Pan And Pran: Linking Your Accounts Easily

The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is a unique 12-digit identification number issued to individuals who register for the National Pension System (NPS) in India. It is mandatory for Central and State Government employees to register for a PRAN card. To apply for a PRAN card, you must submit the following documents: a PAN card or Permanent Account Number issued by the Income Tax department, a scanned copy of your passport-sized photograph, a scanned copy of your bank passbook/cancelled cheque, a scanned copy of your signature, and a scanned copy of your passport (if you are an NRI applicant). You can apply for a PRAN card either online or offline. To apply for a PRAN card online, you must visit the NSDL e-Gov website and provide your personal and contact information, as well as complete the authentication process. To apply for a PRAN card offline, you can visit your nearest Permanent Retirement Account Center (PRAN) and submit the required application form and identification documents.

How to get your PRAN number online

To get your PRAN number online, you must first register for the National Pension System (NPS) and its associated PRAN card. The PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) is a unique 12-digit identification number issued to individuals who register for the NPS in India. It is mandatory for Central and State Government employees.

To apply for your PRAN online, you can follow these steps:

Using your Aadhaar:

• Visit the NSDL or Karvy website, which are the CRAs (meaning they are responsible for maintaining and opening NPS accounts) in India.
• Complete the NPS KYC (Know Your Customer) using the Aadhaar OTP (One Time Password) authentication.
• The OTP will be sent to your mobile number registered on the Aadhaar database.
• Your demographic details and photo will be automatically populated from the Aadhaar database.
• Fill in the remaining mandatory details online.
• Upload your scanned signature in the required format and size.
• If desired, you can also upload a scanned photograph to replace the one obtained from your Aadhaar.
• Proceed to the payment gateway and make the payment for your NPS account.

Using your PAN Card:

• Ensure that you have a bank account with an empanelled bank for KYC verification.
• Your selected bank will perform the KYC verification during the registration process.
• The name and address provided during registration must match the bank records for KYC verification. Mismatched details may lead to rejection.
• Fill in all the mandatory details online.
• Upload your scanned photograph, signature, and PAN card in the required format and size.
• Proceed to the payment gateway and make the payment for your NPS account.

After completing the registration process, your PRAN number will be sent to your registered email address and mobile number. You will also receive your PRAN card at your specified address within 20 days of submitting your application.

It is important to note that you can only hold one PRAN number and card, and it remains the same throughout your lifetime, even if you change your employment or location.

How to get your PRAN number offline

To obtain your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) offline, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the Nearest Permanent Retirement Account Center (PRAN): You can find the closest PRAN center through online searches or by asking local authorities.
• Carry Necessary Identification Documents: Ensure you have valid identification documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other government-issued identity proof.
• Fill Out the PRAN Application Form: Request and complete the PRAN application form provided at the centre. Provide accurate personal details and contact information.
• Submit the Application Form: Hand in the completed application form and the required identification documents to the designated authority.
• Verification Process: The authorities will verify the submitted documents and information.
• Receive Acknowledgement: Upon successful verification, you will receive an acknowledgement slip containing your PRAN application reference number.
• Track Application Status: Use the provided reference number to track the status of your PRAN application.
• PRAN Generation: Once processed, your PRAN number will be generated.
• Collect PRAN Card: Revisit the PRAN centre to collect your PRAN card or any other relevant documents.
• Activate PRAN: Follow the instructions provided with the PRAN card to activate your account.
• Keep PRAN Details Safe: Keep your PRAN details secure and accessible for future reference and transactions.

Alternatively, you can visit any Point-of-Presence (PoP) location registered with the NPS network. Here, you can obtain and fill out a PRAN application form. This form will request information such as your personal data, employment details, and nominee details. Submit the completed form and the necessary paperwork to the relevant PoP office official. Pay the initial investment amount into your NPS account, and your PRAN card will be delivered to the address provided during registration.

