Can I Access My Private NPS Account After Joining Government Sector In 2020?

Ans: You can continue the PRAN under the All Citizen of India sector. You need to submit the Inter Sector Shifting (ISS-1) Form to the POP-SP of your choice. Subsequently if you change your job and join an organization registered under NPS, you can continue the PRAN by submitting the CS-S3 form by the Corporate which you join.

Ans: You can close your NPS account prematurely only after 10 years of opening the account. And if you do, you have to utilise 80 per cent of the corpus for buying an annuity plan. Here again, you can be exempted if your total corpus does not exceed Rs 5 lakhs. In such cases, you don't have to buy an annuity plan.

You must get your regular savings bank account converted into an NRE or an NRO account. That is mandatory.

Once your bank account is converted, you need to get your status changed in the NPS records from a resident Indian to an NRI.

Ans: Depending on the type of employer, the applicable NPS model might change. No need to transfer. Your contribution can continue in the same NPS tier I account.

Ans: You have taken the right step by seeking guidance. Let us now carefully assess the best way to handle your NPS account without needing to contact your previous PSU employer.

This answer will cover your current position, potential options, legal considerations, and the next actions. I will keep it simple, structured, and detailed for better clarity.

Your Current Situation
You worked in a PSU bank since 2014.

   

You left your job in January 2025.

   

Your resignation was not accepted officially.

   

But your NPS contributions stopped from January 2025.

   

You now want to do a premature withdrawal from NPS.

   

You do not want to contact your old employer.

   

You also want to avoid legal action at this point.

   

NPS Withdrawal Rules
A premature NPS withdrawal needs a Claim ID to be generated.

   

For Government Sector NPS, only the employer can generate this ID.

   

This makes it difficult when relations with employer are not good.

   

If you wait, you may lose time or even face delays in withdrawal.

   

Option to Shift: All Citizens Model
NPS has a separate route called All Citizens Model.

   

This is a voluntary model open to every Indian citizen.

   

This model allows full control to the subscriber.

   

You can contribute, withdraw, or manage your NPS yourself.

   

You do not need employer approval for any activity.

   

How to Shift from Govt Sector to All Citizens Model
This shift is called Inter-Sector Shifting.

   

You need to submit an ISS-1 Form.

   

Visit any Point of Presence (PoP) of NPS near you.

   

Carry KYC documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and address proof.

   

Submit the filled form and documents to PoP staff.

   

This process takes a few working days.

   

Once shifted, your NPS PRAN will be under All Citizens Model.

   

The PRAN number will remain the same.

   

What You Can Do After Shift
Once you are under All Citizens Model, no employer permission is needed.

   

You can log in to the CRA website and manage everything.

   

You can also raise a withdrawal request on your own.

   

You will still need to submit KYC, bank account, and nominee proof.

   

A good Certified Financial Planner can help in documentation and decision-making.

   

Conditions for Premature Withdrawal
If total corpus is less than Rs. 2.5 lakh, full amount can be withdrawn.

   

No annuity is required in that case.

   

If corpus is more than Rs. 2.5 lakh, you must buy annuity for 80%.

   

You can withdraw only 20% lump sum in that case.

   

Also, you must not be in any other active employment.

   

Tax Aspects to Consider
The lump sum you withdraw from NPS is taxable.

   

It is added to your income in the year of withdrawal.

   

You must check your income tax slab before withdrawing.

   

A Certified Financial Planner can plan withdrawals in tax-efficient way.

   

Advantages of Shifting to All Citizens Model
Total independence over your NPS funds.

   

No need to contact PSU employer again.

   

Can continue investing in NPS voluntarily if you want.

   

Full control over pension choices and nominee details.

   

Risks of Not Shifting
If you stay under Government Model, only employer can start the withdrawal.

   

You may get stuck for months if employer refuses to act.

   

It could lead to stress, waste of time, and possible legal fights.

   

What You Should Do Next
Visit any PoP branch and ask for ISS-1 Form.

   

Submit your documents and shift to All Citizens Model.

   

Check your updated status after 7–10 working days.

   

Then decide whether to withdraw fully or partially.

   

Consult a Certified Financial Planner if you are unsure about the next step.

   

Things to Keep Ready Before Shift
PAN Card

   

Aadhaar

   

Bank passbook or cancelled cheque

   

Recent photo and address proof

   

Nominee details

   

Other Long-Term Options After Withdrawal
If you withdraw now, invest funds wisely for retirement.

   

Mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer strong long-term returns.

   

Avoid direct mutual funds to reduce personal error and mismanagement.

   

Avoid index funds as they lack active decision-making during volatility.

   

A Certified Financial Planner can manage funds actively and help you rebalance.

   

Do Not Delay This Decision
Every month that passes without action is a missed opportunity.

   

Move your NPS to All Citizens Model soon.

   

It is the simplest and safest path for your case.

   

You avoid employer, legal stress, and retain control.

   

Final Insights
Your PSU employer is no longer controlling your future.

   

The NPS system allows full flexibility to shift to citizen model.

   

You can take control without legal fights or stress.

   

Once shifted, plan your withdrawal and reinvest smartly.

   

Think long-term wealth, not short-term relief.

   

A Certified Financial Planner will help you make this turning point productive.

   

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment