National Common Mobility Card (NCMC): Meaning, Uses, Benefits, Apply Online & How to Get It?

With public transport being widely utilised across India by all segments of society, there was a need to automate and digitise fare collection by transit operators. In response to this need, the Government of India introduced a game-changing innovation known as the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). 

This innovation not only enhanced the travel experience but also promoted the shift towards cashless transactions and unified payment solutions for citizens nationwide. In this article, we will walk you through a comprehensive guide on the NCMC card, while highlighting all the associated details that you need to know. 

What Is an NCMC Card? 

The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is an interoperable transport card introduced as part of the Prime Minister’s ‘One Nation, One Card’ initiative. It was launched on 4 March 2019. It aims to promote cashless transactions and provide a unified payment platform for commuters nationwide. Furthermore, it enables cardholders to make payments for various modes of public transport and also conduct retail transactions, including cash withdrawals, using a single card.

Need for NCMC Card

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) introduced the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Program to ensure citizens can experience seamless travel across metros and other transport systems, along with facilitating retail shopping and purchases.

While cash payments were a traditional payment mode across public transport, they also led to multiple challenges, such as cash handling, revenue leakages, cash reconciliation, etc. An automatic system was needed to address these challenges and digitise fare collection for transit operators, which led to the introduction of the NCMC.

How Does the NCMC Card Work? 

NCMC comes in the form of a prepaid, debit or credit RuPay card with an online transit transaction option, allowing users to pay for public transport ticket fares without directly accessing their bank account. The card works using an embedded Near-Field Communication (NFC) chip, which stores user information and facilitates data transfer when tapped on compatible readers.

To utilise the NCMC, users must first link it to their digital wallet or bank account. Then, users must load funds onto it from their bank account or digital wallet. The encrypted NFC communication ensures security and privacy during transactions while providing real-time updates to users about their expenses and remaining balance on the NCMC. The NCMC relies on the RuPay platform of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

How to Apply for an NCMC Card?  

Around 25 plus banks in India are authorised to issue an NCMC Card. Thus, the initial step involves finding a bank that provides this card facility. Following this, you can apply for the card through online banking platforms or by visiting the bank branches. 

Regardless of the method you choose, simply follow the outlined steps to avail and start using an NCMC card:

Step 1: Obtain the required application form for an NCMC card. 

Step 2: Fill in the necessary details as per the instructions. 

Step 3: Gather and submit the supporting KYC documents along with the duly filled application form. 

Step 4: The bank will verify your documents and application details. 

Step 5: Upon successful verification, the bank will issue the NCMC card to you.

Step 6: Consult a bank representative and activate your NCMC card as per the provided instructions.

Step 7: Load funds onto your NCMC card from your bank account or digital wallet to start using it for transactions.

Once you go through all the above-mentioned steps, you can start using your NCMC card for cashless transactions across various modes of public transport and retail outlets.

Uses of National Common Mobility Card 

The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) has a wide range of uses, some of which are discussed below:

• The NCMC card can be used to pay for tickets across various modes of transport nationwide, including metro, buses, and suburban railways, as well as for toll and parking charges. 
• In addition to transportation, the card can also be utilised for retail purchases.
• You can use an NCMC card to make tap-and-go payments. 
• You can also use it for offline payments in case of low-value transactions.

Benefits of NCMC Card 

Here are some of the benefits you can avail by holding a NCMC card:

• Convenient and Time-Saving Option 

The key benefit of holding an NCMC card is the convenience that it offers to commuters, enabling them to use it seamlessly across various modes of transportation. Its tap-and-go features eliminate the time spent waiting in queues and at ticketing counters.

• Interoperability

By using NCMC cards, individuals can seamlessly travel across different cities via various transport systems without the need to carry multiple cards. Now, they do not have to purchase separate tickets or cards for each city's metro/ bus system and can pay across various modes of public transport in various cities through just one card.

• Cashless Transactions

NCMC is a prepaid card that allows cardholders to load funds onto it and use it for cashless transactions. This way, it simplifies the payment process for both cardholders and operators while promoting the digital economy of India. 

• Popularity of Public Transport System 

Considering that the card provides a seamless and convenient payment system, more people are using public modes of transportation. Additionally, it aids in reducing traffic congestion and minimising the environmental impact of privately owned vehicles.

• Versatility 

NCMC is known for its versatility, as cardholders no longer need to manage multiple cards for various purposes. Starting from transportation to retail purchases or accessing ATMs to other transactional services, it combines all facilities into a single, multifunctional smart card. 

Now that you are familiar with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and its benefits consider applying for one and using it for everyday transactions. With the NCMC card, you can eliminate the need to carry multiple cards for different purposes and enjoy seamless cashless transactions.