After applying for a PAN card through Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL, applicants may want to track their application to know whether it has been processed, dispatched, or requires further action. Checking PAN card status helps avoid delays and keeps you informed throughout the application process. There are many ways through which you can check your PAN application status.Ways to Check PAN Card StatusMethodDetails RequiredHow to CheckOnline - Protean (NSDL) Portal15-digit acknowledgement numberGo to the Protean PAN Status page and enter the acknowledgement number.Online - UTIITSL PortalCoupon/application number + date of birthGo to the UTIITSL Track PAN Card page and enter the required details.Online - Income Tax e-Filing (e-PAN)Aadhaar number + OTPVisit the Income Tax e-PAN status page and verify using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.SMS15-digit acknowledgement numberSend NSDLPAN <acknowledgement number> to 57575.Call15-digit acknowledgement numberCall the TIN Call Centre at 020-27218080 and provide your acknowledgement number.WhatsApp15-digit acknowledgement numberSend "Hi" to 8096078080 and follow the prompts to check the status.Mobile App - UMANG/ MyPANAcknowledgement number or coupon numberOpen the UMANG (Protean) or MyPAN (UTIITSL) app and select Track PAN Status.How to Check/ Know PAN Card Status?You can check PAN card status easily using multiple methods like calling customer care, sending an SMS, using WhatsApp, or visiting the official websites of NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies Limited) and UTIITSL. All you need is your acknowledgement number or basic application details.Pan Card Status Check by CallYou can track your PAN card application status by calling the PAN call centre on the following numbers and providing your 15-digit acknowledgement number of PAN application:020 - 27218080 (7:00 am to 11:00 pm on all 7 days)Pan Card Status Check by SMSYou can check your PAN card status by sending an SMS. Follow the below steps to know how to check PAN card status by SMS:Step 1: Open the SMS app on your mobile.Step 2: Type the following message: “NSDLPAN <15-digit acknowledgment number>”Step 3: Send the above message to ‘57575’.For example: If your acknowledgment number is ‘097250157497256’, then type the message - ‘NSDLPAN 097250157497256’ and send it to 57575.Pan Card Status Check by WhatsApp You can know the status of your PAN card application by following the below steps:Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your mobile and message ‘Hi’ to ‘8096078080’.Step 2: You will receive a message asking for your consent to receive emails or SMS from 'Protean eGov Technologies Limited'.

PAN-Aadhaar link is mandatory under Section 262(6) of the Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into effect from Tax Year 2026-27 and corresponds to the earlier Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The PAN and Aadhaar link is required for eligible taxpayers to keep their PAN operative. Failure to link Aadhaar with PAN and Aadhaar link may render the PAN inoperative under Rule 162 of the Income Tax Rules, 2026.PAN-Aadhaar Link OverviewParticularsDetailsProcess to Link PAN-AadhaarOnline through the Income Tax e-filing portal or via SMSPAN-Aadhaar Linking DeadlinePrescribed deadlines have expired; PANs required to be linked with Aadhaar may be inoperative if not linkedLinking After DeadlinePAN-Aadhaar linking can still be completed by paying ₹1,000Late Linking Fee₹1,000 under Section 430 of the Income Tax Act, 2025PAN ReactivationTypically processed within 30 days after submitting the PAN-Aadhaar linking requestWhat is PAN and Aadhaar Link?PAN-Aadhaar linking is the mandatory integration of a 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN) with a 12-digit Aadhaar number, as required by Section 262(6) of the Income Tax Act, 2025. This process prevents tax evasion, duplicate PAN cards and allows the Income Tax Department to track financial transactions efficiently. Changes in PAN-Aadhaar Linking from 1 April 2026New PAN Applications: Aadhaar-based authentication is required for eligible applicants applying for PAN through Form 93.Automatic Linking: PAN and Aadhaar are linked during the PAN application process, so a separate linking request is not required for new applicants.Existing PAN Holders: Existing PAN holders who are required to link Aadhaar must continue to use the Link Aadhaar facility on the Income Tax e-filing portal.New PAN Forms: Form 93 applies to Indian individual citizens, while Forms 94, 95 and 96 apply to other applicant categories.Existing PAN Applications: PAN applications filed before 1 April 2026 and pending as of 31 March 2026 remain valid and will continue to be processed.New PAN Card Rules from April 2026New PAN application forms introduced: Forms 49A and 49AA have been replaced with Form No. 93, 94, 95, and 96 for different applicant categories.Aadhaar is no longer accepted as Proof of Birth: Applicants must now submit a separate document to verify their date of birth. Aadhaar continues to be valid as proof of identity and address.Mandatory address details: Individuals must provide their residential address, while non-individual applicants must furnish an office address.Updated communication address rules: Applicants can choose a separate communication address for correspondence and PAN card delivery.Mobile number is mandatory: All applicants must provide a valid mobile number.

