How to Apply for PRAN Card & Get PRAN Number?

Individuals subscribing to the National Pension Scheme are allotted a Permanent Retirement Account Number to access their accounts. PRAN card registration is mandatory for State and Central Government employees. Registration details are available on the official website of National Securities Depository Limited.

However, one can also apply for PRAN in several other modes. Therefore, this article explains what PRAN NPS is, the PRAN number, and how to apply for it.

PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) card is a unique identification number issued to individuals who enrol in the National Pension System (NPS) in India. It is an essential document for managing and accessing their NPS account, facilitating contributions, and monitoring retirement savings. 

The PRAN card contains vital information such as the subscriber's name, photograph, signature, and PRAN number.

Following the necessary verification and successful payment by the official, your PRAN number will be sent to the registered email address and mobile number. 

After completing the registration process, your card will be shipped to your specified address within 20 days of submitting your application. Here’s an offline and online way to know your PRAN number:

How to Know Your PRAN Number Online?

Here's a guide to finding your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) online:

Step 1: Visit the NSDL e-Gov Website: Navigate to the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) e-Gov website. This is the official platform for managing PRAN accounts.

Step 2: Select the PRAN Option: Look for the option that mentions PRAN  on the website's homepage. Click on it to proceed. 

Step 3: Enter Personal Details: You will be prompted to enter certain personal details for authentication. This usually includes your full name, date of birth, and PAN (Permanent Account Number) or Aadhaar number.

Step 4: Provide Contact Information: Enter your registered mobile number and email address. These details will be used for communication and verification purposes.

Step 5: Authenticate: Complete the authentication process as the website requires. This may involve receiving an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number or email or answering security questions.

Step 6: Retrieve PRAN: Once your details are verified successfully, your PRAN will be displayed on the screen. Make sure to note it down for future reference.

Step 7: Print or Save: After retrieving your PRAN, you may print the page or save a digital copy for your records. It's important to keep this information secure.

Step 8: Logout: To ensure the security of your account, always remember to log out of your session once you have obtained the required information.

These steps should help you easily find your PRAN number online through the NSDL e-Gov website.

How to Know Your PRAN Number Offline?

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

Step 1: Visit the Nearest Permanent Retirement Account Center (PRAN): You can find the closest PRAN center through online searches or by asking local authorities.

Step 2: Carry Necessary Identification Documents: Ensure you have valid identification documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other government-issued identity proof.

Step 3: Fill Out the PRAN Application Form: Request and complete the PRAN application form provided at the centre. Provide accurate personal details and contact information.

Step 4: Submit the Application Form: Hand in the completed application form and the required identification documents to the designated authority.

Step 5: Verification Process: The authorities will verify the submitted documents and information.

Step 6: Receive Acknowledgement: Upon successful verification, you will receive an acknowledgement slip containing your PRAN application reference number.

Step 7: Track Application Status: Use the provided reference number to track the status of your PRAN application.

Step 8: PRAN Generation: Once processed, your PRAN number will be generated.

Step 9: Collect PRAN Card: Revisit the PRAN centre to collect your PRAN card or any other relevant documents.

Step 10: Activate PRAN: Follow the instructions provided with the PRAN card to activate your account.

Step 11: Keep PRAN Details Safe: Keep your PRAN details safe and accessible for future reference and transactions.

To create an online NPS account, select the e-NPS option. With this technique, you can either send a signed physical copy of the forms to the NSDL Office or use the Aadhaar OTP method to validate your account. Users are free to choose the approach that works best for them.

The steps to open an online NPS account are as follows:

Step 1: For KYC verification of subscribers' registration through eNPS, you should have a "Permanent Account Number" (PAN) and the bank/demat/folio transaction details of the empanelled bank/non-bank account.

Step 2: Your selected bank or non-bank POP will handle your KYC check during registration.

Step 3: The POP records for KYC authentication and the name and address provided during registration should match. Should the details not correspond, the application may be rejected. Applicants are asked to contact the POP if the desired POP rejects their KYC.

Step 4: Next, complete the online form with all required fields.

Step 5: A scanned copy of your PAN card and a cancelled check must be uploaded in the *.jpeg/*.jpg/*.png format, with a file size of 4KB–2MB.

Step 6: A scanned copy of your PAN card and official signature must be uploaded.

Step 7: Making the initial minimal payment is the next step. 

Step 8: Once there, you can pay with your debit card or NetBanking information through a payment portal.

Step 9: After the transaction and your account setup are successful, you will receive your PRAN number and other account details by mail and email.

