Kendriya Vidyalayas Vacation and Breaks Schedule for the session 2026-27

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January 24, 2026

Kendriya Vidyalayas Vacation and Breaks Schedule for the session 2026-27

केन्द्रीय विद्यालय संगठन (मुख्यालय)
KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN (HQ)
An Autonomous Body under Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
18, Institutional Area, S.J.S Marg, New Delhi-110016.
Tel.: 011-26856498

F.110334/1/2023/KVS(Hq.)/Acad./Vacation & Breaks 2026-27/3304-3316

19.01.2026

कार्यालय ज्ञापन (संशोधित)
Office Memorandum (Revised)

सक्षम अधिकारी के अनुमोदन अनुसार शैक्षिक सत्र 2026-27 के लिए केन्‍द्रीय विद्यालयों में ग्रीष्मकालीन, शरद्कालीन तथा शीतकालीन छुट्टियॉं तथा अवकाश (Vacation & Breaks) निम्‍न प्रदर्शित तालिकाओं के द्वारा अधिसूचित किए जाते हैं:

Approval of the Competent Authority for the schedule of Summer, Autumn and Winter Vacation and Breaks for Academic Session 2026-27 is notified as tabulated below:

(क) गर्मी वाले स्थान/(Summer Station):-

(1) क्षेत्रीय कार्यालय: आगरा, जबलपुर, चंडीगढ़, देहरादून, दिल्ली, गुरुग्राम, जम्मू, कोलकाता, लखनऊ, पटना, रांची, गुवाहाटी, सिलचर, टिनसुकिया और वाराणसी।
Regional Office: Agra, Jabalpur, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Gurugram, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Guwahati, Silchar, Tinsukia and Varanasi.

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/ Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Vacation	08.05.2026 (Friday)	16.06.2026 (Tuesday)	40 Days
2	Autumn Break	15.10.2026 (Thursday)	24.10.2026 (Saturday)	10 Days
3	Winter Break	23.12.2026 (Wednesday)	11.01.2027 (Monday)	20 Days

(2) क्षेत्रीय कार्यालय: जयपुर, अहमदाबाद, बेंगलुरु, चेन्नई (के.वि. माहे को छोड़कर), हैदराबाद, मुंबई, रायपुर, भुवनेश्वर और भोपाल।
Regional Office: Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai (Except KV MAHE), Hyderabad, Mumbai, Raipur, Bhubaneswar and Bhopal.

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Vacation	03.05.2026 (Sunday)	20.06.2026 (Saturday)	49 Days
2	Autumn Break	15.10.2026 (Thursday)	24.10.2026 (Saturday)	10 Days
3	Winter Break	23.12.2026 (Wednesday)	02.01.2027 (Saturday)	11 Days

(3) एरणाकुलम संभाग के समस्त केन्द्रीय विद्यालय एवं केन्द्रीय विद्यालय माहे (चेन्नई संभाग)।
All Kendriya Vidyalayas of Ernakulam Region and KV MAHE (Chennai Region).

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Vacation	09.04.2026 (Thursday)	28.05.2026 (Thursday)	50 Days
2	Autumn Break	15.10.2026 (Thursday)	24.10.2026 (Saturday)	10 Days
3	Winter Break	23.12.2026 (Wednesday)	01.01.2027 (Friday)	10 Days

(ख) शीतकालीन स्थानों के समस्त केन्द्रीय विद्यालयों (के.वि. कीलोंग, गुरुग्राम संभाग को भी सम्मिलित करते हुए) परंतु देहरादून संभाग के अंतर्गत शीतकालीन स्थानों के केन्द्रीय विद्यालयों को छोड़कर:
All Kendriya Vidyalayas of Winter Station (including K.V. Keylong of Gurugram Region) Except Winter Station KVs under Dehradun Region.

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Break	13.05.2026 (Wednesday)	22.05.2026 (Friday)	10 Days
2	Autumn Break	15.10.2026 (Thursday)	24.10.2026 (Saturday)	10 Days
3	Winter Vacation	04.12.2026 (Friday)	22.01.2027 (Friday)	50 Days

(ग) देहरादून संभाग के अंतर्गत शीतकालीन स्थानों के केन्द्रीय विद्यालय (के.वि. एसएसबी चंपावत को सम्मिलित करते हुए):
All Winter Station Kendriya Vidyalayas under Dehradun Region (including K.V. SSB Champawat).

