Check your eligibility: Indian citizens and eligible NRIs can open an NPS account
Choose the account type: Tier I for retirement savings, Tier II for voluntary withdrawals
Select a Point of Presence (POP), bank, or online platform to open the account
Complete KYC using PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and a photograph
Fill out the NPS registration form online or offline
Choose your pension fund manager
Select your investment mix: equity, corporate debt, government securities, or auto choice
Decide your contribution amount and payment mode
Make the initial contribution to activate the account
Log in to your NPS account regularly to track contributions and returns
Increase contributions whenever possible through additional voluntary investments
Review and change fund allocation or pension fund manager if needed
Keep contributing until retirement or until exit conditions are met
Claim tax benefits under applicable sections for eligible NPS contributions