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Tata Capital > Blog > Wealth Services > How to Open an NPS Account Online: Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Wealth Services

How to Open an NPS Account Online: Step-by-Step Registration Guide

How to Open an NPS Account Online: Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Summary: Opening an NPS account online is a simple process that can be completed through the eNPS platform or a registered Point of Presence (PoP). Eligible individuals can complete KYC, submit their personal and bank details, choose their NPS account and investment preferences, make the applicable initial contribution and complete authentication digitally. Under the current PFRDA All Citizen Model, Indian citizens, NRIs and OCIs aged 18 to 85 years can subscribe to NPS, subject to KYC requirements. This guide explains the documents required, how to open an NPS account online, the offline registration process and what happens after receiving a PRAN.

The National Pension System (NPS) provides an individual pension account for eligible subscribers and is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). For individuals subscribing voluntarily under the All Citizen Model, registration can be completed through a registered Point of Presence (PoP) or the online eNPS platform.

The online route reduces the need for physical paperwork by allowing eligible applicants to complete KYC and other registration formalities digitally. The registration process also allows subscribers to provide their account details and make the initial contribution before receiving their Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).

Who Can Open an NPS Account?

Under the current PFRDA All Citizen Model, Indian citizens, whether resident or non-resident, and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) aged 18 to 85 years can voluntarily subscribe to NPS, subject to the prescribed KYC requirements. Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are not eligible.

NPS offers two account types:

  • Tier I: The default individual pension account. Withdrawals are governed by the applicable NPS exit and withdrawal regulations, and contributions may qualify for tax benefits under the Income Tax Act, subject to prevailing provisions.
  • Tier II: An optional investment account available only to subscribers with an active Tier I account. It permits unrestricted withdrawals and does not offer the same tax treatment as Tier I.

Important: NRIs and OCIs with Tier I accounts cannot activate Tier II accounts. Subscribers may also choose different Pension Funds and Investment Options for their Tier I and Tier II accounts.

Also Read – NPS vs PPF vs Mutual Funds

Documents Required to Open an NPS Account Online

The documents required for NPS registration depend on the subscriber’s residential status and the KYC method used.

For a resident individual, keep the following ready:

  • PAN
  • Proof of address
  • Recent photograph
  • Bank account details
  • Signature
  • Other KYC information requested by the registration platform

For Aadhaar-based registration, the mobile number linked with Aadhaar is required for OTP-based authentication.

NRIs and OCIs may need additional documents, including:

  • PAN
  • Recent photograph
  • Passport or OCI card, as applicable
  • Proof of address
  • NRE/NRO bank account proof

Applicants should keep both physical and digital copies of the relevant documents available before beginning registration. The exact document requirements displayed during registration should be followed, as they can vary by subscriber category and registration route.

Also Read – Retirement Planning in India

How to Open an NPS Account Online via eNPS: Step-by-Step

The eNPS route lets eligible applicants complete the registration process digitally. Keep your KYC and bank details ready before starting.

1. Visit the eNPS Portal

Visit the eNPS platform of NPS Trust or the NPS registration page of an authorised bank or PoP. Select the option to open or register for a new NPS account.

2. Select Registration or New Registration

Choose the registration option displayed on the platform. You will then be asked to select the applicable registration and KYC route before entering your details.

3. Choose the KYC and Registration Mode

Select the KYC method available to you. Aadhaar-based registration enables digital KYC and authentication, while a PAN-based registration route may require KYC verification through the applicable bank or registered PoP.

The available options can vary depending on the registration platform.

4. Enter Your Mobile and KYC Details

Enter the requested Aadhaar or PAN details and your mobile number. For Aadhaar-based registration, an OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar to complete authentication.

Some information may be fetched automatically from Aadhaar. Check the pre-filled details carefully before proceeding.

5. Enter Personal, Bank and Nominee Details

Enter the information requested in the registration form, including:

  • Name and date of birth
  • Gender
  • Residential and correspondence address
  • Mobile number and email address
  • Bank account details
  • Nominee details
  • Other applicable subscriber information

Check the spelling of your name, date of birth, address and bank details before submitting the information.

6. Select the NPS Account Type

Choose the account you want to open:

  • Tier I only, or
  • Tier I and Tier II, where eligible

Tier I is the primary pension account. Tier II can be opened only when you have an active Tier I account.

7. Upload Your Photograph and Signature

Upload your recent photograph and signature according to the file format, size and other specifications shown on the registration platform. Ensure that the files are clear and readable to avoid verification issues.

8. Make the Initial Contribution

Make the initial contribution using the payment option available on the registration platform.

For NPS under the All Citizen Model, the 2026 PFRDA framework specifies a minimum contribution of ₹250 at onboarding and ₹10 for subsequent contributions.

The applicable payment options may include net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI, depending on the platform.

