in critical cases.

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