What is a PRAN Number: Definition, Application & Download Steps

The Indian government introduced the National Pension Scheme (NPS) initially for the government sector employees. Later, it was introduced to the employees in other sectors as well. The NPS scheme helps employees with financial backup after they retire.

An NPS account holder is given a Permanent Retirement Account Number, commonly known as a PRAN number, to identify and manage their retirement savings efficiently. This blog explains the applicability of PRAN and how to apply for and activate it.

A Brief Introduction to PRAN Number

The Indian government assigns a unique 12-digit PRAN number to the NPS holders. Using a PRAN, you can access your retirement fund from any location across India. The Indian government allows you to hold two types of NPS accounts under your PRAN:

• Tier I: With this account type, you cannot withdraw your contribution to the pension amount until retirement.
• Tier II: This type of account is fully voluntary. If you hold such an NPS account, you can withdraw funds whenever you want. However, you will get no tax benefits from this account.

Definition of a PRAN

Whether you are holding a Tier I or a Tier II NPS account, you must have a PRAN number. A PRAN card holds the crucial details regarding your NPS account, such as your PRAN number, your name, your latest photograph, your signature, etc. 

Thus, it serves as a valid ID proof of holding an NPS account. You can apply for a PRAN both offline and online, using either your PAN or Aadhaar Card. 

Steps to Apply for a PRAN Online Using PAN

Follow the steps mentioned below to complete the registration for a PRAN number:

Step 1: Open a browser on your mobile device or computer and head to the official NSDL portal or click here. 

Step 2:  For KYC purposes, fulfil the verification process using your Aadhaar or PAN card. Type in the OTP that you will receive on your registered mobile number.

Step 3: Fill out the mandatory field with the required details. Scan and upload documents like your signature and recent photograph.

Step 4: Complete the payment for this service using a debit/credit card or net banking. 

Step 5: After successful payment, the portal will generate a unique PRAN for you. You can download a hard copy of this and keep it for future use. 

How to Apply for PRAN Number Offline? 

Apart from the online process, you can apply for a PRAN traditionally. Here, take a look at the steps you need to follow for the offline PRAN application:

Step 1: Locate and visit your nearest POP (Point of Presence) in your location registered under the NPS.

Step 2: Ask a POP representative and obtain a Subscriber Registration Form to proceed with PRAN registration. 

Step 3: Duly fill out the form with the necessary information. Also, attach copies of your Aadhaar card, PAN, photographs, a cancelled cheque, etc.

Step 4: Submit the completed form at the POP and pay the necessary fees using cash, a demand draft or a cheque.

Step 5: Check your registered email ID, where you will receive your PRAN details. You will receive your physical PRAN card at your communication address within 20 days. 

Application Process for PRAN Number for NRIs

The Indian government also allows the NRIs to have a PRAN. The following are the steps you need to follow in such a case:

Step 1: Go to the official NSDL website from your browser, look for the NPS link and click on it.

Step 2: Choose your account type as ‘Repatriable’ or ‘Non-Repatriable’ displayed under the ‘Select the Bank Account Status’ option.

Step 3: Carefully fill out the bank account details of your NRE or NRO account. 

Step 4: Upload your recent scanned passport-sized photograph in JPG or JPEG format of up to 12 KB. 

Step 5: Select your preferred address in India or enter your overseas location and submit. Note that you need to pay extra fees if you need your PRAN card at the overseas address. 

Eligibility Criteria to Get PRAN Number

While applying or registering for a PRAN, the following factors apply to your eligibility to get a PRAN:

• Age Requirement: If you are an employed individual between the ages of 18 and 70, you can apply for a PRAN.
• Type of Citizenship: The Indian government allows a PRAN for both the Indians and NRIs.
• Type of Employment: You can apply for a PRAN if you are a government employee, working in the private sector or even self-employed. 

Documents Needed for PRAN Number

Prepare the following documents before successfully applying for a PRAN, either online or offline:

• KYC and Address Proof: Produce your KYC documents such as your Aadhaar Card and PAN. 
• Photograph and Signature: Upload or affix your recent passport-sized photographs and your full signature during PRAN registration. You should keep the photograph size limited to 12 KB and in JPEG or JPG format.
• Baking Details: Upload scanned copies or photocopies of your bank’s passbook or a cancelled cheque as banking proof. 

Steps to Activate e-PRAN Card

After applying or registering for a PRAN number, you need to activate your PRAN card online. Follow the steps below and activate it within a few simple steps:

Step 1: Navigate to the official e-NPS website on a browser to begin the PRAN activation process.

Step 2: On the ‘eSign/Print & Courier’ page, look for the option ‘eSign’ and click on it. 

Step 3: You will receive an OTP for the verification process on your registered mobile number or email ID.

Step 4: Type in the OTP you received in the designated space on the portal. You will see your PRAN user ID along with your password as login credentials.

Step 5: Log in to the portal using the credentials and you can now check NPS transactions or modify other details.

Step 6: Look for the ‘Activation’ tab on the webpage and again type in the OTP you received. Provide other details accordingly if the website asks for them.

Step 7: Upon filling out the details, click on the option ‘Activate’ to complete the e-PRAN activation.

Process to Get Copy of e-PRAN Online

You can easily get a printout of your e-PRAN by following the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Head to the official e-NPS portal on your device and log in with your credentials.

Step 2: From the dropdown on the next page, click on the ‘My Transactions’ option.

Step 3: Locate the option ‘Print PRAN Card’ and click on it. You will see a PDF format of your PRAN with proper information.

Step 4: Take a printout of the PDF and keep it with you for future reference.  

How to Do PRAN Number Status Check? 

After applying for a PRAN, you can run a PRAN number check online. Follow the steps shown below:

Step 1: On your browser, go to the official NSDL portal and log in to your NPS account.

Step 2: On the homepage, look for the option ‘PRAN Application Status (Through Ack. No)’ and click on it.

Step 3: Click on ‘Subscriber Registration Request Status’, fill in your PRAN acknowledgement number and fill out the captcha.

Step 4: Click the ‘Search’ button on the page and you will see the status of your PRAN application.

Final Word

The PRAN number lets you manage your NPS account online anytime and from anywhere in India. You can apply for it through online or offline modes. If your card gets damaged or lost, you can apply for a duplicate by paying a small fee of ₹40.

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