Himachal: If OPS not opted within 60 days of appointment, NPS rules will apply, Read to know full details

April 11, 2026

In Himachal Pradesh, for employees who complete their two-year contractual service tenure, thereby becoming regularized on September 30, 2025, or March 31, 2026, the National Pension System (NPS) regulations will automatically apply if they fail to opt for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) within 60 days of their regularization.

The Finance Department issued this clarification in response to certain cases raised by the Directorate of Higher Education. According to the Finance Department, it is mandatory for employees to exercise their option to join the OPS within 60 days. Once an option is exercised, it will be considered final; no subsequent changes will be permitted.

Stated in the Letter Sent to the Directorate of Higher Education

The letter addressed to the Directorate of Higher Education states that employees who fail to opt for the Old Pension Scheme within the stipulated 60-day period will automatically be deemed to fall under the National Pension System (NPS).

Citing the advice of the Finance (Pension) Department, a letter sent by the Education Secretary to the Director of Higher Education notes that the State Government has already issued clear guidelines regarding the restoration of the OPS through a notification and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on May 4, 2023.

In accordance with these directives, it is mandatory for employees to submit their option to join the OPS within 60 days.

Once Exercised, the Option Will Be Considered Final and Irrevocable

The letter further clarifies that once an option has been exercised, it will be deemed final and irrevocable. Employees who have already selected either the OPS or the NPS cannot subsequently change their choice. If an employee fails to exercise their option within the prescribed timeframe, it will be presumed that they wish to remain under the NPS.