Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Contribution Chart, Pension Slabs, and How to Enrol
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-guaranteed pension scheme aimed at workers in the unorganised sector — the crores of Indians without a formal pension. You contribute a small amount every month while working, and from age 60 you receive a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 for life, backed by the Government of India.
The single most important rule: the earlier you join, the less you pay for the same pension.
What you get
- A guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000, ₹2,000, ₹3,000, ₹4,000, or ₹5,000 — you choose the slab
- The pension is paid from age 60 for life
- After your death, your spouse continues to receive the same pension
- After both, the accumulated corpus is returned to your nominee
- The guarantee is backed by the Government of India
Who can join
- Any Indian citizen aged 18 to 40 with a savings bank or post-office account
- One hard exclusion: anyone who is or has been an income-tax payer cannot join — a rule in force since 1 October 2022
Because contributions run until age 60, joining at 18 means up to 42 years of small contributions, while joining at 40 means just 20 years — which is why the monthly amount differs so much by age.
How much you contribute (indicative chart)
Your monthly contribution depends on the pension you choose and the age you join. The younger you start, the smaller the contribution:
| Joining age | For ₹1,000 pension | For ₹5,000 pension |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | about ₹42 / month | about ₹210 / month |
| 30 | about ₹116 / month | about ₹577 / month |
| 40 | about ₹291 / month | about ₹1,454 / month |
These figures are indicative. Confirm the exact amount for your age and chosen slab using the official APY calculator before enrolling.
How to enrol, step by step
Step 1: Use your savings bank or post office account
Enrol through the bank or post office where you hold your savings account. Almost every bank offers APY.
Step 2: Fill the APY form (or use net banking)
Submit the APY registration form, or — at most banks — enrol in a few minutes through net banking or the bank's mobile app.
Step 3: Provide Aadhaar and mobile number
Keep your Aadhaar card, savings account details, and mobile number ready for registration.
Step 4: Set up auto-debit
Contributions are auto-debited monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly. Just keep enough balance in the account on the due date.
Documents you need
- Aadhaar card
- Savings bank or post-office account details
- Mobile number
Frequently asked questions
Can I increase or decrease my pension slab later? Yes. APY allows you to upgrade or downgrade the pension amount once a year, adjusting your contribution accordingly.
What if I miss a contribution? Missed contributions attract a small penalty and are recovered with the next auto-debit. Prolonged default can lead to account freezing, so keep the account funded.
I pay income tax — can I still join? No. Since 1 October 2022, income-tax payers are not eligible. If you join and are later found to be a taxpayer, the account is closed and your contributions are returned.
What happens if I die before 60? Your spouse can either continue the account or take the accumulated amount. Detailed options apply — your bank can explain them.
Is the pension really guaranteed? Yes. The minimum pension is guaranteed by the Government of India; if returns fall short, the government makes up the difference.
Check what else you may qualify for
Planning for retirement is one piece — there may be other schemes that fit you now. Use our eligibility checker, and see the full Atal Pension Yojana scheme page for official source links and contacts.
Contribution amounts and rules can change. Confirm the current figures with your bank or on the official APY / jansuraksha.gov.in portal before enrolling.