Central Government launched the Atal Pension Yojana in 2015 to provide informal sector workers with a guaranteed monthly pension upon reaching old age. By April 21, 2026, the scheme reached a milestone of over 9 crore total enrollments, with the 2025-26 fiscal year marking its most successful period to date, adding more than 1.35 crore new participants.
The APY program ensures a fixed monthly pension ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 once the subscriber hits the age of 60. The payout amount is determined by the participant's entry age and their monthly payment frequency. Starting October 1, 2025, enrollment must be completed using the updated APY application form, which complies with current PFRDA regulations. Banks and post offices have been instructed to utilize this revised form, which includes the mandatory FATCA/CRS self-certification for all new applicants.
Prospective members can apply for the Atal Pension Yojana online via the enps.nps-proteantech.in portal. Existing members can access their contribution schedules, account statements, and utilize the online pension calculator to estimate their future payouts.
What is the Atal Pension Yojana?
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a state-sponsored retirement program that provides a guaranteed monthly pension to Indian citizens between 18 and 40 years old after they reach age 60, provided they contribute consistently. Applicants must hold a savings account at a bank or post office. This initiative is a core component of the Jan Suraksha Yojana, aimed at providing financial stability to workers in the unorganized sector.
Eligibility Update (Effective Oct 1, 2022): Individuals who have been income tax payers on or after October 1, 2022, are ineligible to enroll in the APY. If it is discovered that a subscriber was an income tax payer prior to their application date, their account will be terminated, and the total accumulated contributions will be refunded to the subscriber.