Jammu and Kashmir Allows Employees to Switch to Old Pension Scheme

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has opened a one-time window for eligible government employees to transition from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), also known as the Defined Pension Scheme. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers on September 10, 2026, and formally issued by the Finance Department via Government Order No. 305-F of 2026 on September 28, 2026.

Eligibility is limited to employees appointed to posts that were advertised or notified before December 24, 2009, but who officially joined government service on or after January 1, 2010. This measure addresses recruitment timing issues and mirrors a similar 2023 initiative by the Indian central government. Eligible staff must submit their requests through their Drawing and Disbursing Officer by December 28, 2026.

The transition is irreversible. Once the switch is approved, NPS accounts will be closed, and contributions will be adjusted into the General Provident Fund. The government has mandated that the transition process be completed within 120 days. Employees who do not exercise this option by the deadline will remain under NPS coverage.

The All India NPS Employees Federation welcomed the decision, arguing that appointments made against old advertisements should be governed by the rules that existed at the time of the advertisement.