The PRAN card, which stands for Permanent Retirement Account Number, is an integral part of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) in India. This is a unique 12-digit number assigned to individuals who sign up for NPS, which is a government-backed retirement savings plan. The PRAN acts as a key identifier of the account holder and ensures that there is no mix-up or issues with the account. It’s similar to how social security numbers work in the United States. The card itself contains vital information such as PRAN, customer name, patronymic, photograph, signature or fingerprint.
A PRAN form is not just an identity document; It is the gateway to manage your retirement savings. This gives customers access to their account information and tracks their contribution and savings progress over time. Once a PRAN card is obtained, one has to register with NPS through a Point of Presence-Service Provider (POP-SP) or online. Once registered, the card is sent to the customer, who can then use it for various NPS-related transactions. NPS is a tangible and very important proof of accountability for retirement planning, ensuring safe and orderly savings for the golden years
ESIC Online Payment Step By Step : Login & Deadline 2024
The Overview Of The PRAN card,
A Permanent Retirement Account Number, or PRAN, is a unique 12-digit number assigned to individuals who join the National Pension System (NPS) in India. This system is designed to help people save for their retirement years. Once you register for the NPS, you get a PRAN, which is yours for life and can be accessed from anywhere within the country. It’s important because it helps keep track of the money you put into and take out of your pension account. Each person can have only one PRAN, and it’s necessary for all members of the NPS. Additionally, members can get a physical PRAN card, which is like a copy of the PRAN and can be used to access account details.
The NPS offers two types of accounts: Tier I and Tier II. The Tier I account is mandatory for saving for retirement, and you must regularly contribute to it. However, you can’t withdraw the saved money from this account until you retire. On the other hand, the Tier II account is optional and acts like a savings account, allowing you to withdraw money whenever you want. But unlike the Tier I account, the Tier II doesn’t offer tax benefits. To be eligible for a PRAN, you need to be an Indian citizen between 18 and 70 years old, have valid ID and address proofs, a bank account for KYC verification, and a PAN card.
How To apply for a PRAN Card offline
To apply for a PRAN Card offline, you can follow the steps :
- Locate a PoP: Find the nearest Point of Presence (PoP) authorized by the National Pension System (NPS).
- Get the Form: Obtain the NPS Application Form Annexure S1, which is the application form for a PRAN card.
- Fill Personal Details: Accurately fill in your personal details as required on the form.
- Nomination Details: Provide the details of your nominee(s) in the designated section.
- Employment Information: Enter your employment details as per the form’s instructions.
- Choose a Scheme: Select the appropriate NPS scheme details that suit your retirement plan.
- Subscriber Declaration: Read and sign the declaration to adhere to the rules set by the Pension Regulatory Fund and Development Authority (PFRDA).
- Attach KYC Documents: Attach necessary Know Your Customer (KYC) documents for identity and address proof.
- Review the Application: Double-check all the information provided for accuracy.
- Submit the Form: Hand over the completed form along with the KYC documents to the relevant official at the PoP.
Make sure to keep a copy of the filled form and obtain a receipt or acknowledgment for your submission.
Overview of the scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Permanent Retirement Account Number |
| Purpose | Unique identifier for NPS participants |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens |
| Account Types | Tier I (mandatory), Tier II (voluntary) |
| Benefits | Tax benefits, low-cost equity-linked investments, portability, government-regulated |
| Application Process | Can be applied online via NSDL or offline through PoP |
| Documents Required | Aadhaar, PAN, KYC details |
| Unique Number | 12-digit number, remains with the subscriber for life |
Procedure to apply for a PRAN Card using your PAN:
Following is the process to apply
- Bank Account: Ensure you have a bank account with a bank that is empanelled with the National Pension System (NPS).
- KYC Verification: The bank where you hold your account will conduct the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
- Consistent Information: Confirm that the name and address details you provide match those on record with your bank.
- Fill Details: Accurately fill in all the mandatory details required for the PRAN application.
