Section 124
Section 124: deduction for pension scheme (NPS) contributions
Section 124 deals with contributions to a Central Government-notified pension scheme (the National Pension System) - both what an employer contributes on an employee's behalf, and an additional amount an individual can contribute on their own, over and above the Section 123 ceiling.
This explanation is AI-assisted and pending review by our CA/CS team. It is general information, not professional advice - always cross-check against the bare law text above or talk to our tax team for guidance specific to your situation.
Employer's contribution - Section 124(1) and (2)
Where an employer contributes to an employee's NPS account, the employee can deduct the employer's contribution up to 14% of salary (where the employer is the Central or State Government) or 10% of salary (for any other employer). Where the employee's income is taxed under the default new-regime rates in Section 202(1), the 10% figure for a non-government employer is raised to 14%.
The individual's own additional contribution - Section 124(3) and (4)
Separately, any individual (whether or not covered by sub-section (1)) can deduct up to ₹50,000 of their own contribution to a notified pension scheme account - this is on top of, and independent of, the ₹1,50,000 ceiling under Section 123.
This ₹50,000 additional deduction is also available where a parent or guardian makes the contribution to a minor's NPS account, though the combined deduction for the parent/guardian and the minor together still cannot exceed ₹50,000.
Key conditions
- No deduction is allowed under Section 124(3)/(4) for any amount that has already been claimed and allowed as a deduction under Section 123 - the two don't overlap.
- Amounts received back from the pension scheme (on closure, opting out, as pension, etc.) on which a deduction was previously allowed are generally taxable when received - the deduction is not a permanent exemption.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ₹50,000 NPS deduction part of the ₹1,50,000 Section 123 limit?
No - the additional ₹50,000 individual NPS contribution under Section 124(3) is over and above the Section 123 ceiling, not part of it.
What's the maximum employer NPS contribution I can deduct?
Up to 14% of salary if your employer is the Central or State Government, or if you're taxed under the default new-regime rates; otherwise up to 10% of salary for a non-government employer.
Can I claim the ₹50,000 deduction for a contribution to my child's NPS account?
Yes, a parent or guardian can claim it for a minor's account, but the combined deduction across the parent/guardian and the minor cannot exceed ₹50,000.
Related sections
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Plan your Section 124 NPS deductions with our tax teamLast updated 9 September 2026