Big upgrade for private-sector NPS investors.

Here’s what has changed:

> Earlier, 60% withdrawal as lump sum + 40% compulsory annuity

> Now they can withdraw 80% as lump sum and 20% for annuity

> 100% lump sum withdrawal allowed for corpus up to ₹8 lakh

> The 5 year lock-in has been removed.

Withdrawals are now governed only by NPS exit rules, with no extra waiting period.

> Normal exit allowed after 15 years or at age 60, whichever is earlier

> Option to continue investing till age 85, if you choose

> NPS corpus can be pledged as security for a loan

> If you give up Indian citizenship, you can withdraw the entire corpus in cash

Overall, NPS has become far more flexible and practical for long-term retirement planning.