Subscribing the National Pension System (NPS) is set to become simpler and faster with the launch of a new digital onboarding framework called StAR NPS. Introduced by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the platform enables eligible individuals to open NPS accounts and make contributions through a fully digital process. 

Developed by BSE Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the StAR NPS platform is designed to streamline subscriber onboarding through Points of Presence (PoPs) by offering digital KYC verification, seamless account opening and direct contribution transfers to the Trustee Bank. 

Here's a look at what the new framework means for prospective NPS subscribers. 

What is StAR NPS? 

StAR NPS is a digital onboarding platform launched by PFRDA to facilitate the registration of NPS subscribers and the processing of their contributions through an assisted digital interface. 

According to a PFRDA circular dated June 3, 2026, the platform will be used for onboarding subscribers as well as processing both initial and subsequent NPS contributions. 

Who can use the platform? 

At present, StAR NPS is available only to: 

Resident Indian individuals 

Individuals aged between 18 and 85 years 

This means eligible resident Indians within this age bracket can use the platform for account opening and contributions. The framework is currently not available for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), corporate subscribers or other categories not covered under the circular. 

What are the charges for subscribers? 

PFRDA has specified that subscribers opening an NPS account through StAR NPS will be charged: 

An onboarding fee of ₹200 plus applicable taxes, in line with the existing PoP fee structure. 

No additional fee can be levied on subscribers at the time of registration. 

The regulator has also clarified that any cost associated with accessing or operating the StAR NPS platform will be borne by the respective PoP and not by subscribers. 

How will the onboarding process work? 

The entire onboarding process will be conducted digitally through the StAR NPS platform.  Subscriber records will be captured electronically, while Know Your Customer (KYC) verification will be completed using Central KYC (CKYC) and/or DigiLocker-based authentication. 

Once KYC and onboarding formalities are successfully completed, subscribers can make their first NPS contribution through the platform. 

How will contributions be processed? 

One of the key changes introduced under the new framework is the direct transfer of contributions to the Trustee Bank. 

Under the StAR NPS model, contributions will not pass through PoP accounts. Instead, funds will be remitted directly to the Trustee Bank, eliminating the need for fund pooling and reconciliation at the PoP level. 

After the Trustee Bank confirms receipt of funds, the subscriber's Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) will be generated through integration with the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) systems. 

Will investment choices change under StAR NPS? 

No. PFRDA has clarified that the introduction of StAR NPS does not alter the investment options available under NPS. 

Subscribers will continue to have the freedom to choose: 

Their preferred pension fund manager 

Investment option 

Asset allocation pattern 

The regulator noted that while CRAs may be auto-assigned through a round-robin mechanism, all investment-related decisions will continue to rest with the subscriber. 

What will be the role of PoPs under the new framework? 

Although StAR NPS introduces a new digital layer, PoPs will continue to retain their regulatory responsibilities. 

They will remain responsible for: 

KYC verification and due diligence 

Record maintenance 

Grievance redressal 

Compliance with anti-money laundering regulations 

PFRDA has clarified that pension agents will act only as facilitators and will not be permitted to perform regulated intermediary functions. 

Will the new platform affect NPS withdrawal and exit rules? 

No. The regulator has stated that the launch of StAR NPS does not change the existing rules governing withdrawals and exits from the NPS framework. 

PFRDA has also specified that any significant modifications to the platform's architecture or operational processes will require prior regulatory approval. 

The StAR NPS platform is aimed at making NPS onboarding faster, paperless and more efficient by digitising KYC verification, account opening and contribution processing. While the registration journey becomes more streamlined, key features of NPS—including investment choices, withdrawal rules and regulatory safeguards—remain unchanged.