- Document Submission: Submit scanned copies of your PAN card and a cancelled cheque from your bank account.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph and your signature’s scanned image.
- Payment Portal: Visit the payment portal to make a contribution to your National Pension System account.
- E-Sign: You have the option to e-sign the registration form if you have an Aadhaar card linked to a mobile number.
- Print and Mail: Alternatively, you can print the registration form and mail it to the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA).
- Acknowledgment: After submitting the form, ensure you receive an acknowledgment, which may be useful for future reference.
Remember, having a PAN card is crucial as it serves as a primary ID proof for the KYC process and the PRAN application.
how you can apply for a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) through Aadhaar
- Visit the official National Pension System (NPS) website.
- Choose the option to register using the Aadhaar OTP authentication method.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, and you will receive an OTP on the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
- Authenticate your identity by entering the OTP received on your mobile phone.
- Verify that your demographic details and photograph, fetched from the Aadhaar database, are correct on the online form.
- Complete the online form by filling in any additional required information not covered by the Aadhaar details.
- Scan and upload your signature in .jpeg or .jpg format, ensuring the file size is between 4 to 12 KB.
- If desired, upload a different scanned photograph to replace the one provided by Aadhaar.
- Navigate to the payment gateway to make an initial contribution to your NPS account.
- Choose your preferred payment method (debit/credit card or net banking) and complete the transaction.
After these steps, your PRAN application will be processed. Once approved, you will receive your PRAN, which you can use to operate your NPS account. Remember to keep all your documents handy for a smooth application process.
#### how to activate your PRAN Card
- Visit the NSDL e-Governance official website or the portal provided for PRAN Card services.
- Log in to your account using your User ID and Password.
- Navigate to the eSign/Print and Courier page within the portal.
- Select the ‘eSign’ option to initiate the activation process.
- Ensure that your registered mobile phone is with you and can receive an OTP (One Time Password).
- Wait for the OTP to be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Once received, enter the OTP in the designated field on the website.
- Submit the OTP for verification.
- After successful OTP verification, you will see a confirmation message on the screen.
- Your PRAN Card will now be activated. You may receive an email confirmation as well.
Make sure to keep your registered mobile phone handy and follow the instructions carefully. If you encounter any issues, you can reach out to the customer support of the NSDL e-Governance portal for assistance.
Procedure to print your e-PRAN or have it couriered to yoy.
- Log in to your NPS account through the official NPS portal.
- Navigate to the eSign/Print and Courier page on the dashboard.
- To have a physical copy, select the ‘Print and Courier’ option.
- Confirm your delivery details to ensure the PRAN card is couriered to the correct address.
- Complete any required authentication steps, such as entering a password or answering security questions.
- For a digital copy, select the ‘Print e-PRAN’ option within your account.
- Ensure your printer settings are correct for printing the e-PRAN.
- Download the e-PRAN if you prefer to keep a digital copy on your phone or computer.
- Check the downloaded e-PRAN for accuracy and completeness.
- Keep the printed or digital e-PRAN safe as it is linked to your NPS account and is necessary for post-retirement claims.
Remember, the e-PRAN is an important document for your National Pension System account, so make sure to follow these steps carefully to obtain your copy.
Step-by-step guide to log in to the PRAN Card portal for NPS
- Open your web browser and go to the official NPS Login Portal.
- On the homepage, look for and select the ‘Login for Existing Subscribers’ option.
- You will be redirected to the login page specifically for those who already have a PRAN Card.
- Locate your PRAN Card and have it ready for the next steps.
- On the login page, enter your Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) exactly as it appears on your PRAN Card.
- Proceed to the password field and enter your NPS account password.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the ‘Forgot Password’ link to reset it.
- Once you’ve entered your PRAN and password, click on the ‘Submit’ or ‘Login’ button to proceed.
- If the details are correct, you will be granted access to your NPS account dashboard.
- From the dashboard, you can manage your NPS account, view account balances, update personal details, and perform other related activities.
Ensure that you keep your PRAN Card and password confidential to protect your account’s security.
