I write about personal finance with a focus on banking, insurance, digital payments, and everyday money matters. With experience in international wealth services, I enjoy breaking down complex topics into clear, practical insights that simplify everyday financial decisions. At ClearTax, I untangle complex financial concepts so you don’t have to—no jargon, just the information you need.
I write about personal finance with a focus on banking, insurance, digital payments, and everyday money matters. With experience in international wealth services, I enjoy breaking down complex topics into clear, practical insights that simplify everyday financial decisions. At ClearTax, I untangle complex financial concepts so you don’t have to—no jargon, just the information you need.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised ATM withdrawal charges, effective from May 1, 2025. After exhausting the free monthly limit, customers will now have to pay ₹23 per transaction at ATMs. Key Highlights:Charges: ₹23 will be charged per cash withdrawal after the free limit.Own-Bank: 5 free ATM transactions at own-bank ATMs every month.Metro: 3 free transactions at other-bank ATMs in metro cities.Non-Metro: 5 free transactions at other-bank ATMs in non-metro cities.Unchanged: No changes to free transaction limits.Applicability: Applicable to savings account holders across all banks in India.What are ATM Withdrawal Charges?ATM withdrawal charges refer to the fees banks levy when customers use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) beyond a specified number of free transactions in a month. These charges apply to cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and other ATM services once the free limit is exhausted. Here are some important terms and their meanings you should know: ATM withdrawal charges: Fee charged per cash withdrawal after free transactionsFree ATM transactions limit: Number of free ATM transactions allowed per monthApplicability: Applies to transactions at own-bank and other-bank ATMsNew ATM Charges from May 1, 2025Starting May 1, 2025, the following new charges will apply:₹23 per cash withdrawal after the free transaction limitCharges are applicable at both own-bank and other-bank ATMsApplicable to savings account holders across all banks in IndiaThese changes are introduced to reflect increased costs in maintaining ATM infrastructure and providing secure services.ATM Withdrawal Charges Before May 1, 2025Customers were charged ₹21 per cash withdrawal after exhausting their free limit. This charge was implemented in 2022. Free ATM Withdrawal LimitsThe Reserve Bank of India has maintained the number of free ATM transactions per month.
Gratuity is a financial reward paid to employees who have rendered continuous service for at least five years with the same employer. In salary terms, gratuity is not deducted monthly like PF. Instead, it is paid by the employer at the time of exit based on a specific formula, making it a significant component of long-term employee benefits.Key HighlightsFixed-term: Contract employees are now eligible for pro-rata gratuity after just 1 year of continuous service.Permanent: Regular employees still require a minimum of 5 years of service to qualify.Timeline: These structural changes apply prospectively following the official implementation on 21 November 2025.Wages: The legal definition has expanded to a minimum of 50% of CTC, effectively increasing final payouts.What is Gratuity?Gratuity in India is a statutory lump-sum payment made by an employer to an employee for long-term service, governed by the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. It is a lump sum amount usually given at the time of retirement, resignation, or upon death or disability. It applies to both government and private sector employees who meet the eligibility criteria and is calculated based on the last drawn salary and the number of years served. Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 mandates that an employee who has rendered continuous service for at least five years is eligible to receive gratuity upon termination of employment. The Act also outlines the formula for gratuity calculation and rules for payment, nomination, and dispute resolution.The Act applies to factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, railways, shops, and establishments with 10 or more employees.
An Aadhaar card date of birth change is important when there are errors or discrepancies in the details recorded with the Unique Identification of India (UIDAI). The UIDAI has made date of birth change in Aadhaar card documents easy through authorised Aadhaar Seva Kendras.Overview:ParticularsDetailsServiceAadhaar Date of Birth UpdateUpdate ModeOffline only at Aadhaar Seva Kendra/Enrolment CentreOnline Facility AvailableAppointment booking and status tracking onlyUpdate Fee₹75Processing TimeUp to 30 daysDOB Update LimitOnce in a lifetime (standard process)Status TrackingThrough EID/URN on the myAadhaar portal or via UIDAI helplineRequired DocumentsValid Proof of Date of Birth (PDB) documentHow to Book an Appointment for Aadhaar DOB Change Online?Although the Aadhaar date of birth cannot be updated online, you can book an appointment online before visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.Step 1: Visit the myAadhaar portal and click on 'Book an Appointment'.Step 2: Select your city or location and click 'Proceed to Book Appointment'.Step 3: Choose 'Aadhaar Update', enter your registered mobile number, complete the CAPTCHA, and verify using the OTP.Step 4: Select 'Date of Birth' as the field to be updated and choose your preferred Aadhaar Seva Kendra, date, and time slot.Step 5: Pay the applicable fee online or choose to pay at the centre. Download and save the appointment receipt.Step 6: Visit the selected Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the original Proof of Date of Birth document on the appointment date.How to Change DOB in Aadhaar Card?For Aadhaar card date of birth change, you need to visit the nearest Enrollment Centre with the required documents mentioned below. Below is a step-by-step process for changing the date of birth on the Aadhaar card documents:Step 1: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center.Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Form. Step 3: Submit the form with the proof of Date of Birth.Step 4: To authenticate your identity, you must provide your biometrics.Step 5: You will receive a receipt containing the URN (Update Request Number). The Status of your Aadhaar update request can be tracked online by using the URN.
