NPS Charges From October 2026: New Fees Explained

🔑 Key Takeaways

PFRDA’s revised NPS Point of Presence (PoP) charge structure took effect on October 1, 2026.
The one-time onboarding charge is ₹200 per PRAN, generally deducted in quarterly instalments of ₹50.
The annual PoP charge is 0.20% of assets under management (AUM), adjusted through NAV.
Subscribers onboarded through e-NPS and contributing through e-NPS or D-Remit are not liable for PoP charges.
Subscribers onboarded through a PoP may still pay applicable charges even if they later contribute online.
Dormant accounts, as defined in the circular, are not charged the annual PoP fee.

What Changed in NPS Charges From October 2026

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) revised the Point of Presence (PoP) charge structure under the National Pension System (NPS) from October 1, 2026.

A PoP is an authorised service provider that helps subscribers access NPS services, including account onboarding. The revised charges apply to NPS and NPS Lite, subject to the circular’s provisions for specific scheme categories.

The main charges are a one-time onboarding fee of ₹200 per Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) and an annual charge of 0.20% of AUM. The annual charge is adjusted through the scheme’s Net Asset Value (NAV) and payable to the PoP quarterly. Applicable GST or other taxes may be additional.

How the New NPS PoP Charges Work

Charge	Amount	How it is collected
One-time onboarding charge	₹200 per PRAN	Generally deducted as ₹50 per quarter through cancellation of units
Annual PoP charge	0.20% of AUM	Adjusted through NAV and payable quarterly
Fully digital onboarding	₹100 may apply	Depends on the PoP’s applicable registration terms
Dormant account	No annual PoP charge	Applies while the account meets PFRDA’s definition of dormant

For fully digital, non-face-to-face onboarding, a reduced one-time charge of ₹100 may apply where permitted for the PoP. It is not a guaranteed discount for every subscriber, so check the charge shown during onboarding.

Who May Not Have to Pay PoP Charges

PFRDA’s circular says subscribers onboarded through e-NPS who make subsequent contributions through e-NPS or D-Remit are not liable to pay PoP charges.

There is an important distinction: if you were onboarded through a PoP, later making contributions through e-NPS or D-Remit does not, by itself, remove the applicable PoP charges. Your onboarding route matters.

If you are unsure how your account was opened, check your NPS account records or ask your PoP or Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) for confirmation.

What Is a Dormant NPS Account?

Under the circular, an account is treated as dormant for this charge when, after a contribution in a quarter, no contribution is made for four consecutive quarters. Dormant accounts are not charged the annual PoP fee while they meet the stated definition.

The circular also refers to identifying accounts through a unique PAN across CRAs. If you have more than one NPS account or have changed service providers, confirm your account status rather than assuming how the rule has been applied.

How Much Could the Annual Charge Be?

As a simple illustration, 0.20% of ₹1 lakh is ₹200 over a year. This is only an example, not a fixed fee for every account. The charge is linked to AUM, adjusted through NAV and collected quarterly, so the amount can vary as the account value changes.

Because the charge is adjusted through NAV, it may not appear as a separate debit from your bank account. Review your NPS transaction statement and ask your provider if you need a breakdown.

What NPS Subscribers Should Do

Check whether your PRAN was opened through e-NPS or a PoP.
Review your latest transaction statement for unit cancellations and charges.
Confirm whether your account is classified as dormant.
Ask your PoP or CRA how GST, onboarding charges and the annual charge appear in your account.
Check the terms that apply to your specific scheme, especially if it falls under a separately governed category.

PoP charges are only one part of the cost picture. NPS returns are market-linked, and charges can affect the amount that remains invested. Consider your full account statement rather than making a decision based on one fee alone.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the revised NPS PoP charges take effect?

PFRDA’s revised charge structure took effect on October 1, 2026. CRAs are to implement deductions starting from the third quarter of financial year 2026–27.

Q: Is the annual NPS charge 0.20% of my contributions?

No. The circular specifies an annual charge of 0.20% of AUM, adjusted through NAV and payable quarterly.

Q: Do online contributions mean I will not pay PoP charges?

Not necessarily. Subscribers onboarded through e-NPS and contributing through e-NPS or D-Remit are not liable for PoP charges. Subscribers onboarded through a PoP may still be liable even if they later contribute online.

Q: Are dormant NPS accounts charged the annual PoP fee?

No. The circular says dormant accounts are not charged the annual PoP fee while they meet its definition.

Q: Is the ₹100 digital onboarding charge automatic?

No. A reduced charge may apply to fully digital, non-face-to-face onboarding, as permitted for the PoP. Check the amount shown by your provider.

Conclusion

The revised NPS PoP charges took effect on October 1, 2026. The main figures are a ₹200 onboarding charge per PRAN and an annual charge of 0.20% of AUM, but your onboarding route and account status can affect what applies.

Check your NPS statement and confirm the details with your PoP or CRA if a charge is unclear. This article is for general information and is not personalized pension or investment advice.