The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has issued a circular dated 2 January 2026 to strengthen paperless onboarding for National Pension System (NPS) accounts. Modifying its June 2020 framework, the Authority has clarified that applicants must authenticate online NPS registration either through e-signature or via a One Time Password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number. Importantly, the circular mandates that applicant consent and all required declarations for opening an NPS account be expressly obtained at the end of the digital journey using the same e-sign or mobile OTP authentication. Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs), Points of Presence (POPs), and other NPS stakeholders have been directed to align their systems and onboarding workflows accordingly. Issued under the statutory powers of the PFRDA Act, 2013, the circular aims to standardize digital authentication, enhance subscriber consent capture, and ensure a seamless, compliant, and fully paperless NPS account opening process.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
Circular No: PFRDA/2026/01/SUP-CRA/01 Date: 2nd Jan 2026
To
All Central Recordkeeping Agencies,
Points of Presence and Other NPS Stakeholders
Subject: OTP based authentication for paperless on-boarding-reg
In order to facilitate paperless opening of National Pension System (NPS) accounts, the Authority had issued Circular No. PFRDA/2020/23/SUP-CRA/10 dated 15th June 2020, permitting submission of NPS account opening applications through e-Signature or One Time Password (OTP).
2. In partial modification of Circular No PFRDA/2020/23/SUP-CRA/10 dated 15th June 2020, it has been decided that-
Applicants shall authenticate the submission of online NPS registration form through e-sign or through an OTP received on their mobile number. The consent and mandatory declarations applicable for opening of 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.
3. Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) and Points of Presence (POPs) are advised to align their systems and subscriber onboarding journeys in accordance with the above.
4. This Circular is issued in 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.
Yours sincerely,
Chief General Manager
