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A Guide to PRAN Number In NPS: What It Is, and Why You Need It
Your PRAN acts as the permanent identifier for your NPS account, enabling portability, tracking, and long-term retirement planning. Learn how it works and how to obtain it.
Are you feeling uneasy about your future after retirement? You are in the right place.
Your retirement is something that needs to be planned for and is a must in today's financial world. With all the changes in our economy and the rising prices of goods we buy, it has become even more critical today to have a secure retirement.
One of the most popular retirement plans offered to the citizens of this country through the government is known as the National Pension System (NPS). But, the foundation of the NPS program is the PRAN, or Permanent Retirement Account Number. But, the question is what is PRAN? And what role does it play in relation to your NPS.
A PRAN in NPS is a 12-digit number assigned to individuals, and it is intended to help with planning a secure retirement. The NPS was created in 2004 specifically for government employees, but it was opened to everyone later on. PFRDA in NPS has been the regulatory authority since 2013, and by October 2025, more than nine crore people have subscribed to NPS with an overall value of Rs 16 lakh crore.
What Is a PRAN Number?
PRAN in NPS is a lifelong identifier for an investor. A PRAN connects all accounts and allows for portability. Professionals will not have a new number each time they change jobs, move to a different location, or change their fund manager.
As of 2025, you will be able to manage multiple investment options using one or more PRANs, with a maximum investment of 100% in equities. The PRAN will provide you with access to the CRA's online tools to track your contributions and returns. It will also help to create an audit trail of your contributions and withdrawals. Without a PRAN, you cannot use the NPS.
Why the PRAN Number Matters
A PRAN is more than just a number; it connects everything that occurs in your NPS relationship together and makes the entire process more efficient. You'll no longer have to fill out significant paperwork each time you open an account or deposit into your NPS account, and it allows for a seamless transition through life changes and transfers.
- Lifetime of uniqueness as your PRAN is assigned once. It is not linked to any particular employer or location.
- Your PRAN allows you to connect to your NPS account by conducting a variety of transactions. Additionally, all contributions and balances can be seen through your PRAN.
- Transparency with your PRAN is greatly enhanced due to having detailed records of all deposits, growth and withdrawals. It can be accessed through the respective CRAs and NPS Trust.
- All NPS contributions can now be held in robust equity markets corresponding to the PRAN assigned to you. You will also see changes in your CRA fees with the increased flexibility by managing through your PRAN.
- Your PRAN is your lifeline connecting you to your NPS accounts. If you've frozen your account due to a lack of minimum contributions, you can reactivate it using your PRAN. If you've lost your PRAN, you can obtain a new one using your PAN and Aadhaar.
Step-by-Step: Unlocking Your PRAN
Getting a PRAN is a simple process and can be the beginning of your subscription to the NPS. If you like phones, the fastest way to get your PRAN is online via pensionbazaar.com under 1 minute . You can also get your PRAN by going into a bank and getting help in person but, you will need your
- PAN ,
- A copy of Aadhaar
- Your photograph along with your signature
- And proof of banking to complete the registration.
Online eNPS: Quick and Digital Visit nps.pensionbazaar.com
- Input your Date of Birth and your Mobile Number and click Enrol now
- Choose your investment options & fill in your basic details
- Your PRAN number will be generated within seconds and shared via e-mail
- Sit back and watch your money grow
Why is it easy? You do not need to visit a branch to sign the application, and you can sign your application with the OTP from Aadhaar to avoid mailing.
Offline PoP Process: Hands-On and Local Locate a PFRDA approved Point of Presence (PoP), examples are SBI, ICICI Bank or a Post Office.
- Fill in Form A with your personal details, your nomination and your bank details.
- Also include your KYC documentation; PAN Card, Aadhaar/Address Proof, Passport size photograph and a canceled cheque.
- Submit this documentation to the PoP; they will check and upload it for you.
- You receive an acknowledgement slip from them which allows you to track your application status.
- Approximately 15-20 days later, you will receive your PRAN Card and kit by mail from the CRA.
- Once you receive your PRAN Card, you can activate your account by making your initial contribution via the OTP that will be sent to your mobile phone.
Final Takeaway: Secure Your Retirement Anchor Today
The PRAN is the foundation of the NPS. It integrates portability, flexibility, and management with complete oversight for hassle-free savings. PRAN is now supported by 90 million users with a total of ₹16 lakh in investment under management, and it continues to evolve within the framework of the NPS. Your future self will appreciate taking the initiative to establish your PRAN today!
FAQs
The PRAN, or Permanent Retirement Account Number, is a 12-digit identifier for National Pension System (NPS) accounts and will never expire.
PRANs are issued to both Indian citizens aged 18 to 70 and to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). PRANs are not available to Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Anyone having a PAN (Permanent Account Number) is eligible to apply for a PRAN.
Your PRAN remains unchanged even if you change jobs or employers. Your PRAN number is a permanent number for your lifetime.
You are allowed to have only one PRAN for your entire lifetime, but there will be the option of multiple schemes under the MSF (Multi-Scheme Funds) starting on October 1, 2025.