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Break	13.05.2026 (Wednesday)	01.06.2026 (Monday)	20 Days
2	Autumn Break	15.10.2026 (Thursday)	24.10.2026 (Saturday)	10 Days
3	Winter Vacation	10.12.2026 (Thursday)	18.01.2027 (Monday)	40 Days

(घ) लंबी/अधिक शीतकालीन स्थान /Long-Winter Station KVs:-

1. लद्दाख केन्द्रीय शासित प्रदेश स्थित केन्द्रीय विद्यालय (लेह, कारगिल)।
Kendriya Vidyalayas of Ladakh UT (Leh, Kargil).

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Break	15.07.2026 (Wednesday)	03.08.2026 (Monday)	20 Days
2	Winter Vacation	10.12.2026 (Thursday)	28.01.2027 (Thursday)	50 Days

2. केन्द्रीय विद्यालय, तवांग एवं केन्द्रीय विद्यालय, जीरो ।
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tawang and Kendriya Vidyalaya, ZIRO.

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Break	13.05.2026 (Wednesday)	01.06.2026 (Monday)	20 Days
2	Winter Vacation	10.12.2026 (Thursday)	28.01.2027 (Thursday)	50 Days

3. केन्द्रीय विद्यालय, डलहौजी ।
Kendriya Vidyalaya Dalhousie

क्र.सं. (Sl. No.)	छुट्टियाँ/अवकाश (Vacation/Break)	दिनांक से (Date from)	दिनांक तक (Date to)	कुल दिवस (Total Days)
1	Summer Vacation	13.05.2026 (Wednesday)	22.05.2026 (Friday)	10 Days
2	Autumn Break	15.10.2026 (Thursday)	24.10.2026 (Saturday)	10 Days
3	Winter Break	10.12.2026 (Thursday)	28.01.2027 (Thursday)	50 Days

Note:

A. Principals of K.V. Kathmandu/ Moscow and/ Tehran will issue Vacation and Break schedule at local level under rule after consultation with Indian Embassy in respective Country under Intimation to KVS (HQ), New Delhi.

B. Both the dates (days) of Vacation & Breaks are inclusive.

C. If the day before closing or day of opening of Vidyalaya is a holiday or a holiday declared by government the same will be clubbed with Vacation & Break as a prefix/suffix accordingly.

(चंदना मंडल/ Chandana Mandal)
अपर आयुक्त (शैक्षिक)/Additional Commissioner (Acad.)

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Early Closure of Offices in connection with Republic Day Parade, At Home Function & Beating the Retreat Ceremony during January, 2026

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January 15, 2026

Early Closure of Offices in connection with Republic Day Parade, At Home Function & Beating the Retreat Ceremony during January, 2026

No.16/3/2023-JCA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
Pers. Policy (JCA) Section

Lok Nayak Bhayan, New Delhi
Dated 12th January, 2026

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Early Closure of Offices in connection with Republic Day Parade, At Home Function & Beating the Retreat Ceremony during January, 2026- regarding.

In connection with arrangements for the Republic Day Parade, At Home Function & Beating the Retreat Ceremony, 2026, the following has been decided:

i. For Full Dress Rehearsal on 23.01.2026, the Government offices located in the buildings indicated atAnnexure-A, shall be closed by 1400 hours on 22.01.2026 and remain closed till 1400 hours on 23.01.2026.

ii. For Republic Day Celebration on 26.01.2026, the Government offices located in the buildings indicated in Annexure-A, shall be closed at 14 00 hours on 25.01.2026 and remain closed till 1400 hours on 26.01.2026.

iii. For ‘At Home Function’ on 26.01.2026, the Government offices located in the buildings indicated at Annexure-B, shall be closed at 1400 hours on 25.01.2026 and remain closed till 2000 hours on 26.01.2026.

iv. For ‘Special Show’ at Vijay Chowk on 28.1.2026, the Government offices located in the buildings indicated at Annexure-C, shall be closed at 15 00 hours on 28.01.2026 and remain closed till 2000 hours on 28.01.2026.

v. For ‘Beating the Retreat Ceremony’ on 29.01.2026, the Government offices located in the buildings indicated at Annexure-D, shall be closed at 1200 hours on 29.01.2026 and remain closed till 2000 hours on 29.01.2026.