PRAN Application Using PAN Card

When submitting an application through PAN for a PRAN card, the applicant needs to bear the following in mind: 

Step 1: An applicant must have a bank account with an authorised bank to use PAN for KYC verification. 

Step 2: The KYC verification will be carried out by the bank that the applicant selects during the registration procedure. 

Step 3: Additionally, applicants should be aware that the name and address they give on registration must match the records of the relevant bank. 

Step 4: Candidates must complete all required online fields.

Step 5: Candidates must provide scanned copies of their cancelled checks and PAN cards.

Step 6: Candidates must scan and upload their photo and signature.

Step 7: Afterwards, those who apply will be sent to a payment gateway where they can fund their National Pension System account. 

Step 8: They can e-sign the registration form, print it, and mail it to the CRA. 

Step 9: It should be noted that the PRA contributions are credited in T+2 days or two days after the payment date. 

PRAN Application Using Aadhaar Card

Step 1: This method uses an OTP for KYC verification. The mobile number registered and documented in the Aadhaar database receives this OTP. Upon validation, all application data stored in the Aadhaar database is automatically filled in the online form. 

Step 2: After completing the remaining fields on the application, the candidate must attach a scanned copy of their signature. The application procedure would be completed by sending the applicant to the payment gateway. 

Here's how to obtain your PRAN card offline if you feel more at ease visiting branch offices in person or would rather do things offline.

Step 1: Go to any Point-of-Presence location registered with the NPS network. 

Step 2: Obtain a PRAN application form and complete it precisely and fully. This form usually requests important information such as your data, employment details, nominee details, and other details the scheme requires. 

Step 3: Deliver the completed application form and the necessary paperwork to the relevant PoP office official. 

Step 4: Pay the first investment amount into your NPS account. 

Step 5: The PRAN card will be delivered to the address you supplied after registration. 

The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is a unique identifier. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who wish to invest in India's National Pension System (NPS) can apply for a PRAN card. PRAN allows NRIs to manage their pension accounts efficiently, ensuring a secure and well-planned retirement. 

Understanding how to obtain and utilise PRAN is essential for NRIs looking to benefit from the NPS's long-term savings and investment opportunities. While applying for a PRAN Card, NRI subscribers should follow the given steps:

Step 1: Select the Bank Account Status, i.e., Non-Repatriable account or Repatriable account

Step 2: Provide the NRE/NRO bank account details and upload a scanned copy of the passport

Step 3: Select the preferred address for communication – Overseas Address (communication at an overseas address would entail extra charges) or Permanent Address in India

Documents Required for PRAN Card

In order to apply for a PRAN Card, you must gather and submit the following documents-

• Aadhar Card

• PAN card or Permanent Account Number that is issued to you by the Income Tax department

• A scanned copy of the passport-sized photograph

• Scanned copy of bank passbook/cancelled cheque

• A scanned copy of your signature

• A scanned copy of the passport (mandatory for NRI applicants)

• Kindly note that the file size of scanned copies of documents mentioned above must be between 4 kb and 12 kb and in the .jpeg/.jpg format only.

The PRAN Kit, "Permanent Retirement Account Number," is a crucial component of India's National Pension System (NPS). It is a unique identification number allotted to individuals enrolled in the NPS, facilitating retirement planning and pension fund management. 

The primary purpose of the PRAN Kit is to streamline and centralise the management of pension funds for individuals under the NPS scheme. Upon enrollment, each subscriber receives a PRAN Kit containing essential documents such as a PRAN card displaying their unique PRAN number and an information booklet detailing the NPS guidelines and procedures.

The PRAN Kit serves several key functions:

Identification:

The PRAN serves as a unique identifier for each subscriber within the NPS system, enabling efficient tracking and management of their pension contributions and withdrawals.

Account Management:

 It provides access to the subscriber's NPS account, allowing them to monitor their pension fund contributions, investment portfolio, and other account details online or through designated Points of Presence (POPs).

Contribution Facilitation:

The PRAN Kit facilitates the seamless deposit of pension contributions by employers or individual subscribers, ensuring timely and accurate allocation of funds towards their retirement savings.

Tax Benefits:

Subscribers can avail of tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on contributions to their NPS account, further incentivising retirement planning through the PRAN Kit.

Flexibility:

The PRAN Kit offers flexibility regarding investment choices, allowing subscribers to allocate their pension contributions across various asset classes, such as equities, government securities, and corporate bonds, based on their risk appetite and financial goals.

