This notification sends a powerful message that the government is unwilling to back down on social security. The primary reason for this is the difficult service conditions. IAS and IPS officers often work in risky areas. The government wants these officers, working under challenging circumstances, to be assured that their families will receive guaranteed financial security through the old pension scheme in their absence.

The old pension scheme (OPS) guarantees a pension of 50% of the last salary drawn and also increases dearness allowance (DA). (Representative image)

Is the door to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) completely closed for officers who joined government service after 2004 ? If you think so, wait!

The latest gazette notification of the Central Government has shared such information which is no less than 'Sanjeevani' for lakhs of government employees and officers.

According to the new rules issued on April 22, 2026, the option of the old pension (OPS) remains available even during the NPS era. The government has issued a formal 'Form 1' for this purpose.

Under what circumstances and how will officers appointed after 2004 also receive the benefits of the old pension? Let's understand this rule.

How to get 'Old Pension System' (OPS) between NPS and NPS? Understand this first.

• Big revelation: Under Rule 10, NPS employees can also avail the benefits of the old pension rules of 1958.
• Choice of option: Employees will have to choose between NPS or old pension (in case of death/illness) at the time of joining itself.
• Form 1: This is the 'magic form' which will make your family eligible for old pension in future.
• Default Rule: Even if the employee forgets to choose the option, the government will keep him under the 'old pension' scheme for the first 15 years.
• Who will benefit: This rule has been notified for IAS, IPS and IFS officers, but it forms the basis for central services.

1. Can people recruited after 2004 get OPS?

Answer: Technically, yes. According to Rule 10 of the new gazette, if an officer dies while in service or retires due to physical/mental illness (invalidation), he or his family has been given the right to opt for the old pension (OPS).

2. What does the employee have to do for this?

Answer: Every officer must fill out Form 1 upon joining the service. This form will specify whether, in the event of an unforeseen event, you want the NPS corpus or the "old family pension" as per the 1958 rules.

3. What happens if I don't choose any option?

Answer: The government has provided significant relief here. If an officer fails to exercise the option and dies within the first 15 years of service, they will be given the default Old Pension Scheme (OPS). After 15 years, the NPS will become effective.

4. Can OPS be availed even after retirement?

Answer: No, NPS will continue to apply to normal retirement (Superannuation). This special 'OPS option' is only for cases of death in service or serious illness/disability (invalidation).

5. What is the difference between the benefits of old pension and NPS?

Answer: The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) guarantees a pension of 50% of the last salary and also provides an increase in dearness allowance (DA). Whereas, NPS is dependent on market returns. Therefore, the government has kept the OPS open as a safety net in the event of death or disability.

New Mathematics of Pension Rules (AIS Rules 2026)

Work: What does this mean to you?

This notification sends a powerful message that the government is not willing to back down on the social security front. For the post-2004 batch, the biggest concern was what would happen to their families if something happened to them. Now:

1. Your family will not be dependent on market fluctuations (NPS).
2. The certainty of the old pension is a great mental relief.
3. Warning: Ensure your selected option (Form 1) is updated in your Service Record, otherwise legal complications may arise at the time of claim.

Why did the government give this option?

The main reason for this is the "tough service conditions." IAS and IPS officers often work in risky areas. The government wants these officers, working under challenging circumstances, to have the assurance that their families will receive guaranteed financial security through the "old pension" scheme in their absence.

Important questions related to the article (FAQs)

Q1 Is this rule applicable to other central government employees (like railways or banks) as well?

This particular notification is for AIS (IAS/IPS/IFS), but generally such rules of DoPT are adopted as model for other central civil services in future.

Q2 Can I change my option later?

Yes, as per the rules, you can revise your option any number of times before retirement.

Q3 What happens if the officer is dismissed?

In such cases, the old pension will not be paid. The corpus deposited in the NPS account will be paid to the individual. However, this payment will be made under the "Exit before superannuation" rules. This means that the individual will receive a lump sum and the remaining portion will be used as an annuity, as stipulated in PFRDA regulations.

Q4 Will pension be taxed?

'Family pension' received under the old pension rules is exempted as per the current income tax rules.

Q5 What is Form-2?

In Form-1 you select the 'type' of pension, and in Form-2 you provide the 'details of your family' who are to benefit.