The Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-backed social security scheme designed to provide a fixed pension to individuals working in the unorganised sector. This scheme, administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), ensures a sustainable income post-retirement. Canara Bank, one of India’s leading public sector banks, is an authorised facilitator of this pension scheme and enables account holders to apply for and manage the APY efficiently.
What is Atal Pension Yojana in Canara Bank?
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) in Canara Bank is a retirement scheme that allows subscribers to receive a monthly pension between INR 1,000 to INR 5,000, depending on their contribution and age at the time of joining. It targets individuals in the unorganised sector who often lack access to traditional pension systems. Canara Bank customers can register and manage their APY accounts both offline and online with ease.
Key Features of Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana
Government Guarantee: The central government guarantees the pension payout after 60 years.
Auto Debit Facility: Monthly contributions are auto-debited from the subscriber’s Canara Bank savings account.
Flexible Pension Amounts: Choose from INR 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 per month.
Co-contribution by Government: For eligible subscribers, the government co-contributed 50% of the total contribution or INR 1,000 (whichever is lower) for 5 years.
Nomination Facility: Subscribers must nominate a family member at the time of account opening.
Eligibility Criteria for Atal Pension Yojana in Canara Bank
To enrol in the APY scheme through Canara Bank, the applicant must:
Be a citizen of India
Be aged between 18 to 40 years
Have an active Canara Bank savings account
Agree to contribute regularly until the age of 60
Not be a beneficiary of any statutory social security scheme
Documents Required to Apply for Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana Scheme
Applicants need the following documents to open an Atal Pension Yojana scheme account:
Aadhaar card (mandatory for KYC)
Canara Bank savings account passbook or account number
Mobile number linked to the bank account
PAN card (optional but recommended)
Duly filled APY application form
Nominee details and their Aadhaar number
Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana Form
The APY registration form can be obtained from any Canara Bank branch or downloaded online from the official Canara Bank website. It includes fields for:
Personal details (Name, DOB, Aadhaar number, etc.)
Bank account details
Pension amount selection
Nominee information
Once filled, the form must be submitted at the branch for processing.
How to Apply for Atal Pension Yojana in Canara Bank (Offline Method)
Visit the nearest Canara Bank branch.
Request the Atal Pension Yojana form.
Fill in the necessary details.
Submit the form with KYC documents.
Bank officials will process and register your APY account.
Monthly contributions will begin auto-debiting.
How to Apply for Atal Pension Yojana in Canara Bank Online
Visit the official Canara Bank net banking portal.
Log in using your credentials.
Navigate to the “Government Schemes” section.
Select “Atal Pension Yojana”.
Choose the desired pension amount.
Confirm your Aadhaar details and nominee.
Submit the request.
Confirmation will be sent via SMS.
Benefits of the Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana
Assured Monthly Pension: Guaranteed pension after 60 years based on the chosen plan.
Government Support: Central government co-contribution for eligible applicants.
Financial Security: Designed to ensure income stability in old age.
Tax Benefits: Contributions qualify for deduction under Section 80CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act.
Ease of Access: Easily accessible through both online and offline modes in Canara Bank.
National Pension System (NPS) vs Atal Pension Yojana
Feature
NPS
APY
Target Group
Organised & unorganised sector
Primarily unorganised sector
Pension Guarantee
Market-linked
Fixed pension guarantee
Age Limit
18 to 70 years
18 to 40 years
Contribution Flexibility
Flexible
Predetermined contribution based on age and pension
Tax Benefits
Section 80C and 80CCD(1B)
Section 80CCD(1B)
Managing Entity
PFRDA
PFRDA
Discontinuation & Withdrawal Rules
Exit Before 60 Years: Allowed only in case of terminal illness or death.
Exit After 60 Years: Full pension benefits start.
Death of Subscriber: Nominee/spouse gets the accumulated corpus.
Voluntary Exit: Permitted, but only the contribution and interest are refunded; government co-contribution is forfeited.
Canara Bank APY Contribution Chart
The contribution amount depends on the subscriber’s entry age and desired pension. For example:
Entry Age
Monthly Contribution (for INR 5,000 Pension)
20 Years
INR 229
30 Years
INR 347
35 Years
INR 543
40 Years
INR 1,454
How to Track or View Your APY Account in Canara Bank
Log in to Canara Bank net banking
Go to the “Government Schemes” tab
Select “APY Status”
View contribution history, nominee details, and pension plan
Alternatively, SMS alerts are sent monthly after each auto-debit.
Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana Helpline
Toll-Free Number: 1800 425 0018
PFRDA APY Grievance Portal: www.npscra.nsdl.co.in
Email support is also available via Canara Bank’s customer service.
Conclusion
The Canara Bank Atal Pension Yojana is an ideal pension solution for workers in the unorganised sector or those looking for a low-risk, fixed-income retirement plan. With minimal documentation, assured monthly income, and government support, the scheme is a robust safety net for future financial independence. Canara Bank’s user-friendly services further simplify the subscription process, enabling individuals to open an APY account either online or offline. Moreover, with the power of auto-debit contributions and the flexibility to choose pension amounts, planning retirement has never been easier. If you are eligible and still haven’t enrolled, consider securing your retirement with the Atal Pension Yojana scheme through Canara Bank today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Atal Pension Yojana in Canara Bank?
Indian citizens aged 18 to 40 years with a Canara Bank savings account are eligible.
Can I apply for the Atal Pension Yojana online in Canara Bank?
Yes, you can apply through Canara Bank’s official net banking portal.
What is the contribution amount for an INR 5,000 pension?
It depends on your age. For example, at age 30, it is approximately. INR 347/month.
Is the pension amount fixed?
Yes, you can choose from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 fixed monthly pension.
Can I exit the scheme before 60 years?
Yes, but only in cases of death or critical illness. Voluntary exits are restricted.
Are there any tax benefits for APY?
Yes, contributions are eligible for deductions under Section 80CCD(1B).
What happens after the subscriber's death?
The spouse can receive the pension, or the nominee receives the accumulated corpus.
Can I increase or decrease my pension amount later?
Yes, the pension amount can be modified once a year.