2. The above arrangements may please be brought to th- notice of all concerned.

3. Hindi version will follow.

Encl.: As above

(Amit Pankaj)
Deputy Secretary to the Governmnet of India

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DFS launches Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees

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January 15, 2026

Department of Financial Services launches Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees in association with Public Sector Banks

Unified salary account framework provides a one-stop financial solution with integrated banking and insurance benefits for Central Government employees

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the financial well-being and social security of Central Government employees by advising Public Sector Banks to introduce a composite ‘Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees’.

The Salary Account Package has been formally launched today, by Sh. M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The launch event was attended by Chairman SBI, MD & CEOs of all Nationalized Banks, CEO, NPCI through VC and all senior officers of DFS. This initiative is aligned with the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the national commitment towards Insurance for All by 2047. It seeks to provide Central Government employees with a comprehensive suite of banking and insurance benefits under a single, seamless account structure. The packages have been carefully designed in consultations with banks to ensure maximum coverage, uniformity and convenience for employees across all cadres [Group A, B and C].

The product has three core segments – Banking, Insurance and Cards – making it a one-stop financial solution for employees. The key features of the Composite Salary Account Package are:

Banking Facilities
- Zero-balance salary account with enhanced facilitates
- Free remittances i.e. RTGS/ NEFT/ UPI along with cheque facilities
- Concessional interest rate on loan for housing, education, vehicle and personal requirements.
- Concession in loan processing charges
- Waivers on locker rental
- Family banking benefits
Enhanced Insurance Coverage
- Personal Accident Insurance up to Rs. 1.50 crore
- Air Accident Insurance up to Rs. 2 crores
- Permanent Total & Partial Disability Cover up to Rs. 1.50 crore
- Term Life Insurance – In-built term life insurance protection of up to Rs. 20 lakh, with additional top-up facility to enhance the insurance coverage at an affordable premium.
- Health Insurance – Comprehensive health insurance cover for self and family with a base plan and additional top-up facility to enhance the insurance coverage at an affordable premium.
Digital & Card Features
- Enhanced benefits on debit and credit cards
- Airport lounge access, reward programs and cashback offer
- Unlimited transactions & Nil maintenance charges

Complete details of the Composite Salary Account Package are available on the DFS website https://financialservices.gov.in

This initiative ensures that Central Government employees, who form the backbone of public administration, gain access to modern banking services and comprehensive financial protection through a single window solution. By integrating insurance, medical cover and enhanced banking facilities into one composite Salary Account Package, the scheme provides employees with ease of access, financial security and peace of mind.

This reform reflects the Government’s continued commitment to employee’s welfare and financial security, while also strengthening the employee–bank relationship.

DFS has advised Public Sector Banks to widely publicize these products through their official websites, organize special awareness camps in Government Departments, proactively reach out to Central Government employees with detailed product information and facilitate the migration of existing salary accounts to this new package with employees’ consent.

All Central Government employees are encouraged to avail the benefits of this comprehensive scheme through their salary accounts with the Public Sector Banks.

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Small Savings Schemes interest rate from Jan 2026 to March 2026

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January 10, 2026

Small Savings Schemes interest rate from Jan 2026 to March 2026

SB Order No. 17/2025

F. No 113-03/2024
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(Financial Services Division)

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi — 110001
Dated: 31.12.2025

To

All Head of Circles/Regions

Subject: Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes w.e.f. 01.01.2026

Madam / Sir,

The undersigned is directed to intimate that. vide memorandum No. 1/4/2019-NS dated 31.12.2025 (copy enclosed), Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division) has informed that the rates of interest on various Small Savings Schemes (National Savings Schemes) for the fourth quarter of financial year 2025-26 (starting from 1st January, 2026 and ending on 31st March, 2026) shall remain unchanged from those notified for the third quarter (1st October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025) of FY 2025-26.

