The government has introduced new guidelines to simplify and secure the registration process under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY). The Department of Posts has issued an official notification stating that the old APY registration forms will no longer be accepted from October 1, 2025. Only the revised form, aligned with updated Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) guidelines, will be valid for all new enrollments.

What Is Atal Pension Yojana?

Atal Pension Yojana is a government-backed social security scheme aimed at workers in the unorganized sector. Indian citizens aged between 18 and 40 years are eligible to join. The scheme offers a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 that begins when the subscriber turns 60. The pension amount is linked to the contribution made by the subscriber over time. The objective is to provide financial security to India’s poor and middle class during old age.

Key Changes in Registration Process

The new registration form now includes a mandatory FATCA/CRS declaration, requiring applicants to disclose any foreign citizenship or tax residency status. This ensures the scheme remains exclusive to resident Indian citizens. Additionally, new APY accounts can only be opened through post offices, as they must be linked to postal savings accounts. Existing forms will be rejected starting October 1, 2025.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Age range: 18 to 40 years

• Must hold a savings account with a bank or post office

• Should not be an income-tax payer as of October 1, 2022, or later

• Aadhaar card and mobile number mandatory for registration to enable direct communication and updates

• Only one APY account per subscriber allowed

Instructions to Post Offices

All post offices have been instructed to use only the new revised APY registration form. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate and inform the public about these changes. Notices are also displayed at post office premises to ensure transparency and compliance across the country.

These updates streamline the APY enrollment process, enhance compliance with international tax standards, and reinforce financial security measures for India’s workforce in the informal sector.