Printing your e-PRAN card is a simple process that provides you with a physical copy of your PRAN details. Following are the steps to print an e-PRAN card:

Step 1: Using the "Print and Courier" option on the "eSign / Print and Courier" page, applicants can decide to have a printed PRAN card couriered to them.  They have the option to print the e-PRAN. 

Step 2: Applicants must choose the "Print e-PRAN" option after logging into their NPS account. They can also download an e-PRAN card to maintain a digital copy on their smartphones. 

Step 3: This PRAN card is crucial because it is connected to one's NPS account. Moreover, it is among the crucial records that must be submitted to make a post-retirement claim from one's NPS account.

Using the eSign option to get the document electronically signed is the simplest approach to activate your PRAN card. The following procedures can be used to sign the document if you created your PRAN card using Aadhaar:

Step 1: After selecting the' eSign' option on the eSign/Print & Courier page, you will be redirected to the following website to generate an OTP for the PRAN Card activation process.

Step 2: To authenticate, an OTP will be delivered to the mobile number you registered with Aadhaar.

Step 3: The registration form will be properly e-signed, and a confirmation message pertaining to it will be displayed upon authentication with Aadhaar OTP.

Step 4: You do not need to send the hard copy of the form to CRA to activate it once it has been electronically signed. eSign service is chargeable at ₹25.90 plus applicable service tax (including UIDAI charges of ₹20)

You can access your NPS account online using the number displayed on your PRAN card for NPS PRAN login. The steps to log in to your PRAN Card are as follows:

Step 1: If you already have a PRAN card, go to the NPS Login Portal and select "Login for Existing Subscribers."

Step 2: To access your NPS account, enter the password and your Permanent Retirement Account Number, which is displayed on your PRAN card, on the next page. Click the "Generate/Reset Password" option if you want to sign up for online PRAN card services or if you have forgotten your login password.

Once registration is done, subscriber have the urge to check their PRAN card’s status. You can check the "Dispatch Status" for newly issued PRAN card by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Track PRAN Card Status” section and click on it.

Step 3: Now, fill out your PRAN number and the captcha.

Step 4: After filling out the details, click the submit button.

Step 5: After clicking the submit button, you can see your PRAN's status.

No, as per the current NPS regulations, each individual is only permitted to retain a single PRAN number or PRAN Card. This is because NPS subscriptions are split into Tier 1 and Tier 2 accounts that share the same PRAN. 

You can keep contributing to your NPS account even if your employment changes. You don't need to open a new one. However, you may also easily move your NPS account from one place to another.

There is no integration between the NPS and NPS Lite/Atal Pension Yojana (APY) systems. As a result, people who have both APY and NPS accounts could have several PRAN cards, which could eventually be combined.

Employees of the Central and State Governments must register their PRAN cards with National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL).  It enables seamless access to NPS services, facilitates online transactions, and ensures the portability of pension benefits across employers and locations. 

Additionally, PRAN helps monitor retirement savings growth and enables account holders to plan for their financial future efficiently.

As per the guidelines of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the PRAN card can not be directly reactivated. It is freezed because your NPS account is frozen. So, if you want to reactivate your PRAN card, you must unfreeze your NPS account. 

The next section mentions the step-by-step procedure for unfreezing an NPS account. You can follow those steps to unfreeze your NPS account. Once your NPS is activated, your PRAN will also be activated. 

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To bring an NPS (National Pension System) account back online, here are a few steps to follow:

Step 1: It is essential to comprehend the reason behind the deactivation to reactivate a frozen NPS account. This can be done offline at a point of presence (PoP) or online via eNPS. You must adhere to a few basic measures, such as

Step 2: To unfreeze an account, complete the UOS-S10-A form. This form is available at the post office and can also be obtained from the site where your NPS account is active.

Step 3: Enclose a copy of the subscriber's PRAN card with the form. In addition, the subscriber must pay a ₹100 penalty and deposit the unpaid annual contribution into the account.

Step 4: After submitting your application, NPS representatives check your account. Your application is then processed, and the PRAN is made active.

Step 5: Give your PoP the missing or updated KYC documentation if there are any anomalies in KYC. To start, address and resolve the issue with the NPS Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA). If there is a technical problem, get assistance from the NPS CRA to fix it.

Step 6: Five to seven working days are usually needed for reactivation.

On the other hand, the reactivation process could be more involved and require extra stages if the error involves financial malfeasance. To prevent further problems, it's critical to be proactive and deal with the problem as soon as it's identified.

Therefore, this article reveals several ways to apply for a PRAN card. For a subscriber’s convenience, he can choose any application mode and aim to increase his retirement corpus.