What is PRAN and How to Generate it online?

Subscribers of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) are provided with a PRAN or Permanent Retirement Account Number for a lifetime. This is a portable and unique number given to individuals registering for the card. Understanding what is PRAN card helps you securely access your pension account after retirement, thus giving easy access to your pension funds.

The card comprises a 12-digit identification number that is unique for all and acts as a marker for new and existing subscribers. PRAN number is also useful to access different details of your pension account and transactions that happened with them. Having this physical card makes sure of the fact that only you, an authorised individual, are eligible to access the funds from the pension account.

Application for a PRAN Card can be done using the NSDL website. This website helps in opening as well as maintaining your NPS account. To apply for a PRAN Card, you can opt for any one of the two methods available. Let us check the steps for both processes in detail.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a PRAN number using your PAN card.

• Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL and click on the ‘National Pension System’ option.
• Step 2: You will get the option to register yourself. Proceed to complete the registration process.

Note: You have to select your bank account during this step, and details of your bank account will be used for KYC verification during the registration step.

Check the steps described below to get your permanent retirement account number using your Aadhar Card.

• Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL and click on the link for ‘National Pension System’.
• Step 2: From the dialog box appearing on your screen, click ‘Registration’ option and proceed to register yourself by selecting ‘Register with Aadhaar Offline e-KYC’ option.
• Step 3: Complete your KYC verification by entering OTP that is sent to the registered phone number of your Aadhaar card.
• Step 4: Your demographic details and photo will be automatically fetched during Aadhaar KYC verification.
• Step 5: Fill in other required details in the form online.
• Step 6: Upload your signature in the size of 4kb to 12kb and in ‘.jpeg’ or ‘.jpg’ format.
• Step 7: If you wish to change the photograph fetched from your Aadhaar, upload the new photo from 4kb to 12kb size and '.jpeg' or '.jpg' format.
• Step 8: You will be directed to the payment gateway. Make your NPS account contribution using Internet banking or other payment options.

You can also apply for PRAN using offline mode. Check the following steps to easily complete the offline application process.

• Step 1: Visit an authorised PoP or Point of Presence to obtain a PRAN card offline.
• Step 2: Fill in the NPS application form or Annexure S1 form provided by the executive of PoP.
• Step 3: You can use your PAN card or Aadhaar card for KYC verification process while filling out Annexure S1 or Annexure S2 form, respectively.
• Step 4: Submit the form with proper details and make your payment against the NPS account.

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you can also apply for PRAN using the few steps discussed below.

• Step 1: Visit official website of NSDL and click on the link for ‘National Pension System’.
• Step 2: Under the option of ‘Select the Bank Account Status’, select the choice of your account between ‘Non-Repatriable account’ or ‘Repatriable account’.
• Step 3: On the directed page, you have to provide all the necessary details of your NRO or NRE bank account.
• Step 4: Upload a scanned copy of your passport of size 4kb to 12kb and in ‘.jpeg’ or '.jpg’ format.
• Step 5: Select the address you prefer to complete the communication process, that is, your permanent address in India or overseas address.

Note: For overseas addresses, an extra charge for communication is applicable.

There are a few documents that you must provide while applying for a permanent retirement account number as directed by NPS. Check the list of documents required stated here.

• 1. Identity proof - PAN card, passport, driving licence, Aadhaar card, etc.
• 2. Address proof - electricity bill, Voter ID card, ration card, utility bills, etc.
• 3. Passport-size photographs of the applicant and nominee.
• 4. Annexure S1 or Annexure S2 forms (based on your application process using PAN or Aadhaar card).
• 5. Passbook or bank account or a cancelled cheque.
• 6. Scanned copies of your signature (in case of online application process).

After you have applied for your PRAN number using the steps discussed above, you may need to check its status or processing. Here are a few simple steps you have to follow to check the status of your PRAN card.

• Step 1: Visit the NSDL website and go to the NPS portal.
• Step 2: Click on the option of ‘PRAN Application Statues (Through Ack. No)’ available on homepage.
• Step 3: You will be redirected to a new page where you need to select ‘Subscriber Registration Request Status’ tab.
• Step 4: Enter all the necessary details on the directed page, such as acknowledgement number and captcha.
• Step 5: Lastly, click on ‘Search’ to get the status details of your PRAN.

After getting the status of your permanent retirement account number, you can download the card online to print and use as per requirement.

You can easily activate your PRAN card by following some simple steps we have provided below.

• Step 1: Visit the official portal of eNPS.
• Step 2: Enter the details of your PRAN and any other information asked of you.
• Step 3: An OTP will be sent to your registered email ID or phone number. Enter the OTP to activate your PRAN account and get your user ID, password and other necessary credentials required for login.
• Step 4: After logging in to your account, you can view all the details related to NPS transactions and schemes done using your PRAN. You can also perform other tasks, such as checking the status of your card, modifying or adding any bank details and much more.
• Step 5: To complete your activation process, select the 'Activation' tab on the main page and enter the earlier generated OTP followed by other details required during registration of PRAN card.
• Step 6: After filling in all information, select the ‘Activate’ option to activate your ePRAN card, and download and use it as required.