Updated: 25-07-2025 at 5:30 PM
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The National Pension System (NPS) represents an investment choice with high trust among Indian retirees since it offers both security and favourable returns for retirement planning needs. The selection of a suitable National Pension System scheme by investors determines how their long-term wealth will grow because of its many investment options and fund managers. This article examines the top NPS schemes of 2025, along with their return patterns and provides important selection criteria for building retirement security.
In this article, you will get the detailed information about the NPS Registration, National Pension Scheme Calculator, best performing NPS schemes, and much more.
The Ministry of Finance has extended all of the NPS tax benefits to the new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) and aligned the tax treatment, making choosing between the two equally attractive.
Deadline extended: The cut-off date for central government employees to opt for NPS or to opt into UPS has been extended to September 30, 2025 from June 30, 2025, which provides more time to make their choices.
Retiree NPS members (on or before 31 Mar 2025) and spouses can now access UPS benefits if the claim was submitted by 30 June 2025; this included lump‑sum benefits and monthly top-ups.
The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) stated that employees who retired just before their scheduled dates for increment were able to earn notional increments to their pension calculations, based on the February 2025 Supreme Court ruling.
The table showcases the key insights of the best-performing NPS Schemes in India, with their fund type, Investment focus, risk profile, suitability and much more.
Fund Type | Investment Focus | Risk Profile | Suitable For |
---|---|---|---|
Equity Fund (E) | Up to 75% in equity | High | Young investors seeking high returns |
Corporate Bond Fund (C) | Corporate debt instruments | Moderate | Mid-career individuals |
Government Securities Fund (G) | Government bonds | Low | Conservative investors nearing retirement |
Alternative Investment Fund (A) | Infrastructure, REITs, AIFs | High | High net worth individuals |
Under the supervision of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) operates, the National Pension System (NPS) operates as an optional programme for long-term retirement savings. Through systematic investments, people can choose between Equity and Government Bonds and Corporate Bonds, and Alternatives to create retirement savings. Investors who retire can take a lump sum distribution, followed by allocating their remaining funds to purchase an annuity plan.
Here’s a detailed look at the top National Pension Scheme Tier-I fund managers and their returns as of April 2025:
Pension Fund Manager | Fund Type | 1-Year Return | 3-Year Return (CAGR) | 5-Year Return (CAGR) | Since Inception |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HDFC Pension Fund | Equity | 29.7% | 16.5% | 14.8% | 14.5% |
ICICI Prudential Pension Fund | Corporate Bond | 9.2% | 8.6% | 8.9% | 9.1% |
LIC Pension Fund | Government Securities | 7.5% | 7.0% | 7.2% | 7.3% |
SBI Pension Fund | Corporate Bond | 9.5% | 8.9% | 9.0% | 9.3% |
Kotak Pension Fund | Equity | 28.5% | 16.0% | 14.3% | 14.2% |
UTI Retirement Solutions | Government Securities | 7.4% | 7.2% | 7.3% | 7.1% |
Note: Returns are subject to market risk. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.
Also Read: Delving Into The Differences Between OPS, NPS, & The New UPS
Tier-II NPS accounts offer flexible withdrawals without tax benefits. Here's a glance at Tier-II top performers:
Pension Fund Manager | Fund Type | 1-Year Return | 3-Year Return (CAGR) | 5-Year Return (CAGR) |
---|---|---|---|---|
HDFC Pension Fund | Equity | 30.2% | 17.1% | 15.0% |
ICICI Prudential Pension Fund | Corporate Bond | 9.0% | 8.7% | 9.1% |
SBI Pension Fund | Government Securities | 7.2% | 7.0% | 7.1% |
For NPS registration or scheme selection, you need to consider these important points.
Age and Risk Appetite: The investment strategy based on age should include younger people allocating money to equity, while older individuals should move into debt instruments.
Fund Manager Track Record: A reliable indicator to select an NPS scheme consists of a fund manager who demonstrates steady return performance over multiple periods.
Asset Allocation Strategy: Users should select an asset allocation strategy through Auto-choice (Life Cycle Funds) or Active Choice according to their financial needs.
Fees: The New Pension System maintains low costs because its fund management fees are currently limited to 0.09% annually.
Investment Horizon: A longer investment period provides two advantages by increasing the compound effect while decreasing exposure to market fluctuations.
In recent years, NPS has undergone major changes and updates, such as Tax benefits, increased equity exposure and much more:-
E-E-E Tax Benefit: The National Pension Scheme provides tax-exempt benefits with E-E-E status, which enables partial taxpayer freedom for withdrawals.
Increased Equity Exposure: Investors under Active Choice have the option to invest their funds in equity instruments at levels reaching 75% before age 50.
Partial Withdrawals: Across the first three years of the NPS, the subscriber may request withdrawals amounting to 25% for essential needs, including education, marriage or purchasing real estate.
Also Read: Now NPS Employees Can Opt For Unified Pension Scheme 2025
The National Pension System serves as an appealing financial vehicle which helps individuals develop retirement funds while achieving retirement security. A strategic combination of choosing smart fund managers with proper asset allocation plans allows you to achieve maximum returns along with manageable risk levels. Check investment performance often to modify your portfolio when personal objectives change. Proper investment discipline will transform the NPS into your main retirement financial support mechanism.
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