The Finance Ministry has extended the deadline for employees, retirees, and spouses of deceased retirees to choose the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The new last date is now November 30, 2025, instead of September 30, 2025.
This decision was made after many requests from employees and stakeholders for more time. The order was issued with the approval of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Why the Extension Was Given
The government recently announced new features under the UPS. Because of this, employees and retirees wanted more time to study the changes and make a choice.
Some of the updates include:
| New Feature | Details |
| Switch Option | Allows shifting between schemes |
| Resignation Benefits | Benefits in case of leaving job |
| Compulsory Retirement | Coverage included |
| Tax Exemptions | Added tax relief |
These changes are positive, but employees needed more time to understand them. The extension helps them decide without pressure.
Aim of the Extension
The main goal of this extension is to increase participation in the scheme. The extra time also helps the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) update its systems.
PFRDA has been asked to make all technical and regulatory changes. This includes updates to the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) system so the new rules can work smoothly.
Timeline of the Unified Pension Scheme
The Unified Pension Scheme began on April 1, 2025. At first, employees, past retirees, and spouses of deceased retirees were given time until June 30, 2025, to opt in.
Later, the deadline was moved to September 30, 2025. Now, with this new order, the deadline has been extended again to November 30, 2025.
| Date | Event |
| April 1, 2025 | UPS launched |
| June 30, 2025 | First deadline |
| July 1, 2025 | Extended to September 30 |
| September 30, 2025 | Old cut-off date |
| November 30, 2025 | New deadline |
Impact of the Decision
This move will benefit employees and retirees who are still considering their options. It also gives government bodies enough time to align with the changes.
The Finance Ministry believes the extension will create a smooth shift to the new pension system and ensure that no eligible person is left out.
Conclusion
The extension of the UPS deadline is a helpful step for employees, retirees, and families. It gives them extra time to understand the new features and make the right decision. With PFRDA making the required changes, the scheme is expected to run more smoothly and cover more people.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. Please refer to official government notifications for complete details about UPS.