9. Complete eSign Verification

Complete the required eSign or other digital authentication process.

A nominal eSign charge may apply depending on the registration route. If digital authentication is not completed, the applicable registration process may require the generated form and supporting documents to be submitted physically.

10. Receive Your PRAN

After successful processing, you receive your Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).

The PRAN is the unique identification number associated with your NPS account. It is used for accessing the account, tracking contributions and submitting eligible service requests.

Also Read – Thumb rule of investment

How to Open an NPS Account Offline

Applicants who do not want to apply for NPS online can register through a registered Point of Presence (PoP).

The process generally involves:

  1. Visit a registered PoP.
  2. Carry the required KYC documents.
  3. Complete the NPS application form.
  4. Submit the form and documents for KYC verification.
  5. Make the applicable initial contribution.
  6. Receive the PRAN after successful processing.

PFRDA issued a new PoP charge structure on 28 August 2026 under reference PFRDA/2026/46/REG-POP/08. The updated structure provides for a one-time onboarding charge of ₹200 per PRAN, with a ₹100 charge for fully digital, non-face-to-face onboarding where the applicable conditions are met. The annual PoP charge is 0.20% of AUM, adjusted through NAV, with the prescribed treatment for dormant accounts. GST and other applicable taxes are additional.

The minimum contribution framework remains ₹250 at onboarding and ₹10 for subsequent contributions under the applicable All Citizen Model framework.

What Happens After You Register for NPS?

Once your registration is successfully processed, your PRAN allows you to access and manage your NPS account through the applicable Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) platform and other authorised channels.

After registration, you can:

  • View account and contribution details
  • Track transactions and holdings
  • Make additional contributions
  • Exercise permitted investment choices
  • Change your Pension Fund
  • Submit eligible service requests
  • Manage applicable nomination and account details

NPS also provides different investment approaches, including Active Choice and Auto Choice. The applicable investment limits depend on the investment option selected.

Subscribers can change their asset allocation or investment choice up to four times in a year.

PFRDA’s Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF) also provides additional investment flexibility.

Under the current framework, eligible non-government subscribers can invest in multiple schemes using a single or multiple PRAN linked to their PAN, subject to the applicable MSF rules.

Read More – Types of mutual funds in India

Conclusion

Opening an NPS account online can be completed through eNPS by following a series of digital registration and verification steps. Once eligible applicants complete KYC, provide their personal and bank details, select the applicable account and investment preferences, make the initial contribution and complete authentication, they can receive their PRAN and begin managing their NPS account.

As of September 2026, the All Citizen Model permits eligible Indian citizens, NRIs and OCIs aged 18 to 85 years to subscribe to NPS. The applicable minimum contribution is ₹250 at onboarding and ₹10 for subsequent contributions under the current contribution framework.

For individuals looking for retirement planning guidance, Tata Capital Wealth offers resources and advisory services that can help with broader retirement planning considerations.

Disclaimer: PFRDA may revise NPS registration procedures, charges and contribution requirements from time to time. Applicants should verify the latest details on the official PFRDA and eNPS platforms before completing registration.

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FAQs

How do I register for NPS online?

You can complete NPS registration through the eNPS platform or an authorised bank or PoP offering online registration. The process generally involves selecting a KYC method, entering personal and bank details, adding nominee information, choosing the applicable NPS account, making the initial contribution and completing authentication.

What documents are needed to open an NPS account?

To open an NPS account online, you generally need PAN, proof of address, bank details, a recent photograph and signature. Aadhaar-based registration requires access to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. NRIs and OCIs may need additional passport, OCI and NRE/NRO bank documentation.

Can I open an NPS account using only my Aadhaar card?

Aadhaar can be used for digital KYC during NPS registration, but the registration process may also require PAN, bank details, nominee information, photograph and signature. The exact requirements depend on the registration method and subscriber category.

What is the minimum contribution to open an NPS account?

The current 2026 PFRDA framework specifies ₹250 as the minimum contribution at onboarding for NPS under the All Citizen Model. Subsequent contributions can be made from ₹10, subject to the applicable rules and registration channel.

What is eNPS?

eNPS is the online platform through which eligible subscribers can open and manage an NPS account digitally. It allows users to complete registration and contribution-related processes online, subject to the applicable KYC and authentication requirements.

What is a PRAN number?

PRAN stands for Permanent Retirement Account Number. It is the unique identification number assigned to an NPS subscriber after successful registration. The PRAN is used to access the NPS account, track contributions and manage eligible account-related services.

Can I open more than one NPS account?

The current Multiple Scheme Framework allows eligible non-government subscribers to invest in multiple schemes using a single or multiple PRAN linked to their PAN, subject to the applicable framework. Therefore, the older blanket statement that an individual can never have more than one PRAN should not be used without this qualification.
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