Documents required for PRAN card

The documents required for a PRAN card application vary depending on the type of applicant (individual or organisation) and citizenship. Here is a detailed breakdown of the necessary documents for different categories of applicants:

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Indian Citizens (Individuals and HUFs):

Proof of Identity:

• Ration card with the applicant's photo
• Photo ID card issued by the Central or State Government or a public sector undertaking
• Bank certificate with the applicant's photo and bank account number, duly attested
• Central Government Health Scheme card
• Pensioner card copy with the applicant's photograph
• Certificate of identity signed by a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament, Municipal Councillor, or Gazetted Officer
• Bank statement on letterhead with the applicant's duly attested photo and account number

Proof of Address:

• Landline connection bills
• Broadband connection bills
• Voter ID card with photograph
• Bank account statements
• Credit card statements (recent, preferably not more than three months old)
• Post office account passbook with the applicant's address
• Latest property tax assessment order
• Domicile certificate issued by the government
• Accommodation allotment letter from the Central or State Government (not more than three years old)
• Property registration documents

Proof of Date of Birth:

• Birth certificate issued by a certified authority, such as a Municipal Authority or Indian Consulate
• Matriculation certificate from a recognised board
• Marriage certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar's Office
• Pension payment order
• Domicile certificate issued by the Government of India or any state government
• Affidavit stating the date of birth, signed before a magistrate
• Photo identity card issued by the Central or State Government or a public sector undertaking

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Individuals and HUFs Who Are Not Indian Citizens:

Proof of Identity:

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card allotted by the Government of India
• PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card allotted by the Government of India
• Citizenship ID Number, National ID Number, or Taxpayer ID Number, attested by 'Apostille' or an Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission in the applicant's home country

Proof of Address:

• PIO card allotted by the Government of India
• OCI card allotted by the Government of India
• Non-resident external bank account statements in India
• Bank account statements from the country of residence
• Registration certificate issued by the Office of Foreigners' Registration, reflecting the Indian address
• Citizenship ID Number, National ID Number, or Taxpayer ID Number, attested by 'Apostille' or an Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission in the applicant's home country
• Visa granted by any foreign country, along with the appointment letter copy and original certificate of address in India

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Assessees Other Than Individuals:

For companies with an office in India:

• Copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies
• Copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms or the partnership deed for Limited Liability Partnerships
• Copy of the trust deed or the Certificate of Registration issued by the Charity Commissioner for associations of persons, bodies of individuals, local authorities, or artificial juridical persons

For firms or associations of persons without an office in India:

• Company registration certificate issued in the country of residence, attested by 'Apostille' or the Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission in the country of residence
• Registration certificate issued in India or approval granted to set up an office in India by Indian authorities

Documents Required for PAN Card for Students and Minors:

• Aadhar card, driving license, passport, bank account statement (last 3 months), electricity/gas/telephone bill, voter ID card, government-issued domicile certificate, original certificate of address attested by a Gazetted officer or MLA, or central/state government-issued letter of accommodation allotment (latest)
• Aadhar card, voter ID card, passport, driving license, ration card, original identity certificate attested by a Gazetted officer or MLA, or bank certificate signed by the branch manager

How to activate your PRAN card

Activating your PRAN card is simple and can be done electronically. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Log in to the eNPS NSDL website.
• Select the 'eSign' option on the 'eSign/Print and Courier' page.
• You will be redirected to a new page to generate an OTP for authentication.
• Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• After successful authentication, your registration form will be eSigned, and a confirmation message will be displayed.
• Once the document is eSigned, there is no need to send a physical copy to CRA for activation.

Please note that the eSign service is chargeable at Rs. 25.90 plus applicable service tax (including UIDAI charges of Rs. 20).

Steps to log in to the PRAN card portal

To log in to the PRAN card portal, follow these steps:

Step 1: If you already have a PRAN card, go to the NPS Login Portal and click on the 'Login for Existing Subscribers' option.

Step 2: On the next page, enter your Permanent Retirement Account Number (as printed on your PRAN card) and your NPS account password. If you have forgotten your login password or want to sign up for online PRAN card services, click on the 'Generate/Reset Password' link.

Your PRAN card is a crucial document for managing and accessing your NPS account. It serves as a permanent and secure reference for all NPS transactions and is mandatory for certain government employees.

Frequently asked questions