Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS) ?
Resident Indian citizens only
Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
Option A is incorrect as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can also open NPS accounts.
Option B is incorrect as the current age limit for joining NPS is between 18 and 70 years.
Option C is correct. NPS was initially made mandatory for new central government employees (except Armed Forces) joining on or after 1st April, 2004. Subsequently, most State Governments adopted NPS for their employees, making it mandatory for those joining service after a specific date notified by the respective State Government. This option accurately describes a major category of individuals for whom NPS is mandatory and who can join.
Option D is incorrect as employees of the Armed Forces are specifically excluded from the mandatory NPS applicable to other Central Government employees joining on or after 1st April, 2004. They are covered by separate pension schemes.
– It is mandatory for most central government employees (except Armed Forces) joining after 01.04.2004.
– Most State Governments have adopted NPS for their employees joining after a specified date.