Guide to Simplified Automated GST Registration from November 1, 2025

Navigating the New Era of GST: Simplified Registration from November 1, 2025. A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and approved at the 56th GST Council Meeting on September 3, 2025, this overhaul aims to reduce red tape for small and low-risk businesses. New applicants can expect auto-approvals in just 3 working days for nearly 96% of cases. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous scrutiny process, which took 3 to 7 days and often extended into weeks.

Why This Matters: Applicability and Who Qualifies

The simplified process is not a one-size-fits-all change; it offers targeted relief for the small businesses that drive India’s economy. It applies to new GST registrations starting November 1, 2025, through the GST Portal (gst.gov.in).

Key eligibility includes:

• mall and Low-Risk Businesses: If your projected output tax liability (CGST + SGST/UTGST + IGST) on supplies to registered persons is under ₹2.5 lakh per month, you qualify. This self-assessment is voluntary; you can opt in during the application.
• E-Commerce Small Suppliers: There is a dedicated scheme for those supplying through platforms like Amazon or Flipkart across multiple states. This simplifies the issue of having a “principal place of business” since you do not need physical setups in every state.
• Exclusions: High-risk applicants, such as those flagged for past non-compliance or with supplies over the threshold, must follow the standard process. Existing registrants can apply for scheme migration after receiving approval.

According to the 56th GST Council Press Release, dated September 3, 2025, this change impacts about 96% of applicants, making it easier to do business without sacrificing revenue integrity. A pro tip from my experience: If you are a startup artisan selling handicrafts online, this is your chance—no more delays in launching due to paperwork build-up.

The Two Core Schemes: Your Options Under the New Regime 

The Council introduced two schemes for maximum flexibility:

1. Automated Approval Scheme for Low-Risk Applicants:

– Core Feature: AI-driven risk scoring grants instant approval if you pass basic checks, like a valid PAN-Aadhaar link.

– Opt-In/Out: Fully voluntary; you can switch anytime via the portal.

– Benefit: 3-working-day turnaround, compared to manual reviews that could take 7 or more days.

2. Simplified Registration for E-Commerce Suppliers (ECO Scheme):

– Core Feature: Single PAN-based registration for multi-state supplies through Electronic Commerce Operators (ECOs). No state-wise Place of Business required, so you can use the ECO’s address as a proxy.

– Status: In-principle approval from the Council; detailed guidelines will come via an upcoming CBIC Circular, expected by mid-November 2025. This will build on Instruction No. 03/2025-GST on 17th April, 2025, which set standard document norms.

– Benefit: Ideal for gig sellers; it reduces compliance from over 28 state filings to one simple process.

These changes fit with the GST 2.0 reforms, effective September 22, 2025, for rate changes and simplifying registration.

Step-by-Step Guide: From Click to Certificate in 3 Days 

Here is the updated flow, based on the GST Portal’s Form REG-01. It has simpler fields for low-risk cases. I have guided many clients through this process, and it is now 30% faster.

Step 1: Pre-Check Eligibility (5-10 Minutes) 

• Log into gst.gov.in > Services > Registration > New Registration.
• Use the “Eligibility Checker” tool (new feature after Nov 1) to enter basics such as PAN, projected turnover, and supply type.
• Time Limit: You can do this anytime, but register within 30 days of exceeding the ₹20 lakh aggregate turnover (₹10 lakh for special category states) to avoid penalties. The penalty is either ₹10,000 or 100% of the tax due, whichever is higher, as stated in Section 122 of the CGST Act.
• Guideline: Self-declare your low-risk status. False