The Permanent Retirement Account Number or PRAN is a unique 12 digit number that is given to the individuals who are registered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) in India. On successful allocation of PRAN, the NPS subscriber has the option of receiving a physical copy of his/her PRAN on a PRAN card. Once the PRAN is allotted to an NPS subscriber, it serves as his/her unique identifier for their lifetime.
Applying for a PRAN card online is simple and convenient. The entire process of opening an NPS account online can be done through the official website of NSDL or Karvy. They are the CRA (Central Record Keeping Agency) entrusted by the government of India to maintain and open NPS accounts in India. Following are the steps to apply for PRAN card online:
To apply for PRAN offline, the applicant simply has to go to the nearest Point-of-Presence (PoP) under the NPS which is commonly the bank. PoPs are officially authorised to make a range of NPS-related activities including forwarding applications, accepting deposits related to transfer of NPS account, nomination change applications, partial withdrawal applications and much more.
The following way describes how PRAN can be applied for, using PAN (Permanent Account Number) card.
The obvious requirement is that the applicant needs to have a PAN card
The applicant also needs to have a bank account with the empanelled Bank for KYC verification for subscriber registration through eNPS.
The bank selected by the applicant will do the KYC verification during the registration process.
The name and address provided by the applicant during the registration process should match with the bank records for the KYC verification.
If there is a discrepancy in the details, then the request for PRAN is liable for rejection. If the KYC gets rejected by the selected bank, the applicant should contact the bank to amend the same.
The other mandatory details are required to be filled online.
The applicant will have to upload a scanned signature (in a jpg format and the file size has to be between 4kb and 12kb. If the applicant does not want the photograph obtained from Aadhaar, he/she has the option to separately upload a scanned photograph to be used on the PRAN card and NPS database).
After completing the above steps, the process will lead the applicant to an online payment gateway for making the payment towards the NPS account.
The payment can be made through internet banking or through bank cards like debit or credit card.
When the Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) gets generated, the applicant will be alerted by the CRA through email and text message on the mobile number given during the registration process. For security purposes and keeping the information confidential, the CRA will only send last 4 digits of the account number in the email and mobile text message communication.
The common practise is that from the date of the duly filled registration form at the CRA – Facilitation Centre, the Permanent Retirement Account Number is generated and the printed card is dispatched within 20 days. Like the applicant gets a status tracking number in Aadhaar card registration process, even in PRAN card, the same system is followed. Here, the applicant gets a 17 digit receipt number which is given as an acknowledgment by the POP-S. The applicant can check the online status of by entering the acknowledgment number or can check the same with the nodal officer.
NRI subscribers should consider the following while applying for a PRAN card:
Select the Bank Account Status which can be Repatriable account or Non-Repatriable account.
The NRI applicant will be required to provide the NRO/NRE bank account details and will need to upload a scanned copy of his/her passport.
Then, the applicant needs to select the preferred address for communication. (please note communication at overseas address will involve extra charges). The NRI applicant can also give their permanent Address in India.
CRA (Central Record Keeping Agency) is the record keeping agency for National Pension System. CRA NSDL maintains all the records of the NPS subscribers. CRA is the first of its kind project in India which will carry out the tasks of customer service, record keeping and administration for all subscribers under NPS – Lite pension scheme.
Please note - The required file size of the scanned copy of the required documents mentioned above for online PRAN application is required to be between 4kb and 12kb and in the jpeg or jpg format only.
What is NSDL NPS account?
National Pension System (NPS) was launched by the government of India, especially for government employees in the year 2004. In 2009, the scheme was open to all sections of employees. NPS is a pension cum investment scheme which aims to provide old age financial security to its subscribers. NSDL is the official central record keeping agency for the N.P.S (National Pension System) which keeps data and provides online NPS account service to the NPS subscribers. The regulator of the NPS scheme is PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority).
Can CRA reject application forms?
The POP-SP forwards the application to CRA for the generation of PRAN. If there is any discrepancy in the information, then the CRA can reject the application and inform the POP-SP of the same.
How do I Print PRAN Card?
The subscriber needs to first visit the eSign/Print & Courier page and choose ‘Print & Courier’ option. Then the subscriber needs to take a print out of the completed form and paste his/her photograph in the photograph space. Use of staples/pins to affix the photograph is strictly not allowed. Then, the subscriber must put his /her signature within the designated blocks. Once the PRAN has been allotted to the applicant, he/she needs to send the completed PRAN card application form with photo to applicable CRA (Karvy/NSDL) within 90 days of the PRAN allotment. The subscriber can also choose the online option of e-printing the PRAN. All he/she has to do is to log into their account and select “Print ePRAN” option. While there are no charges associated with ePRAN printing, but if the subscriber wants a physical PRAN card printed by the CRA and delivered to the registered address, then appropriate fee plus GST will be applicable on the same.
How do I Check PRAN Card Status?
If you have selected the option to receive your PRAN card in physical form at your address registered in the database, then you can track down the status of your PRAN card application easily.
Go to the NSDL website and open ‘tracking the dispatch status for PRAN’ page. Here, you can get the dispatch status of PRAN card new or reissued PRAN card. The subscriber can also track if he/she has requested for T-PIN password which is also sent in the mail.
How do I Check PRAN Card Balance?
The PRAN card balance can be checked easily from the convenience of your home by login to the National Pension System account on the NSDL website. Once successfully logged in, the balance can be checked of both compulsory Tier 1 account and optional Tier 2 account offered under the NPS pension scheme.
What is PRAN Card Customer Care phone number?
The NPS subscribers can contact their specific CRA for their queries on the below mentioned customer care phone number.
NSDL CRA (NPS Customer Care) on (022) 2499 3499 Karvy Fintech Pvt Limited (Formerly known as KCPL Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd.) on 1800 208 1516.
