J&K allows one-time NPS to OPS switch for govt employees: Check eligibility, deadline and rules

Jammu and Kashmir government employees meeting specified recruitment conditions can switch from NPS to OPS under a one-time option. Check eligibility, SRO-400 rules, application process and the 28 December 2026 deadline before exercising the pension choice.

The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has permitted certain government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to opt for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on a one-time basis. In the same vein, the finance ministry issued a government order on 28 September, with eligible employees permitted to exercise the option until 28 December. Post the date, the option will be closed.

It is also vital to note that the chosen option is final. This means employees who shift to the OPS will not be permitted to return to NPS later. Let us examine the various aspects of the order in detail.

Who can opt for OPS?

This is a concession that is aimed at employees caught between the old pension regime and the introduction of NPS in J&K. To successfully qualify, an employee must have been appointed against a post or vacancy that was advertised or notified before 24 December 2009, but must have actually joined government service on or after 1 January 2010.