PAN card KYC helps verify the identity and details of a PAN holder. This guide explains the PAN card KYC update process, the documents required and the available methods to complete the verification.What is Pan Card KYC?PAN KYC is the process of verifying a PAN holder’s identity and address using official documents such as Aadhaar. A PAN card KYC update may be required to keep the details accurate and meet applicable financial and regulatory requirements.What it means?PAN (Permanent Account Number): A unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department.KYC (Know Your Customer): A verification process used by financial institutions to confirm a customer’s identity and help prevent fraud and money laundering.PAN KYC Compliance: Ensures that PAN details are verified against official identity and address documents through a KYC Registration Agency (KRA), such as CVL KRA.Where is KYC Required?The KYC is required in various types of circumstances, including:While setting up a bank accountAt the time of investing in mutual fundsWhile opening a bank lockerAt the time of loan application, debit card application, credit card applicationIn case there are any beneficiary-related modificationsDocuments Required for KYCListed below are some of the documents required for KYC of a PAN card:Passport size photographProof of Identity: PAN card, photocopy of passport, bank passbook, driving license, voter ID cardProof of Address: Voter ID, passport copy, demat account statement, ration card, rental agreements, recent water bill, mobile bill or energy billPAN KYC Status and Required ActionsThe table below shows the PAN Card status and required actions:KYC StatusMeaningAction RequiredKYC ValidatedPAN and other KYC details are successfully verified.No action required.KYC RegisteredKYC details are registered but not fully validated.Complete validation if required.KYC On-Hold / RejectedKYC verification failed due to incorrect or mismatched details.Correct the details and complete KYC again.How to Check PAN Card KYC Status?Applicant check the PAN KYC status online by visiting any official KYC Registration Agency (KRA) website such as CVL KRA or CAMS KRA.I. PAN Card KYC Status check via CVL KRAThe following are the step to check PAN Card status via CVL KRA:Step 1: Visit the official CVL KRA website.Step 2: Click KYC Inquiry.Step 3: Enter the 10-digit PAN number.Step 4: Complete the Captcha.Step 5: Click Submit to view the PAN KYC status and holding agency details.II. Pan Card KYC Status check via CAMS KRAThe follwoing are the steps to check the PAN Card status using CAMS KRA:Step 1: Visit the CAMS KRA website.Step 2: Select 'KYC Status Check' under investor services tab.Step 3: Enter the 10-digit PAN number.Step 4: Complete the Captcha or OTP verification, if required.Step 5: Click Submit to view the current PAN KYC status.How to Verify PAN Card KYC?Applicants can verify the PAN Card KYC online and offline.I.

PAN card verification is the process of confirming whether a PAN is valid, active and matches the records of the Income Tax Department. You can complete PAN card verification online to verify your PAN details, check your PAN card verification status or authenticate a PAN for official purposes.PAN Card Verification OverviewParticularsDetailsVerify UsingPAN, full name, date of birth and mobile numberVerification PurposeConfirm PAN details and check whether the PAN is activeAvailable OnIncome Tax e-Filing Portal and authorised PAN verification servicesWho Can Verify?Individuals and registered external agencies, depending on the serviceCommon UsesKYC, banking, tax compliance and financial transactionsWhat is PAN Card Verification?PAN verification is the process of authenticating a PAN card against the official Income Tax Department records. It confirms whether a PAN exists and if it is active. It ensures that details like the cardholder such as, name and date of birth, match government databases. PAN verifications are required to know whether the PAN card details are valid, deleted or deactivated. This verification will provide clarity on various aspects such as if the PAN card is fake or if it is missing from the income tax department’s database or not.Verify PAN Card Status Online using Name and DOBHere are the steps to verify your PAN card status online by using your name and date of birth (DOB):Step 1: Navigate to the Income Tax e-filing portal website.Step 2: Click on 'Verify PAN Status' under ‘Quick Links’ section.Step 3: Enter your PAN details, your name as in your PAN card, mobile number, and date of birth and then click on ‘Continue’.Step 4: Now you will receive an OTP in your registered mobile number, enter the same and click on the ‘Validate’ to proceed.Step 5: Once you are done with the verification process, your PAN card status will be displayed on your screen.PAN Verification by Aadhaar CardHere are the steps guiding you to complete the process of PAN verification by entering your Aadhaar details:Step 1: Navigate to the official Income Tax e-filing website.Step 2: Then click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option under the ‘Quick Links’ section.Step 3: Click on ‘Continue’ under ‘View Status’.Step 4: Here you will have to enter your PAN and Aadhaar number in the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ section.Step 5: Now click on ‘Validate’ to check the verification status of your PAN card linked to your Aadhaar.How to Verify the PAN Card Issued by the Company?Follow these above-mentioned steps to verify the PAN card issued by the company: Step 1: Navigate to the UTIITSL website.Step 2: Enter the PAN number and date of incorporation.Step 3: Fill in the captcha and submit.Step 4: The status of your PAN verification will appear on your screen.Types of PAN Card VerificationThere are three main types of PAN card verification online process.Type of PAN VerificationHow It WorksVerification LimitTypical UsersFile-Based VerificationUpload a file containing multiple PAN records for bulk verification.Bulk verificationGovernment departments, banks and large organisationsScreen-Based VerificationEnter PAN details directly on the verification portal.Up to five PANs at a timeOrganisations with occasional verification needsAPI-Based VerificationConnect software or business applications with the PAN verification service for instant verification.Real-timeBanks, NBFCs, fintechs and other authorised entitiesEligibility for PAN VerificationThe online PAN verification facility is available to authorised entities that require PAN authentication for regulatory, KYC, tax compliance, or financial transactions.

