GO.53 CPS to OPS One-Time Option Guidelines, Eligibility
AP CPS to OPS One-Time Option 2026 – Government Issues G.O.Ms.No.53 Allowing Eligible Employees to Switch to Old Pension Scheme
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has issued G.O.Ms.No.53, Finance (HR.III-Pension & GPF) Department, dated 13-07-2026, granting a one-time opportunity to eligible employees currently covered under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to opt for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
This benefit is available only to those employees whose recruitment notification or advertisement was issued before 01 September 2004, but who joined Government service on or after 01 September 2004 due to administrative or recruitment delays. The Government adopted a policy similar to that already implemented by the Government of India for eligible Central Government employees.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Order | G.O.Ms.No.53 |
| Department | Finance (HR.III-Pension & GPF) |
| Date of Issue | 13 July 2026 |
| Scheme Covered | Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) |
| Benefit | One-Time Option to Shift to Old Pension Scheme (OPS) |
| Eligible Employees | Employees recruited through notifications issued before 01-09-2004 but joined service on or after 01-09-2004 |
| Option Period | Within three months from the date of G.O. |
| Nature of Option | Final and Irrevocable |
| Implementation Guidelines | To be issued separately by Finance Department & Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts |
Key Highlights of G.O.Ms.No.53
- One-time opportunity for eligible CPS employees to switch to the Old Pension Scheme.
- Applicable only to employees whose recruitment notification was published before 01 September 2004.
- Employees must have joined Government service on or after 01 September 2004.
- The Andhra Pradesh Government has adopted the policy implemented by the Government of India.
- The option must be exercised within three months from the date of issue of the Government Order.
- Once exercised, the option cannot be changed.
- Employees who do not submit the option within the stipulated period will continue under CPS.
- Detailed operational guidelines will be issued separately.
Background
The Andhra Pradesh Government introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) through G.O.Ms.No.653 dated 22 September 2004, making it applicable to all State Government employees recruited on or after 01 September 2004.
However, several recruitment notifications had already been issued before the introduction of CPS. Due to administrative delays, court cases, verification processes, and other reasons, many candidates joined Government service only after 01 September 2004 and were consequently brought under CPS instead of the Old Pension Scheme.
The Government of India later allowed such employees a one-time option to choose the Old Pension Scheme. Employee associations in Andhra Pradesh repeatedly requested the State Government to extend similar benefits to eligible State Government employees.
Why Was This G.O. Issued?
The Government considered representations submitted by recognized employee associations, public representatives, and recommendations placed before the Council of Ministers. After examining the matter in detail, the Government decided to adopt the Government of India’s policy and extend the same benefit to eligible Andhra Pradesh Government employees.
The decision aims to remove disparities affecting employees whose recruitment process began before the implementation of CPS but whose appointments were delayed for reasons beyond their control.
Who Will Benefit?
This Government Order is expected to benefit hundreds of eligible State Government employees who:
- Applied against recruitment notifications issued before 01 September 2004.
- Were appointed after 01 September 2004.
- Are presently covered under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government.
Important Points
- This is a one-time measure.
- The benefit cannot be claimed by employees outside the prescribed eligibility criteria.
- Separate implementation instructions will be issued by the Finance Department.
- The option once exercised shall be final.
- Failure to submit the option within the prescribed period means the employee will continue under CPS.
Continue to Part 2 for:
- Complete Eligibility Criteria
- Detailed Conditions
- Required Documents
- Who is Eligible & Who is Not Eligible
- How to Exercise the Option
- Important Dates
- Employee Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Eligibility Criteria for Switching from CPS to OPS
Employees who satisfy all the following conditions are eligible to exercise the one-time option for coverage under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS):
- The recruitment notification/advertisement for the post was issued before 01 September 2004.
- The employee was appointed to that notified post on or after 01 September 2004.
- The employee is presently covered under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
- The employee exercises the option within the time prescribed by the Government.
Conditions Prescribed in G.O.Ms.No.53
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Notification | The recruitment notification or advertisement should have been published before 01-09-2004. |
| Appointment Date | The employee should have joined Government service on or after 01-09-2004. |
| Present Status | The employee should currently be under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). |
| Time Limit | The option must be submitted within three months from 13-07-2026 or within any extended period notified by the Government. |
| Final Option | The option once exercised shall be final and irrevocable. |
| No Option Submitted | The employee will continue under CPS. |
These conditions have been prescribed by the Government for implementing the one-time option under G.O.Ms.No.53.
Documents Required
Eligible employees should keep the following documents ready while exercising the option:
- Copy of Recruitment Notification/Advertisement issued before 01-09-2004.
- Appointment Order.
- Joining Report/Joining Proceedings.
- Proof showing present coverage under CPS.
- Any other documents prescribed by the Finance Department.
Who is Eligible?
- Teachers recruited through notifications issued before 01-09-2004 but appointed later.
- Government employees whose recruitment process started before CPS implementation.
- Employees presently under CPS satisfying all Government conditions.
- Employees covered under G.O.Ms.No.653 dated 22-09-2004.
Who is Not Eligible?
- Employees whose recruitment notification was issued on or after 01-09-2004.
- Employees not presently covered under CPS.
- Employees who fail to exercise the option within the prescribed period.
- Any category not specifically covered under G.O.Ms.No.53.
How to Exercise the Option?
- Verify that your recruitment notification was published before 01-09-2004.
- Keep copies of the notification, appointment order and joining proceedings.
- Submit the prescribed option form within three months.
- Wait for detailed operational guidelines from the Finance Department and Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts.
- Once the option is accepted, the employee will be governed by the Old Pension Scheme subject to Government rules.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Introduction of CPS | 01 September 2004 |
| Issue of G.O.Ms.No.53 | 13 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Exercising Option | Within 3 Months from 13-07-2026 (unless extended by Government) |
Benefits of the One-Time Option
- Eligible employees can become members of the Old Pension Scheme.
- Removes disparity caused due to delayed appointments.
- Provides parity with the Government of India’s policy.
- Offers long-term pension security for eligible employees.
- Addresses long-pending demands of employee associations.
Government Instructions
- The Finance Department will issue detailed operational guidelines separately.
- The Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts will issue implementation procedures.
- All Departments and Heads of Departments shall communicate these orders to subordinate offices.
- The benefit is a one-time measure and shall not be treated as a precedent for future claims.
The Government has clarified that this order applies only to employees fulfilling the prescribed criteria and should not be considered as a general policy for future categories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is G.O.Ms.No.53?
It is a Government Order issued on 13-07-2026 allowing eligible CPS employees to opt for the Old Pension Scheme.
2. Who is eligible?
Employees whose recruitment notification was issued before 01-09-2004 but who joined Government service on or after 01-09-2004 and are currently under CPS.
3. Is this option available to everyone under CPS?
No. Only employees satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions can exercise this option.
4. What is the last date for exercising the option?
The option must be exercised within three months from 13 July 2026 unless the Government extends the period.
5. Can the option be changed later?
No. Once exercised, the option is final and irrevocable.
6. What happens if an employee does not submit the option?
Such employees will continue under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
7. Will separate guidelines be issued?
Yes. The Finance Department and Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts will issue detailed implementation guidelines.
8. Does this G.O. abolish CPS?
No. It only grants a one-time option to a specific category of eligible employees.