Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?
A
Resident Indian citizens only
B
Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
C
All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
D
All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Option (A) is incorrect. While initially focused on government employees, the National Pension System (NPS) was later opened to all Indian citizens, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), on a voluntary basis.
2. Option (B) is incorrect. The entry age criteria for the general public (All Citizens Model) under NPS is typically 18 to 70 years, not restricted to 21 to 55.
3. Option (C) is correct. The NPS was made mandatory for new recruits joining the State Governments (except Armed Forces) after the respective State Governments adopted and issued a notification for its implementation. This is a standard eligibility condition for mandatory coverage under the NPS for state government employees.
4. Option (D) is incorrect. The NPS became mandatory for new Central Government employees (except Armed Forces) joining services on or after 1st January 2004, not 1st April 2004. Importantly, Armed Forces personnel are excluded from NPS and have their own pension scheme.