The Government of India has launched a number of schemes to encourage savings among the citizens. One such popular investment scheme is the National Pension Scheme (NPS), which was launched to encourage savings and investment among all financial classes including the unorganized sector. However, for the NPS holder, it is compulsory to have a PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) so that they can see the saved amount in their Permanent Retirement Account (PRA).
What is PRAN?
The PRAN is a unique 12-digit permanent retirement benefit number for anyone in India. It is accessible from any given location in India. The PRAN card is similar to a PAN card. This card will have details like the father/guardian’s name, your photo, and your signature/thumb Impression. This card will stay with you for a lifetime/ If you are an NPS subscriber, you will need to quote your PRAN at designated Points of Presence (POS) related to your NPS Account.
How to Print e-PRAN?
You can choose to have a printed PRAN card couriered to them via the “Print and Courier” option from the “eSign / Print and Courier” page. Alternatively, you can print the e-PRAN.
For that, you need to log in to your NPS account and select the “Print e-PRAN” option. You can also initiate an e-PRAN card download to keep a digitized copy on your mobile phone.
How to keep track of NPS?
Online Method:
Step 1: Go to the CRA website and enter your credentials such as your Permanent Retirement Allotment Number (PRAN) number as USER-ID and your account password to log in to your NPS account.
Step 2: After logging in successfully, proceed to select the Transaction Statement button and then click on the Holding Statement button. This will display your accumulated NPS balance.
Step 3: Click on the transaction statement button to generate the details of your transactions (including your contributions).
App method:
Step 1: Open the UMANG app in your mobile phone and search for NPS
Step 2: Now tap on 'NPS (From NSDL)' and select your relevant CRA from the options NPS Karvy and NPS (From NSDL)
Step 3: Now tap on the option 'Current Holding' and enter your PRAN number as well as your Password.
Step 4: Once done tap on 'Login' and the details of your current accumulated balance will be displayed on your device screen.
Wealthcafe Advice
It is essential to be in possession of this PRAN card as it is linked to your NPS account. Furthermore, it is one of the essential documents required for submission, when you make a claim from your NPS account post-retirement.