Claims stating that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) will be withdrawn from February 2026 and that it is “good news for government employees” are circulating widely. To prevent confusion and misinformation, it is important to rely only on officially confirmed facts. In India, pension policy changes affect millions of employees and require formal government decisions. This article explains the current official status of OPS, what has not been announced, and what government employees should realistically expect.
Will OPS Be Withdrawn From February 2026
As of now, there is no official announcement stating that the Old Pension Scheme will be withdrawn from February 2026. The Government of India has not issued any gazette notification, cabinet decision, or circular confirming the withdrawal of OPS on a nationwide basis. Any such change would require a clear and public policy decision, which has not been made.
Current Pension System Reality
At the central level, the National Pension System (NPS) remains the default pension system for government employees who joined service after 1 January 2004. OPS applies only where governments—mainly some states—have chosen to restore it for eligible employees under their jurisdiction.
OPS vs NPS: Official Status Overview
| Aspect | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Nationwide OPS withdrawal | Not announced |
| Central government pension system | NPS continues |
| State-level OPS restoration | Varies by state |
| OPS rollback from Feb 2026 | Not notified |
| New pension policy | Not announced |
Why OPS Withdrawal Claims Are Circulating
OPS-related claims often arise due to ongoing debates, employee demands, and policy discussions at state and national levels. Speculation increases around budget periods or election cycles, but discussion does not equal decision unless supported by an official notification.
What Government Employees Should Rely On
Employees should rely only on official updates issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, or respective state governments. No action is required unless a formal order is issued.
Key Facts
- OPS withdrawal from February 2026 is not officially announced
- No central government notification confirms OPS rollback
- NPS continues as the default system at the central level
- OPS applicability depends on government orders
- Only official notifications are legally valid
Conclusion
There is no confirmed decision to withdraw the Old Pension Scheme from February 2026. Government employees should treat such claims cautiously and depend solely on official government announcements for accurate information regarding pension policies.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or pension advice. Pension rules and policies are subject to official government approval and notifications.