If regular high-value transactions are conducted, knowing the PhonePe transaction limit is essential. Extending limits excessively may cause operational flags with the linked bank account. The standard PhonePe transaction limit per day is ₹1,00,000 with a maximum of 20 UPI transfers within a rolling 24-hour window.Key Highlights:Daily Limit: The standard PhonePe transaction limit is ₹1,00,000 per day for UPI payments.Transaction Count: Up to 20 successful UPI transactions are allowed within a rolling 24-hour period.Rolling Window: Limits are calculated over a rolling 24-hour cycle, not reset at midnight.New User Restriction: Newly added bank accounts or recently changed UPI PINs have a ₹5,000 limit for the first 24 hours.Higher Limits for Select Payments: Transactions for taxes, healthcare, education, and insurance premiums can go up to ₹5,00,000 per transaction.PhonePe Limit per DayThe standard PhonePe transaction limit per day is ₹1,00,000 for standard peer-to-peer (P2P) and retail merchant payments. The PhonePe transaction limit works on a rolling 24-hour basis and does not reset at midnight. Users can make up to 20 transactions within this period.
Along with the Aadhaar card, the PAN card is one of the essential documents for Indian citizens. Sometimes it may not be possible to provide a physical card. In such instances, an e-PAN card comes in handy. You can download this document from the official website of the Income Tax Department. However, knowing the PAN card password is imperative before applying for an e-Pan card.Scroll down to get complete details about PAN card passwords, their format, and how to use them.What is a PAN Card Password?The PAN card is a crucial document for Indian citizens as it is widely accepted as valid proof on several websites. However, if you have lost this document and want to avoid the hassle of going to the administrative office, you can apply for a duplicate PAN and download your e-PAN.
The LIC premium receipt download process enables policyholders to access and print receipts for premiums paid online. Whether you are registered on LIC’s portal or not, you can complete the LIC payment receipt download using multiple methods. These receipts serve as valid proof for tax exemptions and payment records.Key Highlights:Methods: LIC premium receipt download can be done online via the LIC e-Services Portal (with login) or LIC Pay Direct (without login).Offline: To collect the LIC payment receipt from any LIC branch by providing policy details and ID proof.Importance: Receipts are essential for tax filing under Section 80C and recordkeeping.What is LIC Premium Receipt?The LIC policyholder must be aware that a certain amount is paid to the insurer as a 'premium' on a yearly, quarterly, or monthly basis. The policyholder will receive a payment receipt for paying each of the premium amounts. Why You Should Download LIC Premium Payment Receipt OnlineHere’s why LIC premium payment receipt download online is beneficial:Quick Access Anytime: You can easily retrieve your LIC premium receipts 24/7 from the LIC portal without needing to visit a branch.Safe Backup: Downloaded digital receipts ensure you don’t lose proof of payment in case of misplaced physical copies.Essential for Tax Proof: The receipt is often required as investment proof under Section 80C while filing ITR.Convenient Tracking: Helps track past premiums and check upcoming dues.LIC Premium Receipt Download Without Login: Even if you’re not registered, you can use LIC’s Pay Direct service to complete LIC premium receipt download without login, making the process hassle-free.How to Download LIC Premium Receipt Online?There are two methods to download the LIC Premium Receipt Online:i. LIC Premium Receipt Download Without LoginTo complete the LIC premium receipt download without login using the Pay Direct feature if not registered on the customer portal:Step 1: Visit the official LIC website.Step 2: Select the 'Pay Premium' option.Step 3: On the next page, click ‘View Transaction Status’ under the Pay Direct module.Step 4: Enter the required details, including Policy Number, Transaction Date and Transaction Type (Renewal Premium, Advance Premium, Loan Repayment, or Interest)Step 5: Click the 'Submit' button.
