Business
NPS Rule Changes From October 1: Key Updates Investors Must Know— Details Here
New Delhi: Planning for retirement is no longer just about saving money but it’s about choosing the right investment that grows with you. One such option is the National Pension System (NPS), which opened up for the non-government sector in 2009. Over the past 16 years, it has steadily evolved into one of the most trusted retirement investment choices. With government-backed reforms, NPS has been shaped into a market-linked, flexible, and tax-friendly plan, making it a practical way for millions to secure their financial future.
Big Shifts in NPS Over the Years
In the past decade, the National Pension System (NPS) has seen significant changes—ranging from greater market exposure to revised tax benefits and updated withdrawal rules. Among the most recent updates is the launch of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which has been introduced exclusively for central government employees, with the exception of those serving in the Indian armed forces. (Also Read: ITR Refund 2025: How Long It Takes, Tracking Status, And Common Delays Explained)
What’s Next for NPS? Upcoming Changes You Should Know
The National Pension System (NPS) is set to undergo another round of major updates, starting October 1, 2025. Among the key changes are the option to invest up to 100% in equities and the launch of a new Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF). In addition, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has rolled out draft proposals aimed at making withdrawal and exit rules much simpler for subscribers.
Key Upcoming Changes in NPS You Should Know
Here are some of the major updates coming to the National Pension System (NPS) in the months ahead:
100% Equity Investment Option (From October 1, 2025)
– Non-government sector subscribers will soon be able to invest up to 100% of their funds in equities under the new Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF).
– This offers higher return potential for those comfortable with stock market exposure, but also comes with higher risk due to market volatility.
Introduction of Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF)
– Until now, only one scheme could be operated under a single PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number).
– With MSF, investors can manage multiple schemes from different Central Record Keeping Agencies (CRAs) under one PRAN, giving them more flexibility and choice.
Simplified Exit and Withdrawal Rules
– PFRDA has proposed changes to make exiting and withdrawing from NPS more flexible.
– Exit after 15 years: Non-government subscribers may be allowed to exit after 15 years instead of waiting until retirement.
Higher lump sum withdrawals & easier partial exits: Investors may get more freedom to withdraw funds for needs like education, medical expenses, or building a home.
Major NPS Updates in the Past Year
Over the last year, the National Pension System (NPS) has gone through several important changes. One of the biggest was the launch of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)—introduced only for central government employees (excluding the armed forces), many of whom had been pushing for the return of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
However, the response to UPS has been lukewarm so far. To address this, the government has allowed a one-time switch option, giving employees the choice to return to NPS if they are not satisfied with UPS. (Also Read: Nifty Falls 3% In 7 Sessions As FIIs Pull Out Rs 30,141 Crore In September Amid Tariffs, Visa Fee Hike And Rupee Slide)
Alongside this, other changes are aimed at making NPS more attractive for investors. The upcoming 100% equity investment option could appeal to younger subscribers looking for higher returns, while simplified withdrawal and exit rules promise more flexibility and better liquidity for those needing access to their funds.
Tax Rules You Should Keep in Mind
Even with the new, more flexible withdrawal options, taxation still applies. Out of the 80 per cent lump sum withdrawal limit, only 60 per cent is exempt from tax, while the remaining 20 per cent will be taxed according to your income slab.
Business
Without Rera data, real estate reform risks losing credibility: Homebuyers’ body – The Times of India
New Delhi: More than 75% of state real estate regulators, Reras, have either never published annual reports, discontinued their publication or not updated them despite statutory obligation and directions from the housing and urban affairs ministry, claimed homebuyers’ body FPCE on Friday. It released status report of 21 Reras as of Feb 13.The availability of updated annual reports is crucial as these contain details of data on performance of Reras, including project completion status categorised by timely completion, completion with extensions, and incomplete projects. The ministry’s format for publishing these reports also specifies providing details such as actual execution status of refund, possession and compensation orders as well as recovery warrant execution details with values and list of defaulting builders.FPCE said annual report data is not only vital for homebuyers to assess system credibility, but is equally necessary for both state and central govts to frame effective policies, design incentivisation schemes, and develop tax policy frameworks.“Unless we have credible data proving that after Rera the real estate sector has improved in terms of delivery, fairness, and keeping its promises, we are merely firing in the air,” said FPCE president Abhay Upadhyay, who is also a member of the govt’s Central Advisory Council on Rera.As per details shared by the entity, seven states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Goa — have never published a single annual report since Rera’s implementation, and nine states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, which initially published reports, have discontinued the practice.Upadhyay said when regulators themselves don’t follow the law, they lose the legal right to demand compliance from other stakeholders. “Their failure emboldens builders and weakens the very system they are meant to safeguard,” he said.
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Over recent quarters, payouts had gradually improved from roughly 65 percent to 80 percent and now to an average of about 85 percent in Q3FY26.
Infosys logo is seen.
IT major Infosys rolled out performance bonus payouts averaging around 85 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), marking the strongest variable pay outcome for eligible employees in at least the past three-and-a-half years, Moneycontrol reported citing people in the know.
The bonus payout for mid- to junior-level employees ranges between 75 percent and 100 percent, with most employees clustering around the organisation-wide average of 85 percent, the report said. The development signals a steady recovery in variable compensation at the Bengaluru-headquartered IT services firm. Over recent quarters, payouts had gradually improved from roughly 65 percent to 80 percent and now to an average of about 85 percent in Q3FY26.
Employees are expected to receive their bonus letters over the next few days, with the payout scheduled to be credited along with their February salary.
One employee told the outlet that it is the strongest bonus outcome seen in recent years. The payout is also among the rare instances since the Covid-19 period when variable pay has approached the upper end of the eligible range.
Infosys last paid out 100 percent variable compensation during the pandemic. In the quarters that followed, payouts were lower amid macroeconomic uncertainty and a broader slowdown in client spending across global markets.
The higher payout comes at a time when global IT stocks have faced renewed pressure, driven by concerns over rapid advances in artificial intelligence and their potential impact on traditional IT services models.
Shares of global IT firms have seen sharp sell-offs in recent weeks amid heightened investor focus on AI leaders such as Anthropic. Investors fear that generative AI tools could compress pricing, automate routine services work and reduce demand for legacy outsourcing models.
Against that backdrop, the improved bonus payout at Infosys is being viewed as a signal of operational resilience and near-term performance strength, even as sentiment around the broader IT sector remains cautious.
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February 13, 2026, 21:44 IST
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