2. It is requested to circulate it to all concerned for information and necessary guidance. This may also be placed on the notice board of all Post Offices in public area.

3. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

(Devender Kumar Sharma)
Assistant Director (SB-II)

Copy to: –

Sr. PPS to Secretary (Posts)
Sr. PPS/PPS to Director General Postal Services
PPS/ PS to Member (Financial Services)/Member (O)/Member (P)/ Member (HRD)/ Member (Tech)/ Member (Service Quality and Marketing), Member (Infrastructure), AS & FA
Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi
Chief General Manager, BD Directorate / Parcel Directorate / PLI Directorate.
CGM. CEPT for kind information and necessary action
Sr. Deputy Director General (Vig) & CVO) /Sr. Deputy Director General (PAF)
Director, RAKNPA / Directors of all PT’Cs
Director General P & T (Audit), Civil Lines, New Delhi
Secretary, Postal Services Board / All Deputy Directors General
All General Managers (Finance) / Directors Postal Accounts / DDAP
The Joint Director & HOD. National Savings Institute, ICCW Building, 4 Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002
The Under Secretary, MOF (DEA), NS-II Section, North Block, New Delhi.
All recognized Federations / Unions / Associations
Guard File/e-File

(Devender Sharma)
Assistant Director (SB-II)

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Instrument	Rates of interest
Savings Deposit	4
1 Year Time Deposit	6.9
2 Year Time Deposit	7
3 Year Time Deposit	7.1
4 Year Time Deposit	7.5
5 Year Recurring Deposit	6.7
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme	8.2
Monthly Income Account Scheme	7.4
National Savings Certificate	7.7
Public Provident Fund Scheme	7.1
Kisan Vikas Patra	7.5 (will mature in 115 months)
Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme	8.2

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Accumulation of paid leave without encashment facilities for Gramin Dak Sevaks

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January 10, 2026

Accumulation of paid leave without encashment facilities for Gramin Dak Sevaks

सं/No. 17-12/2025-GDS
भारत सरकार/Government of India
संचार मंंत्रालय /Ministry of Communications
डाक विभाग/Department of Posts
(जीडीएस अनुभाग/GDS Section)

डाक भवन, संसद मार्ग,
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
नई दिल्‍ली/New Delhi – 110 001
दिनांक/Date : 30-12-2025

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Accumulation of paid leave without encashment facilities for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) – reg.

A proposal for allowing accumulation of paid leave without encashment facilities was under consideration of the Department for quite some time. The Department had also sought suggestions/feed back of the Circles/stakeholders on the proposal.

2. After examination of the proposal and feed back of all the stakeholders, Rule-7, regarding paid Leave of the GDS, ofGDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, has been amended as under:

7. Leave

The Gramin Dak Sevaks may be granted paid leave at the rate of 20 days in a year (10 days for every half year). Paid leave for 10 days will be credited to his account at the beginning of half year, starting 1st January or 1st July;

A GDS will be allowed to carry forward unavailed paid leave to the maximum extent of 45 days at any given time;

Paid leave shall be credited to the leave account of GDS at the rate of 1.67 days for each completed calendar month of engagement which a GDS is likely to render in a half-year of the calendar year of engagement/discharge/cessation of engagement;

While affording credit of paid leave, fractions of a day shall be rounded off to the nearest day. A fraction of 0.5 or above will be taken as one day of leave, while fraction of less than 0.5 will be ignored and

Provided that –

a. Where a Sevak fails to resume duty on the expiry of the maximum period leave admissible and granted to him/her, or

b. Where such a Sevak who is granted leave for a period less than the maximum period admissible to a Sevak under these rules, remains absent from duty for any period which together with the leave granted exceeds the limit upto which a GDS shall, unless the Government, in view of the exception circumstances of the case, otherwise decides, be removed from engagement after following the procedure laid down in Rule 10.

3. The above change in the said Rule-7 of GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, will effective from 01.01.2026.

4. Based on the feed back sought of the stakeholders, an FAQs is also provided in Annexure-I to this OM for the guidance of all concerned.

