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Retirement Planning

The dispute relates to the EPS “higher pension” option, under which employees who contributed to EPF on actual salary seek pension benefits based on that higher salary base.
Updated : May 13, 2026

EPS Higher Pension: Allahabad HC gives relief to HAL retirees in EPFO dispute

The Allahabad HC has ruled in favour of retired HAL employees seeking higher pension benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), providing major relief in an ongoing dispute with the EPFO. The court held that statutory pension rights cannot be restricted through internal trust rules imposing salary ceilings.

At present, the minimum EPS pension remains fixed at Rs 1,000 per month, a level that was introduced in 2014 and has not been revised in more than a decade.
Updated : May 12, 2026

EPS pension hike: What changes if minimum pension rises from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500?

The proposed hike in minimum EPS pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500 could significantly change retirement income for lakhs of private sector pensioners in India. The move is expected to provide major relief to retirees struggling with rising medical, food, and household expenses.

NPS Sanchay is largely targeted at workers in the informal and unorganised sector who typically do not receive structured retirement benefits.
Updated : May 8, 2026

What is NPS Sanchay? Who is it meant for and how will it work?

NPS Sanchay is a newly launched simplified pension scheme by PFRDA aimed at bringing India’s informal workforce into the formal retirement savings system. Designed for workers with limited financial knowledge, the scheme reduces investment complexity while offering the benefits of a regulated pension framework.

Despite growing financial complexity, will-writing remains relatively uncommon in India for both cultural and emotional reasons.
Updated : May 7, 2026

Maharashtra simplifies will registration for ₹100, but can families afford to ignore wills?

According to registration department officials, wills can be registered at any time after execution and are exempt from the four-month statutory deadline applicable to many other property-related documents.

One of the biggest changes under NPS Swasthya is improved liquidity for medical emergencies. Subscribers may be allowed to withdraw up to 25% of their eligible contributions for healthcare expenses.
Updated : May 7, 2026

BT Explainer: What is NPS Swasthya and what does it promise investors?

NPS Swasthya could redefine retirement planning in India by merging pension investing with healthcare security under one framework. The initiative is being developed to help investors avoid exhausting retirement savings during medical emergencies.

MOAMC can now establish a separate pension fund entity that will manage NPS contributions and pension assets in accordance with the PFRDA Act, 2013.
Updated : May 7, 2026

Motilal Oswal AMC gets PFRDA approval to sponsor pension fund under NPS

According to the company, MOAMC will now undertake the remaining regulatory formalities, including obtaining the certificate of registration and executing agreements with the NPS Trust and other intermediaries before commencing full-scale pension fund operations.

Government-backed schemes continue to be the cornerstone of senior citizen portfolios.
Updated : May 6, 2026

Where should senior citizens invest in May 2026? 

With rising inflation and longer life expectancy, senior citizens need a balanced investment strategy in 2026. The focus is shifting towards stable income, capital protection, and limited growth to sustain retirement.

While drafting a will is legally straightforward, the emotional weight behind it is significant. Families choose short-term comfort over long-term clarity, postponing decisions that could prevent disputes later.
Updated : May 5, 2026

Why Indian families still avoid writing wills despite rising wealth, organised investment

Despite rising financial awareness and growing household wealth, most Indian families still avoid writing wills. Experts say cultural discomfort, emotional complexity, and lack of open conversations are key barriers to estate planning.

Unlike market-linked instruments, annuities offer fixed payouts irrespective of market volatility or interest rate movements.
Updated : May 5, 2026

NPS exit planning: How to choose the best annuity amid tax, inflation and return trade-offs

With NPS offering greater flexibility at exit, choosing the right annuity has become a critical retirement decision. Experts say investors must evaluate tax impact, payout options, and long-term income stability before locking in.

For the same ₹2 lakh monthly expense today, a controlled lifestyle inflation scenario could result in a retirement requirement in the ₹9–15 crore range.
Updated : May 2, 2026

₹40 crore or ₹9 crore? Experts decode the real retirement number for Indians

A ₹40 crore retirement target has sparked debate among investors, but experts say the number depends heavily on inflation and lifestyle assumptions. Here’s how two contrasting views break down what you may actually need.

While insurance schemes like PMSBY and PMJJBY have fixed, highly affordable premiums, pension schemes such as APY and PM-SYM follow a contributory model.
Updated : May 2, 2026

Are you missing out on these govt pension, insurance schemes costing you under ₹500 a year?

The Central government offers some of the world’s most affordable pension and insurance schemes, yet many eligible citizens remain unenrolled. From ₹20 accident cover to ₹5 lakh health insurance, these government-backed plans can significantly strengthen your financial safety net.

