UPS vs NPS: Which Pension Should a Govt Employee Pick?

UPS guarantees 50% of your last 12-month average basic pay after 25 years of service; NPS guarantees nothing

The government puts 18.5% into UPS vs 14% into NPS — but you give up the full market upside

Minimum UPS pension is ₹10,000/month after just 10 years; spouse gets 60% as family pension

The switch window for existing staff closed (extended to 30 Nov 2025); non-choosers stay on NPS by default

Pick UPS for certainty and a guaranteed floor; pick NPS if you're young, aggressive, and want a bigger lump sum