5. Hindi Version of this O.M will follow.

(Ravi Pahwa)
Director (GDS)

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NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025: PFRDA Circular

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January 10, 2026

NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025: PFRDA Circular

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Circular

Circular No. PFRDA/2026/02/NPS-Vatsalya/01

07th January, 2026

To,
All Stakeholders under NPS

Subject: NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025

“NPS Vatsalya” Scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Finance Minister in the Union Budget of FY 2024-25 as a plan for contribution by parents and guardians for minors, marking a significant advancement in financial planning and setting a new standard for prudent financial management from a young age. Aligned with the goal of ‘Vikasit Bharat 2047’, NPS Vatsalya aims not only to secure the future of its young subscribers but also to underscore the importance of nurturing a culture of savings from an early age.

2. In pursuance of the announcement, PFRDA issued NPS Vatsalya Scheme Details vide circular no. PFRDA/2024/16/PDES/01 dated 18th September, 2024

3. NPS Vatsalya Scheme is defined as a Specific Purpose Scheme as per Regulation 4A of PFRDA (Exit and Withdrawals under NPS) Regulations, 2015, which shall be governed by the guidelines issued by the Authority in respect of such scheme.

Also read NPS Vatsalya: A Groundbreaking Pension Scheme for Minors

4. Therefore, PFRDA, in supersession of circular no. PFRDA/2024/16/PDES/01 dated 18th September, 2024, hereby issues “NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025”. The Guidelines shall come into effect from the date notified by the Authority after building the necessary system capabilities.

5. This circular is being issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013.

Yours sincerely,
Kavita Singam Xavier
General Manager

Objectives of NPS Vatsalya Scheme

NPS Vatsalya scheme is designed specifically for minors to nurture the culture of saving from an early age, introduce minors to financial literacy and financial planning, strengthen the concept of long-term financial security and prudent financial management.

NPS Vatsalya objective is to secure the future of its young subscribers by creating wealth from an early age so as to empower the young subscribers, to create a pensioned society, emanating from the vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047” while at the same time providing for partial withdrawals to meet contingency requirements till the attainment of age of 18 years.

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OTP based authentication for paperless opening of National Pension System accounts: PFRDA

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January 10, 2026

OTP based authentication for paperless opening of National Pension System accounts: PFRDA

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Circular

Circular No: PFRDA/2026/01/SUP-CRA/01

Date: 2nd Jan 2026

To

All Central Recordkeeping Agencies, Points of Presence and Other NPS Stakeholders

Subject: OTP based authentication for paperless on-boarding-reg

In order to facilitate paperless opening of National Pension System (NPS) accounts, the Authority had issued Circular No. PFRDA/2020/23/SUP-CRA/10 dated 15th June 2020, permitting submission of NPS account opening applications through e-Signature or One Time Password (OTP).

2. In partial modification of Circular No PFRDA/2020/23/SUP-CRA/10 dated 15th June 2020, it has been decided that

Applicants shall authenticate the submission of online NPS registration form through e-sign or through an OTP received on their mobile number. The consent and mandatory declarations applicable for opening of NPS account shall be specifically obtained from the applicant at the end of such online journey through the said e-Sign or mobile OTP authentication.

3. Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) and Points of Presence (POPs) are advised to align their systems and subscriber onboarding journeys in accordance with the above.

4. This Circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Section 14 read with clause (e) of sub-section (2) of Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013.

Yours sincerely,

Ashish Kumar Bharati
Chief General Manage

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Return of PPOs and Pension Papers Post-Demise of Pensioner: CPAO Guidelines

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January 6, 2026

Return of PPOs and Pension Papers Post-Demise of Pensioner: CPAO Guidelines

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE
NEW DELHI-110066

CPAO/IT&Tech/BankPerformance/37Vol-IV/2025-26/e-6476/93

Dated: 24.12.2025

Office Memorandum

Subject: Guidelines regarding return of Pension Payment Order (PPOs) along with all the relevant pension papers by CPPCs to CPAO after the demise of Pensioner /Family Pensioner — regarding

