New NPS rule for online form submission:
Pension body explains why e-sign, OTP-based authentication matter for subscribers now
Jan 5, 2026
Synopsis
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has mandated One-Time Password (OTP) and e-Sign for authenticating National Pension System (NPS) registrations. This move, a modification of a previous circular, aims to enhance security and streamline the online application process for subscribers. Central Recordkeeping Agencies and Points of Presence are instructed to update their systems accordingly.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has now made one-time password (OTP) and e-Sign mandatory to authenticate the submission of the online National Pension System (NPS) registration form. PFRDA said that the new rule is the modification of its Circular No PFRDA/2020/23/SUP-CRA/10 dated June 15, 2020, permitting the submission of NPS account opening applications through e-signature or OTP.
The PFRDA circular states, “In the partial modification of Circular No PFRDA/2020/23/SUP-CRA/10 dated June 15, 2020, it has been decided that applicants shall authenticate the submission of the online NPS registration form through e-sign or through an OTP received on their mobile number. The consent and mandatory declarations applicable for the opening of an NPS account shall be specifically obtained from the applicant at the end of such online journey through the said e-Sign or mobile OTP authentication.”
After issuing the circular, the pension body has advised Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) and Points of Presence (POPs) to align their systems and subscriber onboarding journeys in accordance with the above.
This circular is issued in the exercise of powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Section 14 read with clause (e) of sub-section (2) of Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013, PFRDA said in its statement.
FAQs about National Pension System (NPS)
What is National Pension System?
National Pension System (NPS) is a defined contribution pension. NPS is voluntary for subscription by an individual to make contributions to their individual pension account during working life for creating a pension corpus from which regular income will be generated after retirement/working age.
Documents required to open NPS account
The applicant has to submit a duly filled subscriber registration form along with the following documents to the Service Provider (PoP)/online:
For resident Individuals:
• One recent photograph
• PAN card
• Proof of address
• Proof for the bank account
Non-resident Individual (NRI)
• One Recent Photograph
• PAN Card
• Indian Passport
• Proof of address - India
• Proof for the Bank Account (NRE/NRO)
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
• One Recent Photograph
• PAN Card
• OCI Card
• Proof of address - foreign country
• Proof for the Bank Account (NRE/NRO)
[The Economic Times]
