The central government has extended the deadline for eligible employees, past retirees, and legally wedded spouses of deceased retirees to opt into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) until November 30, 2025. The extension comes after multiple requests from stakeholders seeking additional time to make their decision following recent updates to the scheme.
The Unified Pension Scheme, which was implemented on April 1, 2025, initially provided a three-month window for eligible persons to exercise their option, ending on June 30, 2025. The deadline had previously been extended to September 30, 2025. With the new extension, subscribers now have two more months to opt in.
The Finance Ministry, in its communication to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), highlighted that recent positive changes under the scheme—including a switch option, additional benefits in cases of resignation or compulsory retirement, and tax exemptions—have encouraged renewed interest among employees and retirees. The Ministry has directed PFRDA to make the necessary changes in the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) systems and issue a circular to ensure smooth implementation of the decision. 
PFRDA Chairperson S. Ramann noted that the extension could benefit a significant number of working-age Indians, and emphasized that the scheme aims to strengthen pension coverage across the country. Earlier reports indicated that only a small fraction of eligible central government employees, about 1.37 percent, had opted for the UPS so far. As of July 20, 2025, a total of 31,555 employees had chosen the scheme, according to the Finance Ministry’s written reply in the Lok Sabha on July 28.
The government had also earlier provided a one-time option for employees who joined service between April 1, 2025, and August 31, 2025, allowing them to migrate from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension Scheme. With the latest extension, all eligible categories now have until November 30, 2025, to exercise their option, providing them ample time to consider the benefits and make informed decisions.
