Under the National Pension System (NPS), a subscriber is required to open a Tier 1 account with the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA). Each account is identified by a unique Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). It is now possible to open this account online using the e-NPS system. The facility is on a pilot run right now.

Link

One can open the e-NPS account by accessing the following link: https:enps.nsdl.com

Aadhaar OTP

Aadhaar is a must for opening an NPS account online. On accessing the above link, one needs to enter one's Aadhaar number. Once the Aadhaar number is submitted, an OTP is sent to the mobile number registered in the Aadhaar database. Demographic details of the applicant including photograph are fetched from the details registered in the Aadhaar database.

Scanned signature

After the above details are populated in the form from the Aadhar database, the applicant is required to scan his signature and upload the same.

Payment and dispatch

Once the signature is uploaded, the applicant is directed to a payment gateway where he can make an initial payment to open the account. Payment can be made through internet banking or debitcredit card. The online form must be printed and signed and sent to the CRA within 180 days from the date of allotment of PRAN.

Welcome kit

Next, the PRAN is allotted to the applicant and a PRAN kit containing a PRAN card, IPINTPIN, subscribed master report, scheme information booklet along with a welcome letter is sent to the registered address.

If the applicant wishes to register a differ ent photograph, he can upload the same in jpg or jpeg format with file size 4 to 12 KB.

This facility is not available for Atal Pen sion Yojana.

Further contributions to the NPS account can be made by debit or credit card or Net banking payment