How to Open NPS Vatsalya Account

Opening an NPS Vatsalya account is simple and can be done either online through the eNPS portal or offline through Points of Presence (PoPs) like banks and India Post. The minimum contribution is just Rs 250, making it accessible to all families.

How to open NPS Vatsalya account online (eNPS)

Step-by-step process (15-20 minutes)

1. Visit the eNPS portal at nps.trust.org.in
2. Click on 'Register Now' under the 'NPS Vatsalya (Minors)' tab
3. Enter the guardian's date of birth, PAN number, mobile number, and email
4. Click 'Begin Registration'
5. Enter the OTP received on the guardian's mobile number and email
6. Once OTP is verified, an acknowledgement number is generated. Click 'Continue'
7. Enter the minor's details (name, date of birth, gender)
8. Upload the minor's birth certificate (or school leaving certificate, matriculation certificate, PAN, or passport)
9. Upload the guardian's KYC documents (Aadhaar, driving license, passport, voter ID, or NREGA job card)
10. Enter the guardian's PAN or Form 60 declaration
11. Choose the CRA (Central Recordkeeping Agency) and Pension Fund Manager
12. Select the investment scheme (Equity, Corporate Bond, Government Bond, or Active Choice)
13. Pay the initial contribution (minimum Rs 250) online
14. Get the PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) instantly

How to open NPS Vatsalya account offline

Step-by-step process

1. Visit a registered Point of Presence (PoP) — most banks, India Post, and pension fund branches
2. Collect the NPS Vatsalya registration form
3. Fill in the guardian's details, minor's details, and investment preferences
4. Attach the required documents (see below)
5. Submit the form and initial contribution (minimum Rs 250)
6. The PoP will verify the documents and process the application
7. You will receive the PRAN by SMS and email within a few days

Documents required

For the minor (date of birth proof — any one):

• Birth certificate
• School leaving certificate
• Matriculation certificate
• PAN card
• Passport

For the guardian (KYC — any one):

• Aadhaar card
• Driving license
• Passport
• Voter ID card
• NREGA job card
• National Population Register documents

For the guardian (additional):

• PAN card or Form 60 declaration

For NRI/OCI subscribers (additional):

• Minor's NRE or NRO bank account details (mandatory)

List of Points of Presence (PoPs)

Major PoPs include:

• State Bank of India (highest enrolments)
• Bank of India
• Union Bank of India
• Bank of Baroda
• Canara Bank
• Indian Overseas Bank
• ICICI Bank
• HDFC Bank
• Axis Bank
• India Post
• All other registered PoPs (full list on npstrust.org.in)

Choosing the right Pension Fund Manager

There are 7 pension fund managers approved by PFRDA:

1. SBI Pension Funds
2. HDFC Pension Management
3. ICICI Prudential Pension Fund
4. UTI Retirement Solutions
5. Kotak Mahindra Pension Fund
6. Aditya Birla Sun Life Pension Management
7. LIC Pension Fund

You can switch fund managers once per financial year. Compare 5-year CAGR returns before choosing.

Choosing the right investment scheme

NPS Vatsalya offers two investment approaches:

1. Active Choice: You decide the asset allocation (Equity, Corporate Bonds, Government Bonds)
2. Auto Choice: Age-based allocation that automatically reduces equity as the child ages

For a minor with 18+ years of investment horizon, a higher equity allocation (up to 100% per 2025 PFRDA update) can maximize long-term returns.

Disclaimer

Information based on PFRDA NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025. Verify with PFRDA or your PoP before opening an account.

Online: eNPS portal (nps.trust.org.in)
Offline: Banks, India Post, POPs
Documents: Minor's birth proof + Guardian KYC + Guardian PAN
Initial contribution: Rs 250 minimum