PFRDA has clarified that AMC for Tier II accounts will now be aligned with Tier I accounts within the same sector—government or private.
Updated : May 1, 2026

NPS charge structure updated: What changes for pension subscribers from July 2026

The changes primarily focus on annual maintenance charges (AMC), dormant account fees, and PRAN-related costs, with the regulator aiming to bring uniformity across Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs).

While ₹40 crore appears daunting, the number becomes more manageable when viewed through the lens of compounding.
Updated : May 1, 2026

Need ₹40 crore to retire in India? Here’s the math behind the big number

A ₹40 crore retirement corpus may sound excessive, but for urban Indians, rising inflation and longer lifespans are changing the math. Experts say what looks like an intimidating number today is largely a function of compounding, lifestyle costs, and time.

EPFO is introducing major updates so that there is faster service, tighter compliance, and stronger retirement support.
Updated : Apr 30, 2026

EPFO big changes: Pension hike, E-PRAAPTI portal, Form 121 — What PF subscribers should know

EPFO is set to introduce key reforms, including a new portal to track dormant accounts and a simplified Form 121 for TDS compliance. At the same time, a proposal to raise EPS pensions is under active consideration. These changes reflect a broader push toward digitisation, efficiency, and stronger retirement security.

The eligibility criteria have also been relaxed considerably. Employees can now withdraw from their PF after just 12 months of service, compared to the earlier requirement of 5-7 years in many cases.
Updated : Apr 26, 2026

EPFO 3.0 makes PF withdrawals easier, but experts warn it could be a disaster — here’s why

EPFO 3.0 has made PF withdrawals faster and more flexible, lowering eligibility barriers and simplifying rules. But experts warn that easier access could weaken retirement discipline and reduce long-term savings.

APY is no longer just a welfare scheme, it is becoming a critical pillar of India’s long-term social security architecture, particularly for financially vulnerable segments.
Updated : Apr 24, 2026

Atal Pension Yojana crosses 9 crore subscribers; FY26 sees record 1.35 crore additions

The Atal Pension Yojana, administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), has surpassed 9 crore total gross enrolments as of April 21, 2026, reflecting its expanding reach across India’s unorganised workforce. Notably, FY26 alone saw over 1.35 crore new subscribers, the highest annual enrolment since the scheme’s launch.

For retirees and homemakers, the homestay model offers a unique combination of low entry barriers and recurring income potential.
Updated : Apr 21, 2026

Turn spare rooms into income: How India’s homestay schemes are creating passive income

If you have a vacant room at home, it could be more than just unused space — it could become a steady income stream. India’s Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Homestay schemes are quietly emerging as a low-investment opportunity. Experts say retirees and homemakers are particularly well-positioned to benefit from this model.

This mix aims to balance growth, income, and risk — helping retirees keep pace with inflation while maintaining financial security. 
Updated : Apr 14, 2026

The ₹10 crore myth: Here's how inflation and taxes can derail your FD retirement plan 

As economies mature, fixed deposit returns tend to fall. A financial advisor suggests that FD rates in India could realistically drop to around 4% over the next decade. 

Under the new labour code, fixed-term employees, those hired for a specific duration, can now qualify for gratuity after just one year of service.
Updated : Apr 10, 2026

New gratuity rules explained: What changes mean for you and your retirement benefits

Gratuity rules in India have changed, and they could directly impact how much you receive when you leave a job. While the 5-year rule still applies for many, some employees can now qualify in just one year. Here’s what these changes mean for you, your salary, and your long-term benefits.

A key feature of NPS Swasthya is improved liquidity for medical needs, which is an area where traditional pension systems remain restrictive.
Updated : Apr 9, 2026

Pension meets healthcare: Why NPS Swasthya feels like a timely shift for retirees

PFRDA has launched the second proof of concept (PoC) of the initiative, positioning it as a multi-partner ecosystem. The framework brings together pension fund managers, insurers, and digital service providers to offer a seamless and tech-enabled solution.

NPS has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by increasing awareness around retirement planning, tax incentives, and the shift towards market-linked pension products.
Updated : Apr 8, 2026

PPFAS AMC gets PFRDA nod to manage NPS funds, expands into retirement segment

Neil Parag Parikh, Chairman and CEO of PPFAS Asset Management, said: “Managing retirement savings is a significant responsibility, and we are committed to handling it with care, discipline, and a long-term approach. Our focus will remain on safeguarding investors’ interests while delivering consistent performance.”