When it comes to retirement planning in India, the National Pension System (NPS) has become one of the most popular investment options—thanks to its flexibility, tax benefits, and decent historical returns. If you're trying to figure out whether to open a Tier 1 or Tier 2 NPS account, what asset allocation works best, or how to get the most tax advantage, this guide will give you clarity—without jargon. Tier 1 vs Tier 2 NPS Accounts: What’s the Difference? Tier 1: The Core Retirement Account Mandatory for tax benefits Lock-in till age 60 Tax benefits under Sections 80CCD(1) , 80CCD(1B) , and 80CCD(2) Partial withdrawals allowed under specific conditions Tier 2: Optional, More Flexible Voluntary —requires a Tier 1 account first No lock-in (except 3 years for 80C deduction) No tax benefit under the new tax regime Great for short-to-medium term investments if you can handle market volatility Active vs Auto Choice in NPS: What Should You Pick? ...
ATHA DHYANAM Shuklam-baradharam Vishnum shashivarnam chaturbhujam | Prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarva vighnopa-shantaye || Vyasam vasistha-naptaram shakteh poutrama-kalmasham | Parasha-raatmajam vande shukatatam taponidhim || Vyasaya vishnuroopaya vyasaroopaya vishnave | Namo vai brahmanidhaye vasisthaya namo namah || Avikaraya shudhaya nithya paramathmane | Sadaika roopa roopaya vishnave sarva gishnave || Yasya smarana-matrena janma-samsara bhandanat | Vimuchyate namasta-smai vishnave pradha-vishnave || Om namo vishnave prabhavishnave VAISHAMPAYANA UVACHA Shrutva dharma nasheshana pavanani cha sarvashah | Yudhishthirah shantanavam punareva abhya-bhashata || YUDHISHTHIRA UVACHA Kimekam daivatam loke kim vapyekam parayanam | Stuvantah kam ka marchantah prapnuyuh manavah-shubham || Ko dharmah sarva-dharmanam bhavatah paramo matah | Kim japanmuchyate janthuh janma samsara-bandhanat || BHISHMA UVACHA Jagat-prabhum deva-dev...