PRAN Registration 2025: A Complete Guide to Apply, Verify, Track & Get PRAN Instantly
Introduction
If you’re planning to start your National Pension System (NPS) journey, PRAN is the first thing you’ll need. Think of PRAN as your personal retirement fingerprint—it stays with you for life and connects every contribution you ever make.
In recent years, the government has made PRAN registration simpler and faster. Many subscribers now receive their PRAN within minutes, thanks to online eKYC and Aadhaar-based eSign. So if you’ve been worried about the process, don’t be—it’s much easier than it sounds.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every detail in a friendly, step-by-step way so you can apply for your PRAN confidently and without delays.
What Exactly Is PRAN (And Why You Need One)?
PRAN stands for Permanent Retirement Account Number. It’s a 12-digit unique ID that tracks your entire NPS history. No matter where you work or move in India, this number stays the same—it’s yours for life.
Let me put it simply:
Without PRAN, your NPS account cannot exist. It’s like trying to use a bank account without an account number.
A few important facts you should know:
- PRAN never changes—even if you switch jobs, states, or pension fund managers.
- You can track all withdrawals, contributions, and statements only through PRAN.
- Government and corporate employees must have PRAN for salary-based NPS deposits.
- PRAN works across both Tier I and Tier II accounts.
Types of Accounts Linked With PRAN
Tier I Account
This is your main retirement account. It offers tax benefits and restricted withdrawals. If you’re serious about retirement planning, this is the one that truly matters.
Tier II Account
This is like a savings account linked to NPS. You can withdraw anytime without restrictions. No tax benefits (except for government employees).
Documents Required To Apply for PRAN
(First and only listing section)
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar card (for eKYC or OTP-based verification)
- PAN card
- Scanned photograph (for online applicants if required)
- Identity & address proof
- Bank account details
- Nominee details
- Scheme preference information
Tip from me to you:
Use clear, well-lit scans. Poor quality documents are the No. 1 reason for rejection.
How to Apply for PRAN – The Complete Breakdown
You can choose between offline POP-SP registration or online eNPS registration, depending on what’s comfortable for you.
1. Offline PRAN Application Through POP-SP
If you prefer face-to-face assistance, the POP-SP route is perfect.
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You begin by filling the NPS form with your details, photo, nominee information, and signature. Once done, you submit it to the nearest POP-SP center (usually your bank).
They verify your documents and collect your initial contribution—₹500 for Tier I and ₹1,000 for Tier II. After verification, they give you a 17-digit receipt number.
CRA usually generates and dispatches your PRAN card within 20 working days. It may take longer in rare cases, so keep the receipt safe for status checks.
2. Online Registration Through eNPS / CRA Portals
If you’re comfortable using your smartphone or laptop, this option is faster and more convenient.
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You visit the official eNPS portal, choose your subscriber type, and verify your identity using Aadhaar OTP or offline eKYC XML. Using the same mobile number linked to Aadhaar is important for smooth OTP delivery.
Next, you fill your personal details, upload documents, enter bank information, and choose your investment scheme. The key step here is eSign with Aadhaar OTP—this removes the need for physical forms.
Then you make the initial contribution online through UPI, bank transfer, or card payment. Once the payment goes through, PRAN is instantly generated in most cases.
How to Get Your PRAN Instantly (Fastest Method)
Here’s the step-by-step formula if you want your PRAN in minutes:
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First, choose the eNPS portal from Protean or KFin. Use Aadhaar OTP verification so the system can instantly match your identity. This speeds up everything.
Next, complete the Aadhaar eSign. This is the most important step because without a digital signature, your application cannot be processed instantly.
Make your initial contribution and refresh your dashboard. Your PRAN usually appears right away, and you’ll receive an SMS and email confirmation too.
Important fact for fast approval:
Avoid using special characters like (., -, /, @) in name fields—they often cause verification mismatches.
Notifications You Receive After PRAN Is Generated
Once PRAN is successfully created, CRA sends you a confirmation via SMS and email. For security reasons, they mention only the last four digits of your PRAN.
You can log in to the CRA portal using the credentials from your welcome kit to view your full PRAN.
How to Check Your PRAN Application Status
Offline applicants can track PRAN using the 17-digit acknowledgment number on the official CRA status page.
Online applicants can simply open their dashboard on CRA/eNPS and check whether PRAN has been approved or is still under verification.
If your PRAN doesn’t show up after a few days, contact CRA support or use their email/helpline number.
PRAN for Government Employees
If you’re a state or central government employee, the process is slightly different.
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You must submit your PRAN form through your Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO). Your DDO verifies your employment details and forwards the form to CRA.
Employees aged 18 to 60 years can apply. Once issued, your PRAN is linked to your personnel records and stays unchanged throughout your government career.
This PRAN will also be used for updating your service details, withdrawal requests, and pension claims later.
The Five Sections of the PRAN Application Form
(Second and last listing section)
- Section A: Personal details
- Section B: Employment details (filled by DDO)
- Section C: Nominee details
- Section D: Scheme preference
- Section E: Declaration for T-PIN and I-PIN
If you are moving from the old pension scheme to NPS, you must still submit fresh details for CRA records.
What Happens After You Receive Your PRAN?
After PRAN is allotted, you receive a welcome kit or login instructions from the CRA. This includes your PRAN, I-PIN/T-PIN, and guidelines to access your online account.
Inside the CRA portal, you can check contributions, update contact details, change scheme preferences, or request service changes easily.
Make sure you keep your PRAN, mobile number, and login credentials safe—they’re needed for withdrawals and retirement processing later.
Grievance Redressal Through PFRDA Ombudsman
If you ever face issues with PRAN generation, delays, or NPS contributions, the PFRDA Ombudsman is available to help.
As of 2025, Shri Narender Kumar Bhola is the appointed Ombudsman. You can raise concerns through email, phone, or the CRA portal grievance section.
The Ombudsman helps ensure quick resolution of subscriber complaints.
Conclusion
Applying for PRAN is no longer complicated. With online eKYC and Aadhaar eSign, you can get your PRAN almost instantly. All you need is the right set of documents and a few minutes to follow the steps. Once your PRAN is active, it becomes your lifelong identity for managing contributions, withdrawals, and retirement benefits under NPS.
If you haven’t applied yet, this is the right time to secure your retirement with a valid, verified PRAN.