A PAN card is an essential document for various financial and tax-related transactions in India. Individuals can pan card apply online through authorised portals, making the application process quick and convenient. This article explains how to apply pan card online, including the steps to apply pan card NSDL and complete the application successfully.Key HighlightsOnline Application: Apply through Income Tax, Protean or UTIITSL portals.Instant e-PAN: Eligible Aadhaar holders can get e-PAN quickly and free.Eligibility: Individuals, minors, NRIs, companies, firms, HUFs and trusts can apply.Documents: Submit valid identity, address and DOB proofs.Fees & Time: Fees and processing time vary by application and delivery method.Which PAN Card Application Method Should You Choose?The table below compares the main PAN card application methods to help choose the most suitable option:FeatureInstant e-PANProtean (NSDL)UTIITSLOfflineBest forQuick e-PAN with AadhaarNew PAN, reprint, correction or updateNew PAN, reprint, correction or updateIn-person assistanceFeeFree₹101 physical / ₹66 e-PAN*₹101 physical / ₹66 e-PAN*₹107 physical / ₹72 e-PAN*Card typee-PAN onlyPhysical or e-PANPhysical or e-PANPhysical PANProcessing timeMinutes to a few hours10–15 working days10–15 working days10–15 working daysAadhaar requiredYesYes, for resident individualsYes, for resident individualsYes, for eligible residentsEligibility for Applying for PAN CardThe following individuals and entities are eligible to apply for a PAN card:Indian citizens (18 years and above if applying for Instant e-PAN card)Minors (through guardians)Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)Companies and LLPsPartnership firmsTrusts and associations of personsForeign nationals and NRIs (using Form No.95 and Form No. 96)Documents Required For PAN Card  Below are the documents required to be submitted along with the PAN card application:ApplicantDocuments RequiredIndividualIdentity: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.Address: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Bank/Post Office Passbook, utility bills, etc.Date of Birth: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Birth Certificate, Matriculation Certificate, etc.MinorAadhaar of the minor and identity and address proof of a parent/guardianHUFHUF affidavit by the Karta, along with identity and address proofCompanyCertificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of CompaniesLLPCertificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of CompaniesPartnership FirmCertificate of Registration or Partnership DeedTrustTrust Deed or Registration CertificateAOP/BOI/Local Authority/AJPAgreement or Registration Certificate issued by the relevant authorityForeignersIdentity: Passport, PIO/OCI Card or attested foreign identification/tax documents.Address: Passport, PIO/OCI Card, bank statement, residence certificate, or other accepted documents.Applicants can find the exhaustive list of accepted proof of identity, address and date of birth document for PAN card application on the Income Tax website.Note: Aadhaar is mandatory for resident individual applicants applying for a PAN card. Ensure that the name entered in your PAN application exactly match your Aadhaar details.

