In the current financial year alone (FY 2025–26), the scheme has added 39 lakh new subscribers, reflecting its continued popularity and outreach.
Launched on May 9, 2015, APY was envisioned as part of a universal social security mission aimed at providing financial protection to India’s economically vulnerable populations, especially workers in the unorganised sector. As the scheme marks its 10th anniversary, it stands as a symbol of inclusive financial planning and long-term security for citizens with limited means.
The scheme offers a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the subscriber turns 60 years old. Upon the death of the subscriber, the same pension is paid to the spouse, and after the demise of both, the accumulated corpus is returned to the nominee. APY is open to all Indian citizens aged 18 to 40 years, except those who are or have ever been income tax payers.
PFRDA has attributed the scheme’s success to the collaborative efforts of banks, the Department of Posts, SLBCs/UTLBCs, and sustained government support. Enrolments have been driven through a combination of outreach programs, multilingual materials, media campaigns, training sessions, and regular performance reviews.
APY continues to provide a strong safety net — described as a ‘Sampurna Suraksha Kavach’ — for millions of Indians seeking retirement security.
