NPS Goes Digital: Open Your Account for ₹200?

PFRDA has launched a new digital platform called StAR NPS that lets you open and manage your National Pension System account fully online, with e-KYC and instant PRAN generation, for just ₹200 as the onboarding charge.

Here's what happened: PFRDA launched StAR NPS, a digital onboarding platform allowing Points of Presence to register NPS subscribers fully online with e-KYC verification.. The platform enables instant PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) generation and accepts contributions digitally — no paperwork or branch visits needed.. A flat onboarding charge of ₹200 applies; all existing NPS rules, contribution limits, and tax benefits remain unchanged under this new system..

What you should do: Check if your employer, bank, or registered PoP has activated the StAR NPS platform — ask HR or your bank's NPS desk directly.. If you haven't opened an NPS account yet, use this digital route to get your PRAN instantly without visiting a branch or submitting physical forms.. Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active and your PAN ready — e-KYC on StAR NPS will require both for seamless verification..

NPS contributions to Tier I qualify for an extra ₹50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B), over and above the ₹1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C — most salaried Indians miss this tax-saving window entirely.