NPS Vatsalya Scheme Key Features & Benefits

In the Union Budget speech for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new scheme for minors, NPS Vatsalya. This new initiative allows parents and guardians to contribute to NPS on behalf of their children to help secure their future. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the NPS Vatsalya scheme details, including how to open an NPS Vatsalya account and NPS Vatsalya tax benefits.

In the Union Budget speech for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a new scheme for minors, NPS Vatsalya. This new initiative allows parents and guardians to contribute to NPS on behalf of their children to...
In the Union Budget speech for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a...
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What is NPS Vatsalya Scheme?

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme proposed in Budget 2024 is a new pension scheme that facilitates savings for children's futures. With this scheme, parents and guardians can set up an NPS account for their children and make regular monthly or yearly contributions until they turn 18. Once the child reaches adulthood, the account can easily be converted into a standard NPS account.

How Does the NPS Vatsalya Scheme Work?

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme is designed to help parents secure their child’s future as easily as possible. This is how it works:

  • Parents or guardians can open an NPS Vatsalya account for their child.
  • You can begin saving with just ₹1,000 annually, and there is no cap. 
  • The funds you contribute are invested in market-linked funds regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), so they may increase over time.
  • You can choose how your funds are invested: opt for an Active, Auto, or Moderate investment plan. 

When your child reaches 18, the account will automatically convert into a regular NPS account. From there, they can:

  • Continue contributing on their own.
  • Invest the money for retirement by purchasing an annuity or
  • Withdraw the funds according to NPS regulations. 

Key Features of the NPS Vatsalya Scheme

Here's what makes the NPS Vatsalya Scheme an excellent option for early planning:

  • Scheme Designed for Minors: Parents/legal guardians can create an NPS account for a child (aged below 18 years).
  • Low Minimum Contribution: Invest as low as ₹1,000 a year. 
  • Market-Linked Growth: The money is invested in PFRDA-regulated funds. 
  • Flexible Investment Choices: Select from Active, Auto, or Moderate investment options per your risk appetite.
  • Easy Transition at 18: On reaching 18 years of age, the account automatically converts to a regular NPS account. 
  • Tax Advantage: Avail tax deductions on the contributions under Section 80CCD, just like a regular NPS account.
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Why Join NPS-Vatsalya?

Here are a few NPS Vatsalya benefits that make this new initiative a smart and practical choice for parents.

Protection Against Uncertainty

With the NPS Vatsalya Yojana, you can ensure your child's financial future doesn't hit a roadblock, regardless. After all, it's a government scheme, so your money is safe. 

Easy Account Conversion

When your child turns 18, their NPS Vatsalya account can easily be converted into a standard NPS account, which they can keep for their entire life to build a solid retirement fund.

Benefits of Compound Interest

As the account opens when your child is still young, even small, regular contributions can add up meaningfully due to the benefits of compound interest.

Long-Term Growth

Since the account is set up while your child is still a minor, it can save up substantially by the time they retire.

Early Savings Habits

It encourages children to develop good habits related to saving money early in life. 

Financial Responsibility

It helps instil a sense of financial responsibility and promotes the importance of saving as they transition into adulthood.

Eligibility Criteria for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme

This NPS scheme is open to all parents and guardians, including Indian citizens, NRIs, and OCIs. So, to secure your child's future, you can use this scheme no matter where you're based.

The Central Government will likely offer a way to apply for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme through the official eNPS website. Keep an eye on the site for more details on how to get started.

How to Open NPS Vatsalya?

You can open an NPS Vatsalya account online through the enps website or by visiting a bank.

How to Open an NPS Vatsalya Account Online?

  • Go to the NPS Trust website and click “Open NPS Vatsalya.”
  • Choose a CRA (Central Record-keeping Agency).
  • Fill in the details of the child and the parent/guardian.
  • Complete KYC using Aadhaar or by uploading scanned documents.
  • Enter investment preferences and basic FATCA details.
  • Make the first payment (minimum ₹1,000).
  • Once the payment is successful, you'll get a PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number).

How to Open an NPS Vatsalya Account Offline?

  • Visit a Point of Presence (PoP) like a bank or registered service provider.
  • Ask for the NPS Vatsalya registration form.
  • Fill out the form and submit it with the required documents.
  • Make the first payment at the PoP (minimum ₹1,000).

​​​Documents Required for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme

To open an NPS Vatsalya account, you’ll need to keep a few basic documents ready:

Proof of the child’s date of birth

This can be a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any official document that mentions the date of birth.

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Guardian's KYC documents

This can be a valid identity such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, or voter ID.

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Address Proof of the guardian

This can be Aadhaar, a driving license, a passport, a voter ID, etc. 

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Securing Your Family’s Future with the Right Life Insurance Plan

Life insurance is a cornerstone of financial planning, providing critical support to your loved ones during challenging times. To find the best plan suited to your needs, you can use a life insurance premium calculator. This tool allows you to compare policies, calculate premiums, and make informed decisions based on your budget and coverage requirements.

For parents looking for comprehensive coverage, a term insurance plan in India is an excellent choice. Plans offering a high sum assured—such as a term insurance plan for 1 crore—can secure your child’s future, even in your absence. Knowing your loved ones are secure with substantial life coverage such as 1 crore gives you immense peace of mind. 

Conclusion 

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme is a new initiative by the government to help parents secure their child’s financial future right from childhood. With flexible contributions, tax advantages, and market-linked returns, it's a sensible approach to building long-term savings. Explore NPS Vatsalya details and open an NPS Vatsalya account today to start planning financially for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about the NPS Vatsalya scheme. 

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme is a government scheme for parents to create a retirement savings account for their minor children. For complete NPS Vatsalya details, visit the NPS Trust website. 

You can apply either online via the eNPS portal or offline at a Point of Presence (PoP) like a bank.

Go to the eNPS site, select a CRA, provide details, upload KYC, and make a first payment. To open NPS Vatsalya account is an easy process. 

It's a government initiative under NPS, accessible through multiple banks acting as Points of Presence (PoPs). 

It is regulated by PFRDA under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

The goal is to promote early retirement savings for children through investment by guardians on their behalf. Use the NPS Vatsalya scheme calculator to know possible returns.

Money can be withdrawn after the child is 18 years old and the account is converted to a standard NPS account. 

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content, and before making any insurance-related decisions. For full disclaimer kindly click https://www.acko.com/life/disclaimer/

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Written by Neviya Laishram

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A senior editor with years of expertise, she fine-tunes content that connects, converts, and builds trust. She transforms heavy life insurance concepts into clear, aha-moment reads. Writing is her passion, and thinking ahead is second nature. When not wrangling words, she’s crushing game levels because every challenge is a puzzle waiting to be solved.

NPS Vatsalya Scheme: Key Features, Benefits & How to Apply