How to Apply for a PRAN Card

When you subscribe to the National Pension System (NPS), you receive a unique 12-digit Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). Using this number, you can track your investments and pension amounts. It is also useful if you want to make a partial withdrawal.  

 

Having a physical copy of your PRAN in the form of a PRAN card is highly beneficial and convenient. Depending on your preference, you can apply for the PRAN card offline or online. You can also download the e-PRAN card and keep a digital copy on your smartphone.

Once you decide which type of account you want to open, here are different approaches to start investing in NPS for a secure retirement. 

Offline Method 

To get a PRAN card offline, visit your nearest Point of Presence (POP) empanelled under NPS and submit the following document:

• Subscriber Registration Form (CSRF)

• Your personal details

• Your employment details

• Your nomination details

• Scheme’s details

• Declaration to PFRDA

 

You can find the CSRF on the eNPS website or at the POP branch. Along with the document, you must also make an initial contribution of ₹500 to submit the application. Make sure to collect the receipt to track your application status. 

 

After verification, your account will be open and you will get confirmation for the same on your registered mobile and email address. 

Online Method

In the online option, you can apply using your Aadhaar card and PAN card for KYC verification. These two identification cards auto-populate your data, streamlining the application process. 

 

To apply for the PRAN card online, follow these steps: 

1. Visit the official eNPS website 

2. Select the ‘Open Your NPS Account / Contribute Now’ option 

3. Select your account type

4. Enter the required details

5. Verify the OTP

6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process 

7. Upload the required documents

8. Make the initial contribution

 

Keep the following documents available in soft copy to apply online. 

• PAN card

• Aadhaar card

• Scanned copy of a cancelled cheque

• Scanned signature

• Scanned photograph

 

Scanned copy of your passport, if you are an NRI applicant

Post-application, here are the steps you can follow to check your PRAN card status:

1. Visit the official eNPS website 

2. Select the ‘PRAN Application Status (Through Ack. No.)’ option on the dashboard

3. Enter the required details and captcha 

4. Click on ‘Search’ and check the status

 

Once submitted, you will promptly see your card status. Note that you can find the acknowledgement number on the receipt received at the POP branch. In case of online applications, your confirmation email will contain your acknowledgement number. If it is a Tier II NPS account, then you can check the status with your primary PRAN number.

The E-signing option is an easy option to activate your card after you have received your PRAN. Here are the steps you can follow for activation.

Online (eSign) option: 

1. Select ‘eSign’ from the ‘eSign / Print and Courier’ page

2. Enter the OTP received on your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card

3. Pay ₹25.90 with tax for using the E-sign service (subject to change)

 

You can download the e-PRAN through the CRA - NSDL portal. 

 

Offline (Print and Courier) option:

1. Select the ‘Print and Courier’ option

2. Print the form and stick your photograph (not to be stapled)

3. Sign on the designated space (do not sign across the photograph)

4. Send the form with 30 days of PRAN allotment to the following address:
    

Central Recordkeeping Agency (eNPS)

Protean eGov Technologies Limited,

1st Floor, Times Tower, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg

Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013