Knowing how to download Aadhaar card online is necessary when you need a digital copy for KYC, banking, or government services. The process can be completed through UIDAI, DigiLocker, or the mAadhaar app. Your mobile number must be registered with UIDAI to complete the UIDAI Aadhaar card download process. ParticularsDetailsDownload MethodsAadhaar Number, 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID), Virtual ID (VID), Name & Date of Birth, DigiLocker, UMANG, mAadhaar App and New Aadhaar AppOTP Requirement6-digit OTP sent to the UIDAI-registered mobile numberAuthenticationAadhaar Number, EID or VID with OTP verificatione-Aadhaar ValidityDigitally signed and legally valid like the physical Aadhaar cardPDF PasswordFirst 4 letters of the name (in CAPITALS) + Birth Year (YYYY)Enrolment ID (EID)28-digit EID (14-digit enrolment number + 14-digit date & time stamp)Aadhaar PVC Card Fee₹75 (inclusive of GST and Speed Post charges)Without Registered Mobile NumberVisit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or order an Aadhaar PVC Card using the permitted processPrerequisites for Downloading AadhaarBefore downloading your Aadhaar card, keep the following ready:Aadhaar Number, 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID) or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID)Mobile number registered with UIDAI to receive the OTPA PDF reader to open the downloaded e-AadhaarPDF password (first four letters of your name in CAPITALS followed by your birth year in YYYY format)How to Download Aadhar Card from UIDAI?To download your Aadhaar card by using Aadhaar number, you must have your mobile number registered with UIDAI, as you would require a One Time Password (OTP) for e-Aadhaar download. Step 1: Visit the myAadhaar Download e-Aadhaar page on the UIDAI website.Step 2: Select ‘Aadhaar Number’, enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code and click ‘Send OTP’.Step 3: Here you can select if you want to download a ‘Masked Aadhaar’. Enter the OTP and click on the button ‘Verify & Download’. Masked Aadhaar is an option that enables you to download your Aadhaar but with only the last four digits being visible.Step 4: Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded. You can open it by entering the 8-digit password which is the first four letters of your name (in CAPS) and your year of birth.Note: A 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) is sent to your mobile number registered with UIDAI for authentication.
The Income Tax Department, DigiLocker, banks and authorised PAN service providers offer multiple ways to retrieve your existing PAN using Aadhaar, personal details, bank records or identity verification. This guide states how to know PAN card number through official online or offline channels depending on the information available with you.How to Know PAN Card Number: Online and Offline MethodsRetrieval MethodInformation RequiredExpected TimeIncome Tax e-Filing Portal (Login Method)User ID, password and access to your e-Filing accountInstantAIS for Taxpayers AppIncome Tax login credentials or Aadhaar-based verificationInstantMyPAN App (UTIITSL)Basic personal details and OTP verificationInstantUMANG AppMobile login and linked DigiLocker accountInstantDigiLocker (Issued Documents)DigiLocker account accessInstantDigiLocker (Fetch PAN Record)Aadhaar-linked DigiLocker accountInstantAadhaar-Based PAN LookupAadhaar number and access to Aadhaar-linked mobile numberInstantPAN Service Provider SupportIdentity verification through registered details24–48 HoursPAN Helpline NumbersBasic identity verification5–10 MinutesAaykar Sampark KendraName, date of birth and other identity details5–10 MinutesPrevious Income Tax Returns (ITRs)Access to previously filed ITR documentsInstantForm 16Access to Form 16 issued by employerInstantBank Account RecordsBank statements, net banking profile or KYC recordsInstantVerify Your PAN UtilityExisting PAN number, name and date of birthInstant (Verification Only)How to Know PAN Card Number Using the Income Tax Website?One of the popular online methods to know your PAN number is through the Income Tax Department e-filing website. Step 1: Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.Step 2: Click on ‘Login’. If you do not have an account, complete the registration process first.Step 3: Enter your login credentials and access your account dashboard.Step 4: Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select ‘My Profile’.Step 5: Under the ‘Personal Details’ section, you can view:PAN card numberName of the assesseeDate of birthGenderPAN statusAadhaar detailsRegistered addressNote: If any details displayed in your profile are incorrect or outdated, you can submit a PAN correction request through the applicable PAN update process to update your records.How to Know My PAN Card Number by Mobile App?If you are wondering how to know my PAN card number using mobile apps, you can retrieve your PAN card number through authorised government and PAN service provider applications.Method 1: Using the AIS for Taxpayers AppThe AIS (Annual Information Statement) for Taxpayers app is provided by the Income Tax Department and allows taxpayers to access their tax-related information through a secure login.Step 