Guide

Atal Pension Yojana: A Complete Guide

Personal Finance
08-11-2023
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Atal Pension Yojana is named after the former prime minister of India. The pay scheme was introduced on June 1, 2015.

 It is a pension scheme under the National Pension System. The scheme aims to provide security to the unorganised sector. 

Atal Pension Yojana pension amount lays Rs.1000-5000. The monthly pension starts after 60 years and varies due to age. The scheme is a safety net for low-wage workers after retirement.

Any working citizen can join the Atal Pension Yojana. The benefits rise if you join and contribute at a young age. The pension fund regulatory and development authority (PFRDA) makes the rules and runs the scheme.

The joining age ranges from 18 to 40 years. It would help if you contributed for a minimum of 20 years for long-term safety. The government of India guarantees pension amounts.

Key features of the scheme

 Here are some important features of the Atal Pension Yojana.

  • The pension is for all Indians between 18-40 years old.
  • A bank account is a must before enrolling in their scheme. It is used for accepting and paying a premium.
  • The premium amount for the scheme is eligible for a tax deduction. The rule came from Section 80CCD.
  • The subscriber can choose the pension amount and premium.

Benefits of Atal Pension Yojana

Take a look at the benefits of the scheme.

  • An individual gets a fixed pension after 60 years. The amount varies due to contributions ranging from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000.
  • After 18 years, you can choose the amount of your pension.
  • You can use the auto-debt facility to deduct monthly charges automatically from a bank account.
  • You can pay a premium amount quarterly or half-yearly.
  • If the subscriber dies, the bank will pay the amount to the spouse. If both die, the nominee gets Rs. 8.5 lakh as a corpus amount.

Objectives of the Atal Pension Yojana

The main objectives are:

  • To help the poor or low-wage workers, such as gardeners, delivery, boys, and staff.
  • It gives coverage for old-age expenses like health and living expenses.

Eligibility criteria

If you are between the ages of 18 and 40, you are eligible for the Atal Pension Yojana. 

  • An individual must be a citizen of India.
  • You must have an active bank account for your pension.
  • You must contribute for 20 years to benefit most from the scheme.

How do I open an account for the Atal Pension Yojana?

  • Please fill out the Atal Pension Yojana form and submit it to the nearest bank.
  • Fill in your bank account details, Aadhar card, and mobile number.
  • Your first premium will be deducted automatically from a linked bank account.
  • The bank will issue PRAN/acknowledge number.
  • Every premium will be deducted automatically from the account.

How to download APY Scheme form?

You can get the form online or in offline mode. Go to your nearest bank branch and get the form offline. Visit the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to download the form online.

However, various banks offer the form on the official website. You can get it either way.

How to fill out the form?

The Atal Pension Yojana form takes your personal and bank details. You need to fill out the details correctly for approval. You should follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Fill in your details, like name, DOB, marital status, email ID, age, mobile number, and Aadhar card. Next, enter the nominee’s details, like the applicant, and attach the spouse’s Aadhar card.

Step 2: Fill in linked bank account details, like branch details and codes.

Step 3: In the next section, choose your pension amount. It ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000.

Step 4: The bank calculates the premium amount and fills out the form.

Step 5: Fill in the additional details if the nominee is a minor.

Once you finish filling in the details, sign the form and submit it to the bank. The bank signs the acknowledgement section. After this, the form goes into processing.

If you are under the age of 18 and do not have a bank account, then open the account first and make it active for applications.

How to contribute to Atal Pension Yojana?

The bank decides the Atal Pension Yojana premium amount. You may check the key points before contributing.

  • The subscriber can pay monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly.
  • The first date of contribution determines the monthly date of payment. For example, the first contribution date is January 14; the next will be February 14, March 14; and so on.
  • You must maintain a minimum balance for the auto-debit system. Always use your Aadhar card as identification. It solves future issues in the case of death and payment to the nominee.

If your bank lacks funds for premium payments, you have to pay the penalty. Check out the penalty charges:

  • If a monthly payment is Rs. 100, the Rs. 1 is a penalty.
  • If a monthly payment is Rs. 101–500, the Rs. 2 is a penalty.
  • If a monthly payment is Rs. 501–1000, the extra Rs. 5 is a penalty.
  • If a monthly payment is over Rs. 1001, Rs. 10 is a penalty.

What if we fail to pay a premium?

If you fail to pay the premium amount via the auto-debit system, then you may face the following situations:

  • The bank will freeze the account for non-payment of over 6 months.
  • The bank can deactivate for non-payment of over 12 months.
  • The bank will fully close the account after non-payment for 24 months.
  • If the bank finds a balance in your account, it will automatically deduct the premium payment.

What are the tax benefits for subscribers?

The government of India runs the Atal Pension Yojana. The subscribers of the scheme get a tax redemption of over Rs. 1.5 lakh. Under section 80CCD (1), you can apply for an extra Rs.50000 benefit on tax.

The sections are registered under the income tax department. It helps subscribers save on taxes and fulfil necessary expenses.

Atal Pension Yojana chart for a monthly contribution

In the Atal Pension Scheme, the contribution is monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly. The monthly premium is depicted in the chart below. You may check the other chart on the official website.

Entry age (years)Total years of contributionMonthly pension(Rs.1000)Monthly pension(Rs.2000)Monthly pension(Rs.3000)Monthly pension(Rs.4000)Monthly pension(Rs.5000)
18424284126168210
204050100150198148
253576151226301376
3030116231347462577
3526181362543722903
38222404807209571196
402029158287311641454

Conclusion

The Atal Pension Yojana is a government scheme for the poor. The scheme focuses on giving pension money to the poor. The amount is between Rs.1000-5000. Any citizen of India above 18 years can enrol in the scheme.

The subscriber can choose the pension amount. Bank calculates the premium amount monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly. Auto-debit system is used for automatic payment.

You should check eligibility, benefits, and how to open an account.

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Kedarnath Trip Package – Cost and Travel Itinerary

Kedarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, is nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple is part of the Char Dham Yatra and attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The journey to this sacred shrine is both spiritual and scenic, making it a dream for those seeking peace and devotion. If you’re planning your visit, understanding the Kedarnath trip package details, cost, and travel options can help you plan your yatra efficiently. Travel Options to Kedarnath There are several routes and modes to reach Kedarnath, depending on your convenience and budget. By Air The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 240 km from Gaurikund (the base point for Kedarnath). Delhi to Dehradun flight: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 (round trip) Taxi from Dehradun to Gaurikund: ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per vehicle Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi to Kedarnath for those who want to skip the trek. Helicopter tickets cost between ₹5,000 and ₹8,000 per person (round trip). By Train The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, located around 210 km from Gaurikund. Delhi to Rishikesh train: ₹400 to ₹1,000 per person Cab or bus from Rishikesh to Gaurikund: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person By Road Buses and shared taxis are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund. The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours through beautiful mountain roads. Trekking to Kedarnath From Gaurikund, the Kedarnath trek spans about 16 kilometres. Ponies, palkis, and doli services are available for those who prefer not to walk. Pony ride: ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 per person Doli: ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per person Porter: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and alpine forests, making it a spiritual as well as adventurous experience. Kedarnath Trip Package Cost Package prices vary based on departure city, duration, and inclusions such as meals, hotels, and transport. Budget Package: ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per person (shared transport, basic stays, group tour) Mid-Range Package: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per person (comfortable hotels, meals, guide) Luxury Package: ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per person (private cab, premium stays, helicopter option) If you choose to include nearby sites like Badrinath, Tungnath, or Guptkashi, costs may increase slightly but offer a complete Char Dham experience. Accommodation and Food Costs Accommodation options near Kedarnath are limited but sufficient for most pilgrims. Budget guesthouses: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per night Mid-range hotels in Guptkashi or Sonprayag: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per night Luxury stays near Phata: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per night Meals are simple and vegetarian, with dhabas and ashrams offering thalis priced around ₹150 to ₹300 per person. Ideal Duration and Best Time to Visit The Kedarnath Temple opens in April or May and closes by October or early November before snowfall.A 4 to 5-day trip from Haridwar or Rishikesh is ideal to cover travel, stay, and darshan comfortably. How to Choose the Right Kedarnath Package Check if the package includes transport from Haridwar or Dehradun. Confirm meals, hotel quality, and local guide services. Verify inclusion of permits and temple entry arrangements. For senior citizens, helicopter-inclusive packages are highly recommended. Can a Travel Loan Help? Pilgrimage trips like Kedarnath can involve high travel and accommodation costs, especially for families. Opting for a travel loan can make it easier to manage these expenses while allowing you to repay conveniently through EMIs. Final Thoughts The Kedarnath trip package cost generally ranges between ₹9,000 and ₹30,000 per person, depending on comfort and inclusions. Whether you choose to trek or fly by helicopter, the journey to Kedarnath is an unforgettable spiritual experience. With a little planning and smart budgeting, you can make this holy yatra peaceful, memorable, and financially manageable.
14-10-2025
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