India’s flagship social security scheme, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), has continued to see strong nationwide participation, with total enrolments reaching 8.34 crore as of October 31, 2025. Of this,
women account for 4.04 crore enrolments, making up 48% of all subscribers. The data was shared by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the growing acceptance of APY across both urban and rural regions.
Launched on May 9, 2015, APY aims to build a universal social security net for Indians, especially low-income groups and workers in the unorganised sector. The scheme is open to all citizens aged 18 to 40 who have a bank or post-office savings account. Subscribers begin receiving their monthly pension after turning 60, which means the first batch of pension benefits will start from 2035.
To boost awareness and reach, the government and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) have rolled out several initiatives. These include nationwide advertising campaigns, brochures in 13 regional languages, and virtual training for banking correspondents, SHG members, and bank sakhis. Key government bodies like NABARD, NRLM, SRLMs, and NCFE are also involved in promoting the scheme.
Digital enrolment has been made easier through channels such as e-APY, mobile apps, internet banking, and bank portals. Regular outreach programmes are being conducted with banks and state-level committees to deepen penetration, especially in remote areas.
APY is currently serviced by a wide network of banks, small finance banks, cooperative banks, payment banks, and the Department of Posts, all registered as Points of Presence under PFRDA.
