The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has introduced a new and convenient way for subscribers to contribute to the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana using UPI. This initiative aims to simplify the payment process and encourage more people to make timely pension contributions without depending only on traditional banking methods like NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS.

Until now, voluntary deposits under the Direct Remittance (D-Remit) facility were mainly processed through bank transfers. With the launch of a dedicated UPI handle, subscribers can now use their preferred UPI apps to make payments quickly and securely. This digital option not only saves time but also supports same-day investment benefits when payments are made within the specified time window.

Below is a detailed explanation of how the system works, important points to remember, and a step-by-step guide to creating a Virtual Account Number and contributing via UPI.

What Is the D-Remit UPI Facility?

D-Remit is a feature that allows NPS and Atal Pension Yojana subscribers to make direct contributions to their pension accounts. The newly introduced UPI handle makes the process more accessible by enabling instant digital payments.

The official UPI format for remittance is:
PFRDA.15digitVirtualAccount@axisbank

Subscribers must use this format along with their unique Virtual Account Number while making payments.

Difference Between Virtual Account Number and PRAN

It is important to understand that the D-Remit Virtual Account Number is not the same as the Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).

• The Virtual Account Number usually begins with 6001 or 6002.

• Separate Virtual Account Numbers are issued for Tier I and Tier II accounts.

• PRAN remains your main pension account identifier, while the Virtual Account Number is only for payment and remittance purposes.

Minimum Contribution Amount

According to the guidelines, the minimum contribution amount through UPI is ₹500. Any amount below this limit will be rejected and returned by the Trustee Bank. This ensures that only valid transactions are processed for pension investments.

Same-Day Investment Rule

One of the key benefits of the D-Remit system is same-day investment:

• Payments received by the Trustee Bank before 9:30 AM are treated as same-day investments.

• Payments made after this time are considered for investment on the next working day as per official rules.

This feature helps subscribers benefit from timely Net Asset Value (NAV) allocation.

Benefits of Using UPI for NPS Contributions

• Faster and more convenient payment method

• Option to set up automatic periodic payments (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly)

• Flexibility to change contribution amounts or pause auto-debit

• Reduced dependency on physical bank visits

• Real-time confirmation of transactions

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Virtual Account Number and Pay via UPI

Step 1: Visit the Official eNPS Portal
Go to the CRA system website for D-Remit registration.

Step 2: Verify Your PRAN Details
Enter your PRAN and other required information for verification.

Step 3: Generate Virtual Account Number
Click on the option to generate a Virtual Account. A request will be sent to the Trustee Bank, and an acknowledgment number will be displayed. Separate Virtual Account Numbers are generated for Tier I and Tier II.

Step 4: Enter OTP for Authentication
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number or email ID. Enter it to confirm your request.

Step 5: Select Account Type
Choose whether the Virtual Account is for Tier I or Tier II contributions.

Step 6: Use the UPI Handle for Payment
Open your UPI app and enter the payment address in this format:
PFRDA.15digitVirtualAccount@axisbank

Step 7: Complete the Payment
Enter the desired amount (minimum ₹500), verify the details, and complete the transaction.

That’s it—your contribution will be credited to your NPS or Atal Pension Yojana account.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Always double-check the Virtual Account Number before sending money.

• Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and UPI for smooth authentication.

• Keep transaction receipts or screenshots for future reference.

• Use the correct Tier account while generating the Virtual Account.

• Make payments before 9:30 AM if you want same-day investment benefits.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of UPI payments for NPS and Atal Pension Yojana contributions marks an important step toward making pension savings more user-friendly and digitally accessible. With this facility, subscribers can invest anytime, track their payments easily, and manage their pension accounts without complex banking procedures.

By combining flexibility, speed, and transparency, this new system strengthens India’s digital financial ecosystem and encourages more citizens to secure their retirement through regular contributions. For anyone enrolled in NPS or Atal Pension Yojana, using UPI is now one of the simplest and smartest ways to stay consistent with long-term savings goals.