Headlines claiming “good news for government employees as OPS will be withdrawn from February 2026” have created confusion across India. Because pension policy directly affects long-term retirement security, it is important to clearly separate verified government decisions from misleading or incorrect claims. This article explains the actual official position, what has not been announced, and how the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) currently stands.
Is OPS Being Withdrawn From February 2026
No. There is no official decision, notification, or government order stating that OPS will be withdrawn from February 2026. Neither the Union Government nor any central authority has announced the withdrawal, rollback, or cancellation of OPS effective from that date. Any such move would require a formal cabinet decision and a gazette notification, which do not exist.
Current Status of OPS in India
OPS remains applicable only to employees who are covered under it by specific government decisions, mainly at the state level. Some states have reintroduced OPS for their employees, while others continue under the National Pension System (NPS). There is no nationwide uniform change announced for 2026.
Claims vs Official Reality
| Claim Circulating Online | Official Reality |
|---|---|
| OPS withdrawn from Feb 2026 | Not announced |
| Central government order issued | No order |
| Mandatory shift away from OPS | Not notified |
| Pension rules changed for all employees | No change |
| Implementation date confirmed | No date |
Why OPS Withdrawal News Is Circulating
OPS-related news often spreads due to ongoing debates around pension sustainability, fiscal impact, and comparisons with NPS. Statements, discussions, or reports are sometimes misinterpreted as final decisions, even when no policy change has been approved.
Who Decides OPS Policy
Pension policy decisions are taken by the government through the Ministry of Finance and respective state governments. Any change—whether introduction or withdrawal—must be formally notified and cannot be implemented through media reports or unofficial sources.
What Government Employees Should Do
Employees should rely only on official notifications, circulars, or gazette publications issued by the government. Messages on social media or unverified websites claiming OPS withdrawal dates should be ignored unless backed by formal documentation.
Key Facts
- OPS is not withdrawn from February 2026
- No central or state notification confirms such a move
- Pension policy changes require formal approval
- OPS applicability remains state and service-rule based
- Only official government orders are valid
Conclusion
The claim that the Old Pension Scheme will be withdrawn from February 2026 is not supported by any official confirmation. Government employees should treat such reports as unverified and rely exclusively on formal government announcements for accurate pension policy updates.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or employment advice. Pension rules and retirement benefits are subject to official government approval and notifications.