Planning for your retirement is a vital milestone toward achieving financial independence and alleviating the financial burden on your family. Among the various retirement investment options available, the National Pension System (NPS) stands out as a dependable choice. This government-supported voluntary pension program provides the opportunity for returns linked to the market, making it a strong choice when compared to other options.

Moreover, the NPS (National Pension Scheme) guarantees a steady income during your retirement, bolstering financial stability. What sets the NPS apart is its flexibility in permitting you to choose pension funds for your contributions. To make a well-informed decision, it's essential to assess the recent performance of these funds and understand their investment portfolios

Here are the top 5 National Pension Scheme funds:

1. LIC Pension Fund Scheme E - Tier II
Operates via the NPS Tier II account
Impressive 3-year return of 22.40%
Current NAV: Rs 28.49, with a 14.70% increase in the past year
While the 5-year returns are not as high, they are still notable.

2. ICICI Prudential Pension Fund Scheme E - Tier II
Utilizes the NPS Tier II account
Boasts a significant 3-year return
Consistently competitive 1-year returns
Offers a competitive NAV.

3. LIC Pension Fund Scheme E - Tier I 
Operates through the mandatory NPS Tier I account
Offers a 3-year return similar to ICICI Prudential
Shows stability in 1-year and 5-year returns.

4. ICICI Prudential Pension Fund Scheme E - Tier I
Invests using the mandatory NPS Tier I account
Impressive 3-year return
Demonstrates strong NAV growth
Competitive 5-year returns.

5. Kotak Pension Fund Scheme E - Tier I
Invests through the obligatory NPS Tier I account
Presents a substantial 3-year return
Offers an appealing NAV and 1-year return
Shows solid 5-year returns.
These NPS (National Pension Scheme) funds have demonstrated their ability to protect your retirement savings with their noteworthy returns. When choosing the investment fund that most closely matches your financial goals and risk tolerance, you are taking a significant step towards ensuring a financially secure retiremretiremen.