Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a centrally sponsored social assistance programme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) that provides monthly pension to elderly persons from BPL families. The central government provides ₹200 per month for beneficiaries aged 60–79 years and ₹500 per month for those above 80 years. Most state governments top this up significantly — making the actual pension ₹600 to ₹2,000+ per month depending on the state.

The pension is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank or post office account on a monthly basis. To be eligible, the applicant must be above 60 years, belong to a BPL household (as per state BPL list), and have no regular means of subsistence from their own sources or through family support. Priority is given to persons above 80 years.

To apply, submit an application to your Gram Panchayat (rural) or Ward Office (urban) along with Aadhaar, age proof, BPL certificate, and bank account details. Applications can also be submitted online in states with operational e-district portals. The state government verifies eligibility and approves the pension — the central component is transferred directly, while the state top-up may come through a separate channel. Our editorial team reviewed pension amounts and application process against the NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in, July 2026.