- Atal Pension Yojana adds 11.7 million new subscribers in fiscal year 2025, marking the third consecutive year with over 10 million additions.
- Total assets under management of APY have crossed ₹44,780 crore with consistent annual returns of 9.11% since inception.
- Women constitute approximately 55% of new subscribers, reflecting inclusive growth under APY.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY), now in its tenth year, continues to be a cornerstone social security pension scheme managed by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Designed to provide financial security to workers in the unorganized sector, APY offers a minimum guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the subscriber attains the age of 60 years.
The scheme assures continuous pension payments to the spouse after the subscriber’s death. Furthermore, if both subscriber and spouse pass away, the accumulated corpus up to age 60 is returned to the nominee, ensuring full protection of the subscriber’s savings.
Key Benefits and Features of Atal Pension Yojana
Guaranteed Pension and Security
APY guarantees a fixed pension amount based on the contribution amount and the age at which the subscriber joins the scheme. This pension is paid for life, securing retirement income for subscribers and their families.
Flexible Contribution and Enrollment Options
Contributions to APY are conveniently auto-debited from the subscriber’s savings bank account or post office savings account, enabling hassle-free monthly payments.
Subscribers can now choose among three Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) — CAMS, KFin, and Protean eGov Technologies — to open and maintain their APY accounts. This flexibility allows easier access and better service quality for participants.
Women’s Participation and Social Inclusion
According to recent data from PFRDA, women account for about 55% of new subscribers in FY25, indicating increased awareness and outreach to women in securing their retirement through APY.
How to Apply for Atal Pension Yojana
Eligibility Criteria
- Individuals aged between 18 to 40 years.
- Subscribers must hold a savings bank account or post office savings bank account to enable auto-debit of contributions.
- Catered primarily to workers in the unorganized sector but open to all Indian citizens.
Online and Offline Registration Process
Prospective subscribers can open APY accounts through any authorized bank or post office branch. The process requires submitting personal details and linking the savings bank account for auto-debit.
With the option to select preferred CRA (CAMS, KFin, or Protean eGov), registration is more user-friendly. Application forms are available at bank branches or can be accessed online through CRA websites for submission.
Contribution Details
Contribution amount varies depending on the pension amount chosen and the subscriber’s age at entry. Subscribers make monthly payments until retirement age, after which pension payments begin automatically.
Annual Returns
Since inception, Atal Pension Yojana has delivered an average annual return of 9.11%, reflecting efficient fund management and steady growth of subscribers’ corpus.
Additional Information and Official Links
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total New Subscribers in FY25 | 11.7 million |
| Total Assets Under Management (AUM) | ₹44,780 crore+ |
| Guaranteed Monthly Pension | ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 (at 60 years) |
| Women Subscriber Percentage | Approximately 55% |
| Contribution Mode | Auto-debit from bank/post office savings account |
| Central Record keeping Agencies (CRAs) | CAMS, KFin, Protean eGov Technologies |
| Official APY Information | APY Official Website |