Attention is invited to the para 23 of guidelines/instructions of the Scheme Booklet under the Heading “Scheme for Payment of Pension to Central Government Civil Pensioners by the Authorized Banks” issued by CPAO to be followed by the Centralized Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) of authorized banks regarding return of PPOs of the Central Civil Pensioners/Family Pensioners, whereinit has clearly been mentioned that the CPPC of authorized banks will return the disburser’s portion of PPOs of the Central Civil Pensioners/Family Pensioners along with the death certificate and other relevant documents (SSA issued by the CPAO time to time) to CPAO. All PPOs requiring return to PAOs along with death certificate and other relevant documents after the demise of pensioners/family pensioners, must be routed through CPAO only.Central Government Jobs

2. However, it has been observed that some CPPCs/ Banks are returning the Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) directly to the concerned PAOs/ Departments after the demise of pensioners/family pensioners, which is in contravention to the prescribed procedure laid down for dealing with PPOs in such cases.

3. Hence, all authorized CPPCs and Bank branches handling Central (Civil) Pension disbursement are directed to comply with the above instructions without fail; and any deviation from the above instructions shall be viewed seriously and suitable action shall be initiated.

This issues with the approval of the Chief Controller (Pensions).

Sd/-
(Ajay Chaudhary)
Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

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OPS vs NPS vs TAPS: Comparison of Pension Schemes: Key Highlights of TAPS (Tamil Nadu)

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January 4, 2026

OPS vs NPS vs TAPS: Comparison of Pension Schemes: Key Highlights of TAPS (Tamil Nadu)

On January 3, 2026, the Tamil Nadu government officially announced the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS). This scheme is a hybrid model designed to satisfy the long-standing demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) while maintaining the contributory framework of the National Pension System (NPS).

Below is the comparison between the newly launched TAPS, the NPS, and the OPS

Feature	Old Pension Scheme (OPS)	National Pension Scheme (NPS)	TN Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)
Basic Nature	Defined Benefit (Guaranteed)	Defined Contribution (Market-linked)	Assured Benefit (Hybrid)
Employee Contribution	Nil	10% of Basic + DA	10% of Basic + DA
Govt Contribution	Fully funded by State	14% of Basic + DA	Full additional funding required to meet the 50% assurance
Pension Amount	50% of last drawn pay	Depends on market returns	50% of last drawn basic pay
Inflation Protection	DA hikes twice a year	None (depends on annuity)	DA hikes twice a year (matching active employees)
Family Pension	60% of pension to spouse	Based on corpus/annuity	60% of pension to spouse
Gratuity	Up to ₹20 Lakh	No fixed gratuity	Up to ₹25 Lakh
Minimum Pension	Fixed by Pay Commission	No guaranteed minimum	Guaranteed minimum pension (even for short service)
Risk Level	Risk-free	Market-linked risk	Risk-free for employee

Also read: தமிழ்நாடு உறுதியளிக்கப்பட்ட ஓய்வூதியத் திட்டம் (TAPS): திட்டத்தின் சிறப்பம்சங்கள்

Key Highlights of TAPS (Tamil Nadu)

The TAPS is specifically tailored for State Government employees and teachers who joined after April 1, 2003.

Last Drawn Pay Advantage: Unlike the Central Government’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)—which calculates pension based on the average of the last 12 months—the Tamil Nadu TAPS calculates it based on the last month’s basic pay, mirroring the original OPS benefit.
Special Compassionate Pension: Employees who joined under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) but retired before the implementation of TAPS will be eligible for a “special compassionate pension.”
Lump Sum Gratuity: The retirement and death gratuity has been enhanced to a maximum of ₹25 Lakh.
Fiscal Commitment: The Tamil Nadu government has committed an initial ₹13,000 crore to the fund, with an annual recurring contribution of approximately ₹11,000 crore to bridge the gap between employee contributions and the 50% guarantee.

Summary: Which is better?

TAPS effectively acts as “OPS via the back door.” It provides the same security as the Old Pension Scheme (50% guarantee + DA) but requires the employee to continue the 10% contribution they were already making under the CPS/NPS.
For Employees: It removes the market uncertainty of NPS while ensuring their pension grows with inflation (DA), which was the biggest drawback of the new system.

