NPS Central explained: one login for all your National Pension System accounts, and what is coming next
PFRDA's NPS Central brings the services of all three record-keeping agencies under one portal. Here is how to log in, what you can do there now and which features are still on the way.
The National Pension System (NPS) is among the most searched topics in India this week, as subscribers explore NPS Central, the single digital platform launched by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on NPS Diwas, October 1.
Until now, an NPS account was serviced by one of three Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs), Protean, KFintech or CAMS, each with its own website. NPS Central, at npscentral.in, pulls all three together so subscribers can manage their pension savings in one place, whichever CRA holds their account.
How to log in
Existing subscribers sign in using their registered mobile number and date of birth, followed by a one-time password sent to that number. The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is not needed, but the mobile number must be the one already linked to the account.
What existing subscribers can do
- View NPS accounts and portfolios held across all three CRAs
- Make contributions and track their status
- Compare scheme features, returns and charges
- Update profile details and download account statements
- Raise complaints through a link to the Pension Sahayak grievance portal
For new subscribers
People joining NPS can register through an AI-assisted onboarding process, with an AI assistant on hand for questions. KYC can be completed via Central KYC (CKYC) or DigiLocker, and subscribers can compare schemes, pick a pension fund and receive an electronic PRAN. Onboarding through the portal carries no charge, subject to terms. The platform also allows registration for NPS Swasthya, which pairs a pension corpus with super top-up health insurance.
Features still to come
PFRDA says more services will be added, including changes to investment choices and pension funds, loans against NPS, SIP mandates, NPS Vatsalya accounts for children, corporate onboarding, re-KYC and Tier II account services. No dates have been given for these.
New charge structure also in force
The portal arrived alongside a revised PFRDA charge structure for Points of Presence (PoPs), which took effect on the same date. It sets a Rs 100 one-time fee for digital onboarding through a PoP, keeps the standard Rs 200 onboarding charge (now levied per PRAN) and applies an annual 0.20% asset-management charge to all schemes except dormant accounts. Subscribers who join and contribute directly through e-NPS or D-Remit pay no PoP charges.
A single window makes NPS easier to manage, but it does not change the investment risk in the underlying funds, and a free sign-up does not mean every service is free. Subscribers should check the charges that apply to their own account. This article is for information only and is not financial advice.
Sources
Related
Jio Platforms IPO subscribed over 3 times; QIBs lead, retail book yet to fill
Jio Platforms IPO opens today: price band, lot size, dates and anchor book
