The system is managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
APY Scheme Reaches 9 Crore Subscribers: Record 1.35 Crore Additions in FY26
India’s flagship pension scheme for informal workers has crossed a major milestone, with enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana surpassing nine crore, according to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
The scheme recorded its strongest yearly performance in 2025-26, adding more than 1.35 crore subscribers, the highest annual increase since its launch in 2015. Officials said the surge reflects deeper penetration of retirement savings among low-income and unorganised sector workers.
Designed as a contributory pension system, the programme offers a guaranteed monthly payout after the age of 60, depending on contributions, with benefits ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 rupees.
Participation is restricted to Indian citizens aged 18 to 40 years who are not income tax payers at the time of enrolment. The system is managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority with support from banks, post offices and regional rural financial institutions.
Officials credited expansion to sustained awareness campaigns and simplified onboarding processes, which have helped extend coverage into rural and semi-urban regions.
The scheme also includes survivor benefits, ensuring continued pension support for spouses and transfer of accumulated savings to nominees after the death of both subscriber and spouse.
Authorities said the milestone highlights gradual strengthening of India’s social security net for workers outside the formal employment system.
