best pension plan in India and how to choose them
The best pension plans in India can be a great way to secure your financial future. There are many factors to consider when choosing a pension plan, but with careful planning and research, you can find the right one.
One important factor is how much money you will need to save to receive the desired monthly income during retirement. Another factor to consider is how long you plan to stay in India after retirement. As an Indian citizen, you may want to consider a plan offering tax benefits.

Many different pension plans are available in India, so it is important to compare plans and calculate which will best suit your needs. Use our pension calculator to get started.
What is a pension?
A pension is an income stream that is usually paid out to retirees. An employer, a government, or another organization may provide it. Pensions typically have certain eligibility requirements, such as age and years of service. They may also require employees to make contributions from their paychecks.
Pensions are often seen as a key part of retirement planning, as they can provide a regular source of income in retirement. Employees with pensions can often retire earlier than those without and may have more financial security.
There are different pension plans, but the two main types are defined benefit plans and contribution plans. In a defined benefit plan, the pension provider (usually an employer) promises to pay a certain amount of money to the employee during retirement.
This amount is often based on the employee’s salary and years of service. In a defined contribution plan, employees contribute money to their accounts during their working years. The account grows over time, and the employee receives the money in retirement.
Pensions can be a complex topic, but understanding them is important for anyone who wants to secure a comfortable retirement. Luckily, many resources are available to help people learn about pensions and how they can work for them.
How do pensions work in India?
Pensions in India are retirement savings plan that provides regular income payments to the account holder after they reach a certain age. India has two main types of pension plans: government-sponsored and private.
Government-sponsored pension plans are available to all Indian citizens employed for at least ten years. The most common government-sponsored pension plan is the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
The EPF is funded by employee and employer contributions and interest earned on the fund. Employees can begin withdrawing from their EPF account starting at age 55.
Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions offer private pension plans. These plans typically have higher contribution requirements than government-sponsored pension plans. Still, they may offer more flexibility in how the funds can be used.
For example, some private pension plans allow account holders to make lump sum withdrawals. In contrast, others provide for regular income payments starting at retirement age.
What are the best pension plans in India?
Many pension plans are available in India; the best depends on your circumstances. However, some of the best pension plans in India include the following:
The EPFO Employee’s Pension Scheme: This government-sponsored pension scheme provides a guaranteed monthly income after retirement. It is open to all employees of companies that are registered with the EPFO.
The National Pension Scheme: This is a central government-sponsored retirement savings scheme. It offers several benefits, including tax benefits and investment options.
The Atal Pension Yojana is a government-sponsored pension scheme for unorganized sector workers. It provides a guaranteed monthly income after retirement and other benefits such as death and disability coverage.
The LIC Jeevan Akshay VI Plan: This is a non-participating single premium annuity plan from LIC that provides a guaranteed monthly income for life after retirement. It also offers other benefits, such as death and disability coverage.
These are just some of the best pension plans available in India. You should consult a financial advisor to determine which plan best suits your needs and circumstances.
How to calculate your pension in India
In India, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme that is mandatory for all salaried employees. The EPF contribution is 12% of your monthly salary, and your employer matches it.
You can calculate your EPF balance using the EPFO’s online calculator. To do so, you will need your Universal Account Number (UAN), given to you by your employer.
Once you have your UAN, go to the EPFO website and click on the “Our Services” tab. Under “Online Services,” click on “For Employees.” On the next page, scroll down to the “EPFO Member Passbook” section and click on the link to access the online passbook.
Enter your UAN and password to log in. Once logged in, click on the “Balance Inquiry” option to view your current EPF balance.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best pension plan in India. Knowing where to start can be challenging with so many options available. However, by taking the time to research your options and using a pension calculator, you can make sure that you choose the best plan for your needs.