Khata of a property is the record of property ownership in the property register maintained in a Municipality or Corporation. When a property is registered with the Municipality or Corporation, it is assessed for tax, assigned a municipal number, and the person primarily responsible for paying the property tax is recorded.Key HighlightsDigitisation: Only automated A-e-Khata and B-e-Khata digital certificates in 2026.Mandate: A final, verified electronic record is strictly compulsory to register or sell any property.Process: Manual office application steps are obsolete, shifted entirely to a faceless, contactless workflow on the e-Aasthi portal.Regularisation: Eligible B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, can upgrade to A-Khata by paying a 5% guidance value penalty.What is a Khata?Khata is strictly a tax assessment log that records the property owner's account in the property register with the Municipality or a Corporation. It is not a deed of absolute legal ownership (which requires a registered Sale Deed).For properties in urban Bangalore, the Khata is managed by the new Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which oversees the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).  For properties in rural areas or outside the BBMP's limits, the respective Panchayat or Municipality is responsible for Khata registration.Types of KhataThe table below highlights the key differences between A Khata (A-e-Khata) and B Khata (B-e-Khata):FeatureA Khata (A-e-Khata)B Khata (B-e-Khata)Legal StatusFully legal propertySemi-legal or unauthorised propertyJurisdictionUnder BBMP/GBAUnder local or BBMP/GBA tax recordsResale & TransferFast and fully digitalAllowed with restrictions after B-e-Khata verificationHome LoansAvailable from most banksUsually limited to select NBFCs/HFCsApprovalsEasy to get building and trade licensesDifficult to get approvals and licensesConstruction & UtilitiesFull construction rights and utility connectionsLimited permissions and approvalsBest ForSafe purchase and investmentRequires extra due diligenceWhat is E-Khata?An e-Khata is the official digital version of a property record issued by municipal corporations, such as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The government of Karnataka has made obtaining a e- Khata strictly mandatory to buy or sell properties. Components of e-KhataThe components of e-Khata are as follows:Ownership Details: The current legal owner’s name and Aadhaar-linked identity.Property Specifics: The exact dimensions, built-up area, geographic location, and assigned Ward Number.Unique Identification: A permanent 10-digit Electronic Property ID (ePID) number.Tax Ledger: Up-to-date tracking of your historical and current property tax paymentsDocuments Required for Khata Registration and Transfer1.

Gold is seen as an ornament and a reliable investment in India. However, variations in purity, composition, and certification have led to different classifications such as 916 gold, KDM gold, and hallmarked gold. These certifications  to indicate how the gold is processed, the level of its purity, and whether it meets official standards, ensuring that customers are aware of the type of gold they are purchasing. This article will guide you through what Hallmark gold is, how to identify it, and how it differs from other types like 916 and KDM gold, helping you make informed and secure gold purchases.What is Hallmark Gold?The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced a certification stamp in 2000 known as the BIS hallmarking scheme to indicate real gold. This was an initiative to reassure every gold buyer about the purity of their purchased metal. Since June 23, 2021, hallmarking of gold has been mandatory all over India. Hallmark indicates that the metal is verified by licensed laboratories and helps buyers to identify pure gold with this mark.

Having the ISIN number (International Securities Identification Number) of your securities simplifies investment tracking. It assists investors in identifying, tracking, settling, and reporting assets precisely, particularly when the same security is listed on several exchanges under various symbols. Here in this article, see what an ISIN code means and where to find an ISIN code for various asset types.  Key Highlights:ISIN is a 12-character alphanumeric code assigned to securities.ISIN helps identify investments across 100+ exchanges and 200+ countries.Investors can find ISIN codes through AMFI, NSDL, NSE, and BSE portals.What is an ISIN code?International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) codes are 12-digit alphanumeric identifiers that are assigned to all types of securities. In each country, there is a National Numbering Agency (NNA) that issues and maintains ISIN allotments for securities in accordance with International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. By using ISIN codes, you can identify securities traded on 100+ exchanges across more than 200 countries.How to get ISIN code of mutual funds?To get ISIN codes of mutual funds in India, follow the steps given below:Step 1: Navigate to the official website of Association of Mutual Funds India (AMFI). Step 2: In the lower right corner of the screen, click on ‘Latest NAV’. Step 3: Choose the mutual fund name, select between the options of open-ended scheme or closed-ended scheme, and click on ‘Get NAV’. As the screen loads, you will see the ISIN code of your selected scheme.How to get ISIN code of shares?You can get ISIN codes for shares from three sources in India. They are as follows:National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)Mentioned below are the steps you can follow to get ISIN codes from NSDL:Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL. Step 2: Scroll down to the ‘Advanced Search’ section and then click on ‘Company Search’.Step 3: When the screen loads, select ‘Detailed Search’. Step 4: After this, enter the company name and click on ‘Search’. The screen will display the entity’s ISIN code along with other information. National Stock Exchange (NSE)To get the ISIN codes of your target assets on NSE, follow the steps given below:Step 1: Visit the official website of NSE. Step 2: Navigate to ‘Corporates’ section and click on ‘Securities Information’. Step 3: Download the Excel sheet for the type of security you have invested in. Step 4: Open it and search for the ISIN with the company’s name. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)To search ISIN codes on BSE, follow the steps below:Step 1: Go to the official website of BSE.Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Corporates’ section and then, once redirected, click on ‘Securities Information’. Step 3: Enter the security name to find its ISIN code.  ISIN code listHere is an ISIN code list of the most commonly searched shares in India:OrganizationISIN CodesState Bank of India ISIN codeINE062A01020BHEL ISIN codeINE257A01026ICICI Bank Ltd ISIN code INE090A01021Tata Motors ISIN code IN9155A01020Tata Steel ISIN codeINE01SV01015Yes Bank ISIN code INE528G01035HDFC Bank ISIN code INE040A01034ONGC ISIN code INE213A01029ICICI Bank ISIN codeINE090A01021Reliance Industries ISIN codeINE002A01018Infosys Ltd ISIN codeINE009A01021Aditya Birla Capital ISIN code INE674K01013Final WordISIN codes are an elegant way of simplifying investing by ensuring that every security has a globally unique identifier.

