Stories
Indians Target Rs 1.5 Crore Retirement Corpus, NPS Study Reveals Gap
N
News18•02-10-2026, 15:16
Indians Target Rs 1.5 Crore Retirement Corpus, NPS Study Reveals Gap
- •Indians' ideal retirement corpus rose to Rs 1.5 crore in 2026, up from Rs 1.34 crore in 2023, but remains below recommended levels for adequate financial support.
- •The NPS Preference Index climbed to 57 in 2026 from 54 in 2023, indicating improved sentiment and willingness to consider the pension product.
- •Retirement planning is a priority but ranks behind medical expenses, emergency funds, and children's education, with rising healthcare costs a major concern.
- •Recent NPS changes are a key factor for enrolment (39%), followed by tax savings (38%) and better returns (36%), while lock-in periods and mandatory annuity purchases remain deterrents.
- •Awareness of NPS Vatsalya, a scheme for minors, remains low among parents, with only 28% aware and 27% fully understanding its features.
Key Questions Answered
According to the 2026 NPS Preference Index Study by HDFC Pension Fund Management, the average retirement corpus considered ideal by respondents increased to Rs 1.5 crore, up from Rs 1.34 crore in 2023.
Recent NPS changes emerged as the most frequently cited trigger for enrolment at 39%, closely followed by tax savings at 38% and the possibility of better returns at 36%.
The study found that lock-in periods act as a barrier for 26% of respondents, while 25% pointed to the mandatory annuity purchase requirement as a deterrent.
