PRAN Card

Understand the process of getting PRAN Card.
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4 mins
09-September-2025

If you’re planning for retirement with the National Pension System (NPS), the first thing you’ll need is a PRAN Card. Think of it as your unique identity in the NPS world—it’s what links your contributions, withdrawals, and retirement corpus together. But here’s the good news: getting a PRAN is simple, and once you have it, your retirement planning becomes much smoother.

What is PRAN?

A Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to every NPS subscriber. Once allotted, this number stays the same for life, making it easier to track and manage your pension savings.

  • Tier I account: Mandatory for all subscribers; contributions are locked until retirement (with limited withdrawal options).
  • Tier II account: Voluntary and works like a savings account; you can withdraw anytime, but it doesn’t offer tax benefits.

While NPS builds your long-term retirement fund, pair it with a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit (FD) for short- to medium-term savings. With returns up to 7.30% p.a., FDs balance out the illiquidity of NPS. Open FD.

Fixed Deposit

  1. Trusted by over 5 lakh customers
  2. Fixed Deposits worth more than Rs. 50,000 crore booked
  3. Rated CRISIL AAA/STABLE and [ICRA]AAA(STABLE)
  4. Up to 0.35% p.a. extra interest offered for senior citizens
  5. Flexible interest payout options available - Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly, Annually or at Maturity

By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions

How to apply for a PRAN Card offline

You can apply at the nearest Point of Presence (PoP) usually a bank branch. Here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Collect and fill out the PRAN application form with personal, employment, and nomination details.
  2. Submit it with supporting documents (PAN, Aadhaar, and proof of employment).
  3. The form is processed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

How to apply for a PRAN Card online

For faster processing, you can apply via the NSDL or Karvy CRA websites.

1. Apply with PAN

  • Have an active bank account (your bank does the KYC verification).
  • Provide details matching your bank’s records.
  • Upload scanned copies of PAN, a cancelled cheque, photo, and signature.
  • Pay the account opening fee online and either courier the form or use eSign.

2. Apply with Aadhaar

  • Authenticate via Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile.
  • Details and photo are auto-fetched from Aadhaar.
  • Upload a scanned signature and photo (optional if replacing Aadhaar’s).
  • Complete payment via card/net banking to activate your NPS account.

Unlike NPS (which locks in your savings), FDs give easy liquidity. With Bajaj Finance FD, you can even take a loan against your FD during emergencies without breaking your investment. Check FD rates.

Who can apply for PRAN?

Eligibility is straightforward:

  • Age between 18 and 60 years.
  • Must be a registered employee/subscriber with the Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA).
  • Government employees must also be registered with the Drawing and Disbursing Office (DDO).

Fixed deposit variants

Highest Credit Ratings | Trusted with over 1.4 million Deposits | Assured Returns on FD
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Fixed Deposit - 60 Months

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.30% p.a.
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Fixed Deposit - Senior Citizen

INTEREST RATES UP TO
7.30% p.a.
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Fixed Deposit - Age below 60

INTEREST RATES UP TO
6.95% p.a.
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Fixed Deposit - Minor

INTEREST RATES UP TO
6.95% p.a.
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Fixed Deposit - HUF

INTEREST RATES UP TO
6.95% p.a.
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Fixed Deposit - Sole Proprietor

INTEREST RATES UP TO
6.95% p.a.
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Documents required for PRAN application

When applying online, keep these ready (scanned in .jpeg/.jpg, 4–12 kb size):

  • PAN and Aadhaar card
  • Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
  • Passport-sized photo and signature
  • Passport (mandatory for NRI applicants)

Just like PRAN requires proper documentation, diversifying your portfolio needs reliable investment products. Bajaj Finance FDs, rated AAA by CRISIL and ICRA, assure safety with attractive returns. Check eligibility.

Also Read: Post Office Saving Scheme

How to activate your PRAN Card

The simplest method to activate a PRAN Card is by using the "eSign" option. For applicants who have applied for a PRAN Card through their Aadhaar number, the activation process involves the following steps:

  1. Choose the ‘eSign’ option on the ‘eSign / Print and Courier’ page.
  2. An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number.
  3. Enter the received OTP.
  4. Upon OTP verification, the applicant's PRAN Card will be activated, and they will receive a confirmation.

Steps to login to PRAN Card portal for NPS

For accessing NPS PRAN login, you can utilise the number displayed on your PRAN card to log in to your NPS account online. The following steps outline the PRAN Card login process:

  • Step 1: Visit the NPS Login Portal and select the 'Login for Existing Subscribers' option if you already possess a PRAN Card.
  • Step 2: On the subsequent page, use your Permanent Retirement Account Number, along with the NPS account's password, to access your NPS account.

How to print e-PRAN?

To print your e-PRAN, follow these steps:

  • Visit the eNPS portal and log in with your user ID and password.
  • Select 'My Transaction' from the drop-down menu.
  • Click 'Print PRAN Card' and a PDF will be generated with details of your e-PRAN Card, including your PRAN number, name, and address.
  • You can take a printout of this PDF document.

Just like PRAN ensures smooth access to your NPS savings, FDs provide instant liquidity with flexible payout options—monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly or at maturity—depending on your goals. Book an FD.

Conclusion

Your PRAN is more than just a number it is the backbone of your NPS journey. Whether you apply offline or online, the process is simple, and once activated, it keeps your retirement savings organised for life.

But remember, while NPS is great for long-term retirement planning, it is wise to combine it with fixed deposits for short and medium-term financial needs.

With Bajaj Finance FDs offering guaranteed returns up to 7.30% p.a., flexible tenures, and high safety ratings, they’re the perfect complement to your retirement strategy. Book FD.

Calculate your expected investment returns with the help of our investment calculators

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Frequently asked questions

Is PAN card and PRAN card the same?

No, a PAN card is a Permanent Account Number used for tax purposes, while a PRAN card is a Permanent Retirement Account Number used for managing retirement savings under the National Pension System (NPS).

Is PRAN card mandatory?

Yes, a PRAN card is mandatory for individuals participating in the National Pension System (NPS) as it uniquely identifies their retirement account and facilitates the management of their pension contributions and benefits.

How do I get my PRAN?

To get your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number), you need to register for the National Pension System (NPS) either online through the eNPS portal or offline by submitting the necessary forms and documents to a Point of Presence (PoP).

How to get PRAN card if lost?

If your PRAN card is lost, you can request a reprint by logging into the CRA (Central Recordkeeping Agency) website or contacting your PoP. A duplicate card will be issued after verification.

Is physical PRAN card mandatory?

No, a physical PRAN card is not mandatory. Digital PRAN cards are acceptable, and all necessary information can be accessed online through the NPS portal, making physical cards optional.

What is the purpose of PRAN?

The purpose of PRAN is to uniquely identify NPS subscribers and manage their pension accounts efficiently. It helps in tracking contributions, managing investments, and ensuring seamless service across different stages of the subscriber's lifecycle.

Can a person have two PRAN cards?

No, a person cannot have two PRAN cards. Each individual is allowed only one PRAN, which is unique and serves as the sole identifier for their NPS account throughout their lifetime.

Can we download PRAN card?

Yes, you can download your PRAN card by logging into the NPS portal with your credentials. The digital version is available for download and can be used as needed.

Should I invest only in NPS for retirement?

Not necessarily. NPS is ideal for building a pension, but pairing it with Bajaj Finance FD gives you safe, guaranteed returns for short-term needs, balancing your retirement portfolio. Open FD.

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As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

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