The option is available to employees who were recruited through a notification or advertisement issued before September 1, 2004, but joined government service on or after that date.
The decision was notified through G.O.Ms.No.53, issued by the Finance (HR.III-Pension & GPF) Department on July 13.
The order was signed by Principal Secretary to the Government Peeyush Kumar.
Why the government issued the order
Andhra Pradesh introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme on September 1, 2004, for employees recruited on or after that date, in line with the Centre’s National Pension System (NPS), which came into effect on January 1, 2004.
In 2020 and 2023, the Central government allowed certain employees whose appointments were delayed due to administrative reasons to opt for the Old Pension Scheme through two Office Memorandums.
Following representations from employee associations and public representatives seeking similar relief, and after approval by the state Cabinet on June 23, 2026, the Andhra Pradesh government has adopted a similar policy.
What the order says
The state government has extended the one-time option to employees covered under G.O.Ms.No.653 dated September 22, 2004, which introduced the CPS in Andhra Pradesh. The policy is based on the Centre’s Office Memorandums issued in 2020 and 2023.
Who is eligible?
Employees can opt for the Old Pension Scheme if they meet the following conditions:
- The recruitment notification or advertisement for the post was issued before September 1, 2004. The date of the recruitment notification will be the determining factor.
- The employee was appointed on or after September 1, 2004, under that recruitment process and is currently covered under the CPS. Appointment orders and joining documents must be submitted as proof.
- Eligible employees must exercise the option in the prescribed format within three months from the date of the order, or within any extended period notified by the government.
- Once exercised, the option will be final and irrevocable.
- Employees who do not exercise the option within the prescribed timeline will continue to remain under the CPS.
The government said the decision is a one-time measure for employees who meet the specified eligibility criteria and will not be treated as a precedent for future claims or for categories of employees not covered under the order.
It added that detailed implementation guidelines, including the procedure for exercising the option and the handling of the CPS corpus of employees who switch to the OPS, will be issued separately by the Finance Department and the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts. Relevant departments have been directed to implement the order.
