Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 2025: New Registration Rules, Revised Forms, and Key Updates You Need to Know

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Himanshu
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The Atal Pension Yojana (APY), launched by the Government of India in 2015, aims to provide a secure retirement income to individuals in the unorganised sector. The scheme offers a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 upon reaching the age of 60, based on the subscriber’s contributions.

As of October 1, 2025, significant changes have been implemented to streamline the registration process and ensure compliance with international financial standards. These updates are crucial for both new and existing subscribers to understand.

Key Revisions in APY Registration Process

1. Discontinuation of Old Registration Format

The previous APY Subscriber Registration Form has been discontinued effective September 30, 2025. From October 1, 2025, only the revised APY Subscriber Registration Form is accepted for onboarding new subscribers. This change aligns with the latest guidelines from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and aims to streamline the onboarding process under the social security scheme. Financial Express

2. Mandatory FATCA/CRS Declaration

The new registration form incorporates a mandatory FATCA/CRS declaration. This declaration is applicable to individuals who are U.S. citizens or whose country of birth, citizenship, or residence is other than India. According to the provisions under Rule-4 of the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018, only resident citizens of India are eligible to open an account under various Post Office small savings schemes. Therefore, subscribers who select ‘Yes’ for the FATCA/CRS declaration cannot be enrolled through the Post Office Savings Account (POSA) channel.

3. Updated Subscriber Registration Form

The revised APY Subscriber Registration Form is designed to facilitate the onboarding of new subscribers efficiently. It includes updated fields and compliance checks to ensure adherence to the latest regulatory standards. All post offices have been directed to display the revised guidelines for public awareness and ensure that only the updated forms are used for new APY enrollments. Financial Express

Eligibility Criteria for APY

To be eligible for the Atal Pension Yojana, an individual must:

  • Age: Be between 18 and 40 years of age.
  • Bank Account: Possess a savings bank account or a post office savings bank account.
  • Income Tax Status: Not be an income tax payer as per the Income-tax Act, 1961, as of October 1, 2022, or later. PFRDA PROD

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria are strictly enforced, and only those meeting these conditions can subscribe to the scheme.

How to Register for APY

Offline Registration

  1. Visit a Bank or Post Office: Go to the bank branch or post office where you hold your savings account.
  2. Obtain the Form: Collect the revised APY Subscriber Registration Form.
  3. Fill in Details: Provide necessary details such as name, date of birth, bank account information, and select the desired pension amount.
  4. Submit Form: Submit the completed form along with a copy of your Aadhaar card and a passport-sized photograph.
  5. Standing Instruction: Provide a standing instruction for monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly contributions.

Online Registration

  1. Access the Portal: Visit the official APY registration portal.
  2. Fill in Details: Enter your bank account number, Aadhaar number, and other required information.
  3. Select Pension Amount: Choose the desired pension amount and contribution frequency.
  4. Authenticate: Authenticate your details using OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
  5. Submit: Submit the form and await confirmation.

For detailed guidance on the registration process, refer to the official APY documentation.

Contribution and Pension Amount

The contribution amount under APY depends on the desired pension amount and the age at which the individual joins the scheme. The earlier a person joins, the lower the monthly contribution required.

Desired Monthly PensionAge at EntryMonthly Contribution
₹1,00018₹42
₹2,00018₹84
₹3,00018₹126
₹4,00018₹168
₹5,00018₹210

Note: The above figures are indicative and may vary based on the subscriber’s age and other factors.

Benefits of APY

  • Guaranteed Pension: Provides a fixed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the age of 60.
  • Government Co-contribution: The government contributes 50% of the total contribution or ₹1,000 per annum, whichever is lower, to the APY accounts of eligible subscribers for the first five years.
  • Tax Benefits: Contributions to APY qualify for tax deductions under Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act.
  • Portable: The scheme is portable across India, allowing subscribers to continue their contributions even if they change their place of residence.

Important Points to Remember

  • No Tax Payers: Individuals who are or have been income tax payers are not eligible to open a new APY account.
  • Aadhaar Linking: Aadhaar number is mandatory for registration and linking with the bank account.
  • Contribution Mode: Contributions can be made monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly as per the subscriber’s preference.
  • Pension Amount Selection: The desired pension amount should be selected at the time of registration and cannot be changed later.

Conclusion

The Atal Pension Yojana is a significant step towards ensuring financial security for individuals in the unorganised sector. With the recent updates in the registration process, the scheme aims to be more inclusive and compliant with international standards. It’s essential for prospective subscribers to understand the new rules and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data as of October 2025. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to official government notifications and consult with financial advisors.