SRINAGAR, Sep 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a one-time option for eligible employees covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) to switch to the Defined Pension Scheme, commonly known as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The decision was issued by the Finance Department through Government Order No. 305-F of 2026 on September 28, following approval by the Council of Ministers on September 10.
The option will apply to employees who were appointed against posts or vacancies advertised or notified before the introduction of the NPS under SRO-400 dated December 24, 2009, but who joined government service on or after January 1, 2010 and were subsequently brought under the NPS.
According to the order, the decision follows representations received from J&K government employees and consideration of the matter in light of Government of India instructions concerning similar cases.
Eligible employees will have one opportunity to exercise the option for coverage under the OPS. The option must be submitted within three months from the date of issuance of the government order and, once exercised, will be final.
Employees who qualify but fail to exercise the option within the prescribed period will continue to remain covered under the NPS.
Applications by December 28
The prescribed application form specifies that eligible employees must submit their option on or before December 28, 2026, through the proper channel.
Employees will have to submit the form to their respective Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), who will forward it through the concerned administrative authorities for scrutiny and further action.
The application requires details including the employee’s name, date of birth, CPIS and PRAN numbers, date of joining government service, department and office, recruitment notification, selection list, appointment order, post of appointment and present post.
Applicants will also have to attach supporting documents, including copies of the relevant recruitment advertisement or notification, selection list, appointment order, PRAN card and service book, duly attested by the DDO.
NPS Accounts to Be Closed for Approved Cases
Once an employee is brought under the OPS, the concerned NPS account will be closed from the first day of the month following the month in which the order for OPS coverage is issued.
Such employees will thereafter be required to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (GPF).
The government has also prescribed a mechanism for adjustment of the accumulated amount in the NPS account, covering the employee’s contribution, government contribution and the increase in value arising from investment appreciation.
The Finance Department has directed that the entire process, from exercise of the option to closure of the NPS account, be completed within 120 days from the date of issuance of the order by the concerned administrative department.
