StAR NPS Launches: Open Your Pension in 3 Steps

PFRDA has launched StAR NPS, a fully digital platform to join the National Pension System online. No paperwork, faster enrolment, and easier contributions — here is what salaried and self-employed Indians need to know.

Here's what happened: PFRDA launched StAR NPS, a digital onboarding platform that lets individuals join the National Pension System entirely online without physical paperwork.. The platform streamlines both new enrolment and ongoing contributions, reducing friction that previously made NPS sign-up slow and branch-dependent.. Charges apply for digital onboarding — point-of-presence service providers levy fees at account opening and for each subsequent transaction or contribution..

What you should do: Visit the official NPS Trust or NSDL CRA website to begin your StAR NPS digital enrolment using your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details.. Compare the digital onboarding charges (PoP fees) across registered service providers before you finalise — fees vary and compound over years.. If you are salaried, ask your HR or payroll team whether your employer is already a registered PoP so you skip the charges via corporate NPS..

Choosing Tier-I NPS gives you a tax deduction of up to ₹2 lakh per year (₹1.5L under 80C + ₹50K extra under 80CCD(1B)) — the ₹50K deduction is available to NO other instrument.