1: Download the official AIS for Taxpayers app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.Step 2: Open the app and tap ‘Get Started’.Step 3: Log in using your Income Tax credentials or complete the required authentication process.Step 4: Verify your identity through OTP authentication and set up your MPIN.Step 5: After logging in, navigate to your profile section to view your PAN-linked taxpayer details.Method 2: Using the MyPAN AppThe MyPAN app is provided by UTIITSL and offers PAN-related services, including e-PAN access and application tracking.Step 1: Download the official MyPAN app published by UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL).Step 2: Open the application and select the PAN-related service you wish to access.Step 3: Enter the required details and complete OTP verification.Step 4: Access your PAN-related records and download available PAN documents, if applicable.Method 3: Using the UMANG AppThe UMANG app provides access to multiple government services and can also be used to access DigiLocker-linked PAN records.Step 1: Open the UMANG app and log in using your registered mobile number.Step 2: Search for ‘DigiLocker’ in the services section.Step 3: Link your DigiLocker account if it is not already connected.Step 4: Open the ‘Issued Documents’ section.Step 5: Select ‘PAN Verification Record’ to view your PAN-related document.Note: Use only official apps such as AIS for Taxpayers, MyPAN, DigiLocker and UMANG. Avoid third-party apps claiming to reveal PAN details using only a mobile number, as they may pose security and privacy risks.How to Know My PAN Card Number through DigiLocker?If your PAN card is linked to DigiLocker, you can retrieve your PAN number online without visiting a PAN service provider. DigiLocker stores digitally issued government documents and allows users to access their PAN records instantly.Method 1: Check Issued Documents in DigiLockerIf your PAN record has already been issued to your DigiLocker account, follow these steps:Step 1: Log in to your DigiLocker account using your registered mobile number or username.Step 2: Click on the ‘Issued Documents’ section from the dashboard.Step 3: Search for the document titled ‘PAN Verification Record’.Step 4: Open the document to view your PAN details.The digital record will display your PAN number, name and other PAN-related information.Method 2: Fetch PAN Record from DigiLockerIf the PAN document is not available in your issued documents section, you can fetch it manually.Step 1: Log in to your DigiLocker account.Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Search Documents’ section.Step 3: Search for ‘Income Tax Department’ and select it from the list of issuers.Step 4: Select ‘PAN Verification Record’ from the available document types.Step 5: Enter the required details and complete the verification process.Step 6: Click on ‘Get Document’.Once the verification is successful, the PAN record will be added to your DigiLocker account and your PAN number will be displayed.Note: Documents issued through DigiLocker are digitally signed and can be used as valid electronic records wherever digital PAN verification is accepted.How to Know PAN Card Number Using Aadhaar Card?If your Aadhaar is linked with your PAN, you may be able to retrieve your PAN online depending on how your PAN was issued.
The 8th Pay Commission has been formally constituted by the Government of India vide notification dated November 3, 2025. The commission is currently in the consultation stage, gathering inputs from stakeholders. The Union Cabinet has approved an additional 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), effective from 1 January 2026. The DA rate has increased from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension.Latest UpdateI. The Union Cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with effect from 1 January 2026, increasing the DA rate from 58% to 60%.
Understanding Kotak Mahindra Bank’s official branch timings is important for planning transactions and avoiding unnecessary delays. With its extensive branch network and digital banking services, knowing the bank’s working hours and opening times helps customers manage their banking needs more efficiently.Key Highlight:Branch Hours: Open on weekdays and the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays; closed on Sundays and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.Continuous Service: No lunch breaks; counters remain operational throughout business hours.Fund Transfers: IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS services are available 24/7.Customer Support: Toll-free helpline: 1800 4100.Email Support: Send grievances to customersupport@kotak.com.Kotak Bank Opening TimeKotak Mahindra Bank operates with branch-specific timings, generally opening at 9:30 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. It is important to note that the Kotak Mahindra Bank branches may have different opening times. Therefore, it is best to check with your local branch or visit the bank's website to confirm the specific timings before planning your visit.Kotak Bank Closing TimeKotak Mahindra Bank branches generally close at 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of the month.