NPS Form 601: How to Fill the Exit Form Correctly (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
- Muslehuddin Mohd
- Feb 16
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 26
If you’ve landed on this page searching for NPS Form 601, chances are you’re not confused about whether you can withdraw your money; you’re stuck on how to make it happen. For many NPS subscribers, the rules are clear, but the execution isn’t.
What is NPS Form 601?
Form 601 is the physical withdrawal request form used by POPs to process offline NPS exit and withdrawal cases. It is the offline, POP-assisted route designed to help subscribers complete withdrawals or exits when the digital path doesn’t work as expected. However, because it sits at the intersection of POP procedures, CRA checks, and subscriber records, even minor errors can lead to delays or rejections.
This guide breaks NPS Form 601 down step by step what it is, when you actually need it, how to fill it correctly, where it gets stuck, and how to avoid common mistakes. The goal is simple: help you submit the form once, correctly, and move your request forward without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Whether you’re attempting a partial withdrawal, dealing with a frozen PRAN, or helping a family member navigate the process, this blog will give you clarity before you step into the bank or POP
Contents
1. Why Your NPS Withdrawal is Stuck: Common CRA Errors and "Pending at POP" Fixes
If you are searching for NPS Form 601, it usually means your exit is permitted, but the execution has stalled.
For most subscribers, the confusion does not come from rules but from the process. The money is theirs, the exit is allowed, yet the system appears unresponsive.
In practice, this problem shows up in a few recurring ways:
The exit request shows “Pending at POP” for days or weeks, with no clear next step
The CRA online exit option fails midway or does not allow submission
Senior citizens are uncomfortable with Aadhaar OTPs, e-signs, or repeated authentication attempts
The exit was submitted, but bank credit is delayed due to a minor mismatch in the form
What makes this stressful is uncertainty. Subscribers begin to wonder whether something is wrong with their account.
The reality: Form 601 itself is not complex. Most delays arise from small, correctable errors, not because your exit has been rejected.
This guide slows the process down deliberately, explains why each section matters, and helps you complete Form 601 correctly the first time.
Form 601 is the physical withdrawal request form used by POPs when processing offline NPS exit/withdrawal cases.
2. What is NPS Form 601? The "Offline Escape Hatch" for Physical Payout Requests
Form 601 is used when the subscriber opts for physical submission through a POP or is unable to complete the online CRA exit or withdrawal process. It serves as the offline execution route for NPS withdrawals and exits, routed through your Point of Presence (POP).
Form 601 can be used for:
Partial Withdrawal from Tier-I NPS (up to 25% of your own contributions), and
Full Exit requests (Superannuation or Premature Exit), when the online process fails or is unavailable
Important clarification: Form 601 is mode-based (physical submission), not purpose-based. The type of withdrawal (partial vs exit) is determined by what you select within the form and CRA system, not by the form number itself.
Earlier withdrawal processes were categorised under separate forms. In current operational practice, POP-assisted offline withdrawal requests are processed using Form 601.
3. When Should You Use Form 601? Eligibility for Partial Withdrawals and Full Exits in 2026
Quick decision table:
Situation | Use Form 601? |
Need up to 25% for marriage/education/house | Yes |
Retiring and want a full exit, but online CRA fails | Yes |
Partial withdrawal, but Aadhaar / OTP / e-sign fails | Yes |
Death claim by nominee | No (Separate death claim process) |
Key rule:
Form 601 is typically used when the online withdrawal route is unavailable, unsuccessful, or when the subscriber prefers POP-assisted physical submission.
4. 2026 Checklist: Mandatory Documents Required for NPS Form 601 Submission
Missing documents are the #1 reason forms are returned.
Mandatory Checklist
Document | Purpose |
PRAN card/acknowledgement | Identity verification |
Aadhaar / alternate KYC | Identity & address |
PAN card | Tax compliance |
Cancelled cheque/passbook | Bank verification |
Photograph | POP requirement |
Case-Specific Documents
Case | Additional Documents |
NRI | FATCA, NRO bank proof |
Death claim | Death certificate, nominee proof |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill NPS Form 601 Without Technical Rejections
Filling out the NPS Form 601 (Withdrawal/Exit Form) is the final hurdle between you and your retirement corpus. Even a minor typo can trigger a "Technical Rejection," forcing you to restart a weeks-long process.
