The Government of India has introduced a new subscriber registration form for the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), effective from October 1, 2025. From this date onwards, only the revised application form will be accepted for new registrations. The old form has been discontinued and will no longer be valid after September 30, 2025.
This change aims to make the registration process simpler, more transparent, and in line with updated regulatory requirements. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued new guidelines to bring uniformity and clarity to the scheme.
Major Changes Introduced in the New APY Form
The new Atal Pension Yojana registration form comes with three significant updates designed to improve compliance and transparency.
1. Changes as per PFRDA Guidelines
The modifications in the new form follow the latest guidelines issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). These guidelines ensure that all subscriber information is accurate and verifiable at the time of registration.
2. FATCA/CRS Declaration Made Mandatory
The FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and CRS (Common Reporting Standard) declaration section has now been made mandatory. This addition helps determine whether the applicant is a foreign citizen or a tax resident of another country. The move ensures that only eligible Indian residents benefit from the scheme and strengthens compliance with global tax reporting norms.
3. Eligibility Restricted to Indian Residents through Post Office Accounts
According to the new rule, only Indian residents can open APY accounts through post offices, as these accounts are directly linked with postal savings accounts. This helps streamline the verification process and prevents misuse by non-residents.
In addition, the new form has been redesigned to meet the technical and operational requirements of NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited), making the registration process easier and more transparent for subscribers.
A Social Security Scheme for the Unorganised Sector
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-backed pension scheme launched to provide financial security to workers in the unorganised sector, such as daily wage earners, small vendors, drivers, and labourers. The scheme guarantees a monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the subscriber reaches the age of 60 years, depending on the contribution amount and the duration of investment.
The primary goal of APY is to ensure that no worker in the informal sector is left without a pension or retirement benefit in their old age.
Who Can Join the Atal Pension Yojana?
Anyone between the age of 18 and 40 years can enroll in the Atal Pension Yojana. The amount of monthly contribution depends on the age at the time of joining and the desired pension amount after retirement.
- If a person joins at age 18, they will need to contribute between ₹42 and ₹210 per month, depending on their chosen pension slab.
- If a person joins at age 40, the contribution will range from ₹291 to ₹1,454 per month.
The earlier a subscriber joins, the lower their monthly contribution and the higher their long-term benefit.
Flexible Contribution Options for Subscribers
To make participation easier, the Atal Pension Yojana offers flexible payment options. Subscribers can choose to make contributions on a monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly basis. The contribution amount is auto-debited from the subscriber’s savings or postal account, ensuring regular and hassle-free payments.
This auto-debit feature reduces the risk of missed payments and ensures that the pension account remains active throughout the contribution period.
Not Available for Income Taxpayers
As per the updated rules introduced by the government on October 1, 2022, the Atal Pension Yojana is not available to income taxpayers. This means that any individual who pays income tax cannot open a new APY account. The restriction ensures that the benefits of this social welfare scheme reach the low-income and economically weaker sections who need pension support the most.
If a subscriber becomes an income taxpayer after joining the scheme, their APY account may be reviewed or closed as per the latest regulatory provisions.
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Why the New Form Matters
The introduction of the new Atal Pension Yojana registration form represents an important step towards better governance and digital compliance. With the inclusion of FATCA/CRS details and PFRDA-aligned documentation, the government aims to make APY more transparent, accountable, and aligned with international standards.
Furthermore, this update simplifies the registration process for rural and semi-urban citizens applying through post offices and banks, ensuring a more efficient verification and processing system.
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Conclusion
The new Atal Pension Yojana (APY) form, effective from October 1, 2025, is a positive step toward improving the accessibility and reliability of one of India’s most important social security schemes. By restricting eligibility to genuine Indian residents and making FATCA/CRS declarations mandatory, the government aims to make the system more transparent and secure.
For millions of workers in the unorganised sector, the Atal Pension Yojana continues to serve as a reliable safety net, offering a guaranteed pension and financial stability after retirement — ensuring that every hardworking citizen can look forward to a secure and dignified old age.