If you have extra money, investing it in instruments that offer regular monthly income can be a great financial decision. This ensures that your idle funds generate steady returns and provide a consistent source of income. Key HighlightsOptions: Popular choices include POMIS, government bonds, corporate deposits, MIPs, and SWPs.Senior: SCSS and PMVVY offer stable income options for senior citizens.Returns: Income varies by investment, with some offering fixed payouts and others market-linked returns.Selection: Choose a plan based on risk tolerance, income needs, and financial goals.Post Office Monthly Income SchemePost Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) is an investment offered by India Post.POMIS currently offers interest at 6.6% per annum, payable monthly.This scheme comes with a deposit tenure of five years.An individual can invest a maximum of Rs 4,50,000, and this limit is doubled to Rs 9,00,000 for joint accounts.You can start investing as low as Rs 1,500 in this scheme.Once the POMIS investment matures, the same can be reinvested for another set of five years.Government BondGovernment bonds are an excellent low-risk investment option for risk-averse investors. The duration of these bonds ranges from 5 years to 40 years. Government bonds pay regular interest, or offer coupon payments, as fixed by the Government of India.Government bonds come with a predefined maturity date.The main intention of issuing government bonds is to raise capital for government expenditure.Corporate DepositsMany non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies (HFCs) offer corporate deposits. These are similar to bank deposits, but the only difference is that you invest with a corporate entity, which is not as secure as a bank deposit.Corporate deposits offer a high interest rate and come with an added flexibility, which bank deposits don’t offer.Before making investments in corporate deposits, you must check for the financial strength and credibility of the NBFC.Monthly Income PlanMonthly income plans (MIPs) are mutual funds that invest mainly in fixed income and a small portion in equity and equity-related instruments.The fund houses pay out their investors with a steady income regularly.This amount is not fixed and depends on the performance of the fund.As the mutual fund performance drives the returns, it is not guaranteed.Also, there are possibilities of negative returns as well. Hence, before deciding to invest in a monthly income plan, you must consider your risk profile. Senior Citizen Savings SchemeSenior citizen savings scheme (SCSS) is only for senior citizens (above the age of 60 years) are eligible to invest in the scheme. To avail of this scheme at notified bank branches and post offices.Applicants must subscribe to the scheme within one month after retiring. You have SCSS offering an interest rate of 7.4% per year, payable quarterly.

EPFO has provided its members the facility to avail EPFO services using their mobile numbers through SMS. They must register their mobile number in the EPFO’s database online through the EPF member portal. It is mandatory for new members to register their mobile numbers when activating the UAN or logging into the EPFO member portal for the first time. It is also very easy to change the mobile number through the portal. EPF Services Through MobileAn EPF member can avail of many services through the SMS service or the Umang app after the mobile number is registered with the EPFO. They can get the following EPF services through the SMS on the registered mobile number:Viewing UAN status (Active or inactive).Obtaining EPF details.Checking EPF balance by sending an SMS from the registered mobile number.Checking the EPF claim status.Receiving notification of EPF transfer/withdrawal via SMS after initiation of the process to credit the PF amount to the bank account. Viewing the bank account, PAN card and Aadhaar linking status.Receiving the SMS of the contributions made to the EPF account every month.Transferring the EPF amount from the previous member ID to the present one.Receiving the OTP for authentication and validation for various online EPFO services.Online Process to Register Mobile Number on EPFO PortalWhen the UAN is generated, members have to activate the UAN by visiting the EPFO member portal.