Before You Apply: Eligibility Checklist

Before starting your Atal Pension Yojana (APY) application, confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements. Missing even one criterion will prevent successful enrolment.

  • ✅ You are an Indian citizen
  • ✅ Your age is between 18 and 40 years
  • ✅ You have an active savings bank account (including a Jan Dhan account)
  • ✅ Your Aadhaar number is linked to your bank account
  • ✅ You have a mobile number registered with your bank
  • ✅ You are not an income tax payer (income tax payers are ineligible as of October 2022)
  • ✅ You do not already have an existing APY account

Documents Required

  • Aadhaar card (mandatory for identity and KYC)
  • Savings bank account passbook or account details
  • Mobile number linked to the bank account
  • Nominee details (name, relationship, date of birth)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Method 1: Applying at Your Bank Branch (Offline)

  1. Visit your bank branch where your savings account is held. APY is available at almost all nationalised and major private banks.
  2. Request the APY registration form from the bank staff or download it from your bank's website.
  3. Fill in the form with the following details:
    • Full name as per Aadhaar
    • Date of birth
    • Savings account number
    • Aadhaar number
    • Mobile number
    • Nominee name, relationship, and date of birth
    • Desired monthly pension amount (₹1,000 to ₹5,000)
    • Contribution frequency preference (monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly)
  4. Submit the form to the bank officer along with a copy of your Aadhaar card.
  5. The bank will set up an auto-debit mandate from your savings account.
  6. You will receive a PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) and a confirmation SMS within a few days.

Method 2: Applying Online via Net Banking

  1. Log in to your bank's net banking portal.
  2. Navigate to the "Government Schemes" or "Pension" section.
  3. Select Atal Pension Yojana and click "Apply Now" or "Enrol".
  4. Your bank account details will be pre-filled. Enter your Aadhaar number, nominee details, and desired pension amount.
  5. Review the contribution amount calculated automatically based on your age and pension choice.
  6. Confirm the auto-debit instruction and submit the application.
  7. Your PRAN will be generated and sent via SMS/email.

Method 3: Applying via Mobile Banking App

Most major banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, PNB, etc.) allow APY enrolment through their official mobile banking apps. Look for the "APY" or "Pension" option under the "Services" or "Investments" menu within the app.

Choosing the Right Pension Amount

Before applying, decide how much monthly pension you want to receive at age 60. Consider your estimated future expenses and other income sources. The five options are ₹1,000, ₹2,000, ₹3,000, ₹4,000, and ₹5,000 per month. Your monthly contribution will be automatically calculated based on your age at the time of enrolment and your chosen pension amount.

After Applying: What to Expect

  • You will receive a welcome kit (physical or digital) with your PRAN details.
  • Auto-debit will begin from the next month.
  • You can track your APY account via the NPS/APY mobile app or through your bank's net banking portal.
  • Annual account statements are sent to your registered email or can be viewed online.

Can You Change Your Pension Amount Later?

Yes. APY subscribers can upgrade or downgrade their pension amount once per year during April. Visit your bank branch or use net banking to make the change before the financial year closes in March.