PRAN Card

Introduction

The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is a unique 12-digit account number assigned to each individual who joins the National Pension System (NPS). It serves as an identification for existing and new subscribers while providing them access to their pension funds throughout their lifetime. The PRAN card issued by the Nodal Agency, NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited (NSDL e-Gov), is a physical card bearing the PRAN and other relevant details. It helps securely access the subscriber's pension account, giving them easy access to funds. In this article, we will discuss the PRAN card's features, functions, and benefits.

What is PRAN Card?

The Pran Card full form is Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN), and it is a physical card. It is issued by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited (NSDL e-Gov), a Government of India initiative. The PRAN card meaning, simple is, that it helps securely access the subscriber's pension account, giving them easy access to funds. This card is very useful for subscribers of the National Pension System (NPS).

All NPS subscribers have to be issued a PRAN card mandatorily. It carries a 12-digit unique identification number, an identifying marker for existing and new subscribers.

The PRAN also provides a gateway to accessing the subscriber's pension account details, transactions, and more. A physical card ensures that only authorized persons can access their pension funds.
 

How to Apply for a PRAN Online?

People can apply for PRAN both offline and online. The process for applying for a PRAN online is as follows:

1.    Log onto the eNPS portal (https://enps.nsdl.com) through a valid login credential and select 'New Registration.'

2.    Fill in the details required, like name, phone number, email address, nomination details, and know your pran number by date of birth. 

3.    An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number or email address for authentication after registration.

4.    Once authentication is complete, the next step is KYC verification. This requires uploading valid identity and address proof documents like PAN card, voter ID, passport, etc., and submitting the same.

5.    Once the payment is successful, NSDL will issue the PRAN and an email with the PRAN number and other details.

6.    The physical card will be sent to the registered address within three weeks of successful registration.
 

How to Apply for PRAN Card Offline?

●    If you take the offline approach to obtain an NPS PRAN card, individuals must visit an authorized Point of Presence (PoP). Once there, each applicant needs to fill out and submit an Annexure S1 form or the National Pension System (NPS) Application Form. 

This application form must include specific details such as:

●    Personal Information of the Applicant
●    Applicant's employment details
●    Nominee's Information
●    Details of the scheme
●    Subscriber's declaration to the PRFA, Pension Regulatory Fund, and Development Authority

Furthermore, you can apply for PRAN using PAN or Aadhaar card:

●    Using PAN:

This process requires individuals to fill out an Annexure S1 form, attach a PAN card and submit it at the nearest NPS Point of Presence (PoP).

●   Using Aadhaar Card:

The Aadhaar card can be used for authentication to open an NPS account. This requires individuals to fill out an annexure S2 form, attach an Aadhaar card and submit it at the nearest NPS Point of Presence (PoP).
 

Documents Required for PRAN Card Application

The documents required for the PRAN application are:

1.    Proof of identity (PAN card, driving license, passport, etc.)
2.    Proof of address (Voter ID card, electricity bill, ration card, etc.)
3.    Photographs of the applicant and nominee
4.    Passport-size photograph
5.    Canceled cheque/bank passbook
6.    Annexure S1 or Annexure S2 forms
 

NRI PRAN Card Application Process

NRIs can also apply for a PRAN  online or offline. To apply online, NRIs must visit the eNPS portal and follow the abovementioned steps in 'How to Apply for PRAN Card Online?' For offline applications, NRIs must fill out an Annexure S3 form and submit it at the nearest NPS Point of Presence (PoP). The documents required for NRI applicants remain the same as those mentioned above.

Once all the necessary documents are submitted along with the duly filled-out form, individuals will receive their physical PRAN card within three weeks post successful registration.
 

Steps to Login to PRAN Card Portal for NPS

1.    Visit the eNPS portal at https://enps.nsdl.com
2.    Enter your 12-digit Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
3.    Enter the verification code shown on the page.
4.    Click 'Login' to access your account and view all your pension details and transactions, add/ modify bank information, etc., as required by you.
 

How to Track the Status of your PRAN Card Dispatch?

To track PRAN card status and dispatch, you must visit the eNPS portal and enter your valid login credentials. Then select 'My Transaction' from the drop-down menu and select the 'Status of PRAN Card Dispatch/Reissue' option. 

You can check the application status here. If your card is dispatched, you can also view its tracking details. If subscribers want to re-apply for their PRAN card, they must fill in the Annexure S4 form and submit it at any NSDL or POP office. For re-applications, there is no fee chargeable by NSDL as long as it is done within three months of the closure of the account.
 

How to Activate your PRAN Card

1.    Visit the eNPS portal at https://enps.nsdl.com
2.    Enter your PRAN and other details as required by you.
3.    Generate a Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or email address to activate your account and receive your login credentials, such as user ID, password, etc.,
4.    Once logged in, you can view all the necessary information related to NPS schemes and transactions which were done using this PRAN card status, add/ modify bank information, etc.
5.    To complete the activation process, click the 'Activation' option from the main page and enter OTP generated earlier along with other details as provided by you while registering for the PRAN card.
6.    Once all the details are filled out, click 'Activate' to activate your e PRAN card download successfully.
 

How to Print e-PRAN?

To print the e-PRAN, subscribers must visit the eNPS portal and log in with their user ID and password. Then select 'My Transaction' from the drop-down menu and then select the 'Print PRAN Card' option. Once you click on that option, a PDF will be generated, which contains all details of your e-PRAN card, including your PRAN number, name & address, etc.; You can take a printout of this document and keep it safe for future reference.

How to Check PRAN Card Balance?

To check your PRAN card balance, visit the eNPS portal and log in using your 12-digit Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) and other necessary details. Once logged in, you can view all relevant information related to the National Pension Scheme (NPS), including contributions made, transaction history, etc. You can also add/ modify bank information as required by you.

How to contact PRAN Card Customer Care?

If subscribers face any issues or queries related to their PRAN card, they can contact their respective NPS Point of Presence (PoP) customer care service. The NPS PoP list and contact details are available on its official website. 

Can I Have More Than a Single PRAN Card?

No, an individual cannot have more than one PRAN card. A single PAN number is provided to each citizen, and all records related to the National Pension Scheme are linked with that PAN number. Hence, an individual can't have more than one PRAN card. If you already have a PRAN card and still want to apply for another, you must close your existing account first and then submit a new application.