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Central Govt Employees Likely To Get 2% DA Hike from Jan 2026 ahead of 8th CPC

By

igeadmin

-

January 4, 2026

Central Govt Employees Likely To Get 2% DA Hike from Jan 2026 ahead of 8th CPC

The latest data from the Labour Bureau regarding the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) for November 2025 has cleared the path for the upcoming Dearness Allowance (DA) revision. As of January 2026, central government employees and pensioners are looking at a confirmed increase, with the 12-month average pointing toward a 2% hike

1. AICPIN Data for November 2025: The Numbers

On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Labour & Employment released the AICPI-IW for November 2025. The index saw a steady climb, which is the primary driver for the DA calculation.

October 2025 Index: 147.7
November 2025 Index: 148.2 (+0.5 points)
Current DA Rate: 58% (Effective since July 2025)

This 0.5-point jump in November is significant. It brings the 12-month average of the consumer price index to a level that mathematically secures a minimum of 60% total DA.

Also Check

DA from January 2026 Calculator

DA Calculation Sheet

2. Why is a 2% Hike “Almost Confirmed”?

The formula for DA is based on a 12-month average of the AICPI-IW. A crucial aspect of this government policy is that fractions of a percent are ignored. Unlike standard mathematics where 0.5 and above is rounded up, the DA calculation only recognizes the whole number.

Scenario A: If the average results in 60.12%, the DA is 60%.
Scenario B: Even if the average reaches 60.94%, the DA is still 60%.

Why a 3% Hike is Mathematically Unlikely

To achieve a 3% hike (reaching 61%), the 12-month average would need to cross the 61.00 threshold exactly. Based on the November 2025 index of 148.2:

The cumulative index points for the last 11 months are already locked in.
If the December 2025 index stays at 148.2, the final calculation sits at approximately 59.94%.
Because the government ignores everything after the decimal, this 59.94% is treated as 59% in the interim, but since we are currently at 58%, it confirms a 2% increase to reach the 60% mark.
To hit 61%, the December index would need to jump by more than 10 points in a single month—a move that has never occurred in the history of the index.

Confirmed Status for Jan 2026

With the November 2025 figures now public, the 2% hike is essentially “locked.” Even a minor dip in the December inflation data would not be enough to drag the average below the 60.00% threshold, nor is any realistic jump enough to push it to 61%.

Final Expected DA Rate: 60% (a 2% increase from 58%).

3. Impact on Salaries and Pensions

This revision will benefit over 1 crore central government employees and pensioners.¹⁴ Here is a quick look at how a 2% hike (moving from 58% to 60%) affects monthly payouts:

Component	Current (58% DA)	New (60% DA)	Monthly Increase
Basic Pay: ₹18,000	₹10,440	₹10,800	+₹360
Basic Pay: ₹30,000	₹17,400	₹18,000	+₹600
Basic Pay: ₹50,000	₹29,000	₹30,000	+₹1,000

4. The 8th Pay Commission Connection

The January 2026 DA revision is uniquely important because January 1, 2026, marks the theoretical start date for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) cycle.

Traditionally, when a new Pay Commission is implemented:

The existing DA (which will be 60%) is merged into the Basic Pay.
The DA is reset to 0% for the new pay scale.
While the 8th CPC implementation is still in its early stages, this 60% figure serves as the final “inflation buffer” that will determine the Fitment Factor (the multiplier used to jump from 7th CPC to 8th CPC salaries).

Conclusion & Timeline

While the data confirms a 2% hike is the most realistic outcome, the official announcement from the Union Cabinet is expected in March 2026. Once announced, the hike will be applied retrospectively from January 1, 2026, and employees will receive arrears for the preceding months.

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OPS vs NPS vs TAPS: Comparison of Pension Schemes: Key Highlights of TAPS (Tamil Nadu)

Key Highlights of TAPS (Tamil Nadu)

Summary: Which is better?

Central Govt Employees Likely To Get 2% DA Hike from Jan 2026 ahead of 8th CPC

1. AICPIN Data for November 2025: The Numbers

2. Why is a 2% Hike “Almost Confirmed”?

Why a 3% Hike is Mathematically Unlikely

Confirmed Status for Jan 2026

3. Impact on Salaries and Pensions

4. The 8th Pay Commission Connection

Conclusion & Timeline

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