If you receive a government pension in Nepal, you already know the annual routine: stand in a bank queue, prove you are alive, and hope the teller processes your renewal before your account gets flagged. That routine changed in 2026. The Ministry of Finance's Pension Management Office now lets more than 350,000 pensioners complete this "life certificate" verification entirely online, using a phone or computer camera instead of a bank visit.
This guide walks through exactly how the e-pension verification system works, what you need before you start, the full step-by-step process, and what to do if something goes wrong along the way.
Quick Answer
Go to pension.gov.np, open Our Services > IPMS-V2, log in with your Pension Account (Entitlement) Number and password, verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number, then complete a short facial scan and hand-gesture check from the dashboard. The whole process takes about five minutes and does not require visiting a bank or government office.
What Is the E-Pension Verification System?
The e-pension verification system is an online replacement for the mandatory in-person "life certificate" that pensioners previously had to submit at a bank once a year. It runs on IPMS-V2 (the second version of the Integrated Pension Management System), which is linked to Nepal's national identity card database and uses AI-based liveness detection to confirm that the person renewing the pension is actually alive and present, rather than someone submitting old documents on their behalf.
The Ministry of Finance, through the Office of the Comptroller General, inaugurated the system in early 2026. It was built by Third Factor AI, a Nepal-based technology company operating under Prixa. According to the ministry, the ministry had been paying banks roughly Rs 15 crore (150 million rupees) per year in commission for manually handling pensioner verification and disbursement, a cost the digital system is expected to substantially reduce.
Who Needs to Use This System
The system applies to pensioners drawing benefits from the government treasury, including retired civil servants, retired teachers, Nepal Army personnel, Nepal Police, and family pension recipients (spouses or dependents receiving a deceased pensioner's benefit). If you currently renew your pension through a bank once a year, you are almost certainly eligible to switch to the online method.
What You Need Before You Start
- Pension Account (Entitlement) Number and your existing IPMS-V2 password, or the details needed to register for the first time.
- A mobile number registered with the Pension Management Office, since the OTP is sent by SMS to this number only.
- A smartphone or computer with a working front camera and a stable internet connection.
- A well-lit room, ideally with light in front of you rather than behind you.
- Your national ID (NID) details on file, since the system cross-checks identity against the national ID database.
Step-by-Step: How to Update Your Life Certificate Online
- Open the official portal. Go to pension.gov.np on your phone or computer browser.
- Navigate to IPMS-V2. From the menu, select "Our Services" and click the IPMS-V2 option.
- Log in. Enter your Pension Account Number and password. First-time users may need to complete a short registration using their pension details.
- Verify with OTP. A 6-digit one-time code is sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it within the given time limit to continue.
- Start Liveness Verification. From your dashboard, select the Liveness Verification option to begin the identity check.
- Position your face in the frame. Sit in a well-lit spot, hold the device steady, and keep your face centered in the on-screen guide.
- Complete the facial scan. The system automatically detects and matches your face against your records.
- Perform the hand gesture. A prompt will ask for a simple gesture, such as a thumbs up, thumbs down, or victory sign, held clearly in front of the camera. This step confirms a live person is present, not a photo or recording.
- Confirmation. Once both checks pass, your life certificate is recorded as submitted and your pension account is renewed for the next cycle, with no further paperwork needed.
Pensioners Living Outside Nepal
Nepali pensioners residing abroad can complete the same online process from anywhere with internet access. If technical issues make that impossible, they can instead submit an application at the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate; once the mission verifies the pensioner and forwards confirmation to the Pension Management Office, the account is renewed on that basis.
Validity Periods and Renewal Rules You Should Know
Under the Pension Payment Management Procedure 2082, different pension categories carry different validity windows. Missing these windows can pause your payments, so it helps to know exactly what applies to your account.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual pension account validity | Active for 1 year from the last renewal; must be renewed online or in person before it expires |
| Family pension account validity | Active for 6 months from the last renewal; renewal deadline is shorter than an individual pension |
| New bank account for pension | Requires a National ID number; exception for citizens aged 90+ with a recommendation letter from their ward office |
| Death of a pensioner | Legal heir must notify the Pension Management Office or Treasury and Accounts Controller Office within 35 days |
| 5 consecutive years without renewal | Entitlement certificate is placed on hold and the remaining balance is deposited into the state revenue account |
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Troubleshooting checklist
- OTP not arriving: Confirm your registered mobile number is current with the Pension Management Office; SIM changes or expired numbers are the most common cause.
- Face not recognized: Remove sunglasses, masks, or hats, sit facing a light source, and hold the camera at eye level rather than from below.
- Gesture not detected: Perform the gesture slowly and hold it steady for two to three seconds directly in the camera's view.
- Forgotten password: Use the password recovery option on the login page, or contact the Pension Management Office support line if recovery fails.
- Browser issues: Use an updated version of Chrome, Safari, or Edge; very old browsers may not support the camera permissions the tool needs.
Expert Tips for a Smooth First Verification
Before you begin
- Test your camera and microphone permissions in your browser settings beforehand.
- Keep a family member nearby for the first attempt, especially for elderly pensioners who are less familiar with smartphone cameras.
- Do the verification during daylight hours if you are relying on natural light rather than indoor lighting.
- Note down your Pension Account Number in a safe place; you will need it every renewal cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to visit a bank for pension renewal?
No. If you can complete the online facial and gesture verification, an in-person bank visit is no longer required. The option to renew in person still exists for those who prefer it or cannot access the online system.
Is the e-pension verification system free to use?
Yes. The government built this system specifically to remove the bank commission cost from pension verification, and there is no fee charged to pensioners for using it.
What if I do not have a smartphone?
You can use a computer with a webcam instead. If neither is available, you can still complete the life certificate process in person at a bank, or through your local ward office for guidance on accessing the online system.
How long does the verification take?
Most pensioners complete the login, OTP, facial scan, and gesture check in under five minutes, assuming their mobile number and internet connection are working normally.
Is my facial data stored securely?
The Ministry of Finance has stated the process is designed to be secure, with verification data used specifically for liveness confirmation. As with any government digital service, it is good practice to only use the official pension.gov.np domain and avoid third-party links claiming to offer the same service.
What happens if my pension is not renewed on time?
Payments can be paused until renewal is completed. If renewal is missed for five consecutive years, the entitlement certificate is placed on hold and the remaining balance is transferred to the state revenue account, so it is important not to let renewal lapse for long periods.
Can a family member complete the verification on my behalf?
The liveness check is designed to confirm that the actual pensioner is present, so someone else generally cannot complete the facial and gesture verification for you. A family member can help operate the device, but the face and gesture must belong to the pensioner.
Conclusion
Nepal's shift to online life certificate verification removes one of the most inconvenient annual obligations pensioners have faced for years, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and Nepalis living abroad. Once you have your Pension Account Number, a registered mobile number, and a working camera, the entire renewal can be completed from home in a matter of minutes. Keep the validity rules in mind, especially the shorter six-month window for family pensions, so your payments are never interrupted.
Want to understand the technology behind this system, or need the fiscal-year specific deadlines for 2082/83?
Read next: IPMS-V2 Explained: What the Facial Verification System Means for Pensioners | Submit Your Life Certificate for 2082/83
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