How many pensioners are under OPS and NPS? Govt shares numbers

There has been growing discussion around OPS and NPS in recent years, especially among government employees. The Centre has now revealed the latest numbers of pensioners under both schemes in Parliament. So how many pensioners are covered under OPS and NPS?

In Short

• Over 50 lakh central government employees currently serving
• Nearly 69 lakh pensioners under Old Pension Scheme, about 50,000 under NPS
• No delay reported in NPS pension payments, no complaints received

The government has shared fresh details in Parliament on the pension system for central government employees, including the number of pensioners under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the National Pension System (NPS). The information was provided in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, on March 10, 2026, in response to a question on pension reforms and services for pensioners.

OVER 50 LAKH CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Pankaj Chaudhary said that the total number of central government employees is about 50.14 lakh.

Among pensioners, nearly 69 lakh are receiving pensions under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). In comparison, 49,802 pensioners are currently covered under the National Pension System (NPS) as of January 31, 2026.

The government clarified that the NPS applies to central government employees, except members of the armed forces, who joined service on or after January 1, 2004.

NO DELAY REPORTED IN NPS PENSION PAYMENTS

Responding to concerns about delays in pension payments, the government said no such cases have been reported by NPS subscribers.

It said neither the government nor the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has received complaints about delays in the payment of monthly pension by annuity service providers under the NPS.

GOVERNMENT’S VIEW ON RESTORATION OF OPS

The issue of restoring the Old Pension Scheme has been debated in several states in recent years. On this matter, the government said that bringing back OPS is entirely a decision for state governments to take.

However, it pointed out that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), in its state finance audit reports, has highlighted the financial burden that could arise if states revert to the old pension system.

To improve retirement benefits for employees covered under NPS, the Centre had earlier set up a committee under the then Finance Secretary to review the system and suggest changes.

Based on discussions with different stakeholders, the government introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the NPS. The aim is to provide defined benefits after retirement for central government employees who are part of the NPS.

STEPS TO MAKE PENSION SERVICES MORE DIGITAL

The government also highlighted steps taken to make pension services easier and more digital.

A new simplified pension application form has been introduced through the centralised pension processing software called Bhavishya. This system is now mandatory for all central civil ministries and departments.

Digital Life Certificates have also been introduced so that pensioners can submit their life certificates online instead of visiting offices in person.

For NPS subscribers, the entire exit process, including lump sum withdrawal and purchase of annuity, can now be completed online. Subscribers receive updates through email and SMS at different stages of the process.

The government added that more technological improvements are being introduced regularly to make pension services smoother and more convenient for subscribers and pensioners.

- Ends