Follow this field-by-field breakdown to ensure a seamless "Penny-Drop" verification and a successful payout.
Section A: Ensuring Your Subscriber Profile Matches the CRA Records to Prevent Data Mismatches
This section must reflect your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) records, not necessarily your current Aadhaar or PAN details if they haven't been updated.
PRAN: Enter all 12 digits clearly. Double-check for transposition errors (e.g., writing 56 instead of 65).
Name: Write your name exactly as it appears on your PRAN card.
Date of Birth: Must match PRAN records.
Kustodian Pro-Tip: Discrepancies between Aadhaar and PRAN spellings are the #1 cause of rejection. If your records don't match, stop here. Check our https://www.kustodian.life/resources/epf-joint-declaration-form-name-dob-detail-correction-guide to fix record errors before submitting this form.
Section B: Selecting the Correct Withdrawal Purpose and Exit Category (2026 Updated List)
For Partial Withdrawal using Form 601, select:
Purpose of withdrawal (Marriage, Higher Education, Housing, Medical, etc.)
Withdrawal percentage (Maximum 25% of own contributions)
Confirmation that minimum service conditions are met
Selecting an exit category instead of a withdrawal purpose during partial withdrawal will result in system rejection.
The following exit categories apply ONLY when Form 601 is being used for a FULL EXIT (not partial withdrawal):
Exit Category | Criteria |
Superannuation | You have reached your employer's official retirement age. |
Normal Exit | You are 60 years or older. |
Premature Exit | You are withdrawing before age 60 (subject to specific lock-in rules). |
“Partial withdrawal is permitted only after completion of three years from the date of joining NPS, and up to three times during the entire tenure, subject to regulatory conditions.”
Partial withdrawal provisions apply only to Tier-I accounts. Tier-II accounts allow withdrawal at any time without Form 601.
Section C: Bank Account Details
This is where the "Penny-Drop" verification happens. The CRA (Central Recordkeeping Agency) sends a small amount (₹1) to your account to verify your name via API.
Account Number: Must be an active, non-dormant account.
IFSC Code: Ensure it is the current code (especially important if your bank recently merged, like HDFC/HDFC Bank or PSU bank mergers).
Account Type: Savings or NRO (for NRIs).
Bank Name: Must match the bank linked to your PRAN.
Why Rejections Happen: Bank account validation is performed through system verification by the CRA. Name mismatches, dormant accounts, or incorrect IFSC codes may lead to payout delays or the request being returned for correction. If you’re facing issues with old salary accounts or NRI status, read our guide on https://www.kustodian.life/resources/epf-claim-rejected-because-of-eps-top-reasons-and-proven-fixes-india-2025-guide
Section D: Declaration & Signature
The final "handshake" of the document. Without these, the form is just scrap paper.
Subscriber Signature: Should closely match the signature available in CRA records. Significant variation may require additional verification.
POP Stamp & Signature: Your Point of Presence (the bank or entity where you opened the NPS) must attest the form.
Date & Place: Do not leave these blank.
Final Checklist Before Submission
Is the PRAN digit-perfect?
Does the name match the PRAN card (not just Aadhaar)?
Is the bank account active and "Penny-Drop Ready"?
Is the POP stamp clearly visible?
6. Where and How to Submit NPS Form 601 (Offline Submission Process)
If you are unable to use the CRA login for NPS withdrawal, you must follow the physical route. Form 601 is not submitted directly to the PFRDA; it must go through your registered intermediary.
Point of Presence (POP): For "All Citizen" and "Corporate" models, submit the form to the bank branch or financial institution where your PRAN is mapped (e.g., SBI, ICICI, HDFC).
Nodal Office (Government Sector): State and Central Government employees must submit the form to their respective DDO (Drawing and Disbursing Officer) or PAO (Pay and Accounts Office).
e-NPS Subscribers: If you opened your account online without a POP, you can either "shift" your PRAN to a nearby physical POP or mail the physical form directly to the CRA (Protean/KFintech) head office.
Crucial Step: Always demand a 17-digit Acknowledgement Number from the POP representative. This is your only way to track the request if it goes "missing" in the system.
7. What Happens After Submission? (NPS Payout Timelines 2026)
Once you hand over Form 601, your request enters the "CRA Execution Workflow." In 2026, the NPS T+2 settlement cycle ensures faster credits, but physical forms take slightly longer due to manual entry.
Stage | What Happens | Estimated Time |
POP Verification | The bank checks your signature and KYC. | 2–3 Working Days |
CRA Data Entry | The POP uploads the request to the central system. | 1–2 Working Days |
Penny-Drop Check | A ₹1 test credit verifies your bank account active status. | Instant (Real-time API) |
Lump Sum Credit | 60% to 80% (as per 2026 rules) is credited to your bank. | 5–7 Working Days |
Annuity Policy | The ASP (Insurance Co.) issues your pension policy. | 10–15 Working Days |
8. Why NPS Form 601 Gets Rejected And Proven Fixes
Most "Technical Rejections" occur because the physical form conflicts with the digital record. Here are the top reasons for NPS claim rejection and how to resolve them:
Name Mismatch (PRAN vs. Bank): If your PRAN says "Raj K. Kumar" but your bank says "Raj Kumar," the Penny-Drop verification will fail.
Fix: Submit a bank name change request or a PRAN Correction Form (S2) before the withdrawal form.
Frozen PRAN Status: If you haven't made the minimum annual contribution (₹500), your account is "Frozen."
Fix: Pay a ₹100 penalty + minimum contribution via the mobile app to unfreeze before submitting Form 601.
Missing FATCA Declaration (For NRIs): Non-Resident Indians often forget the FATCA/CRS self-certification.
Fix: Attach the FATCA declaration form specifically for NPS NRI withdrawals.
Incorrect Exit Category: Choosing "Superannuation" instead of "Premature Exit" (if you are under 60) will cause a system hard-stop.
Fix: Cross-verify your age as per the PRAN card before ticking the box.
PRAN may be marked inactive or non-compliant due to missed minimum contribution, KYC issues, or pending regulatory declarations (such as FATCA). Such accounts may require reactivation before withdrawal can proceed. See our checklist for Unblocking Frozen Retirement Accounts before heading to the POP.
9. When to Seek Expert Help for NPS Exit
While Form 601 is a DIY process, certain complex cases in 2026 require institutional coordination. You should seek professional assistance if:
Sector Shift Conflicts: You moved from a Government job to a Private job, and your PRAN is still stuck in the "Nodal Office" architecture.
Death Claims (Nominee Disputes): When the nominee is not updated, or the original nominee has also passed away.
Dormant POPs: Your original bank branch has closed or merged, and no one is taking responsibility for the "POP Stamp."
NRI Repatriation: Navigating the credit of funds into NRO/NRE accounts without violating FEMA guidelines.
If your NPS withdrawal has been "Pending at POP" for more than 15 days, don't wait. We can help you track the delay and coordinate with the CRA to unlock your funds.
If you've submitted Form 601 but the status hasn't moved for weeks, you don't have to keep visiting the bank. At Kustodian, we take the case off your plate. Learn how we handle institutional coordination for NPS exits here.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 601 mandatory?
It is required when a subscriber opts for physical POP-assisted submission or is unable to complete the online withdrawal process.
Can I submit it online?
No. Form 601 is conditionally required only when the online CRA withdrawal or exit process cannot be completed or when the subscriber opts for the physical POP route.
How long does processing take?
Once a correctly filled form is submitted, it typically takes 7–10 working days for the request to be processed and reflected in your account.
Can mistakes be corrected?
Yes. If a form is rejected due to errors, you can correct the discrepancies and resubmit the form. Ensure all signatures match your records to avoid delays.
Is the process different for NRIs?
NRIs must submit FATCA declarations. Withdrawal proceeds must be credited to an Indian bank account. For NRIs, this is typically an NRO account in accordance with FEMA guidelines.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Withdrawal and exit processing under NPS is governed by regulations issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and operational guidelines issued by the CRA. Requirements may vary based on subscriber category, sector (All Citizen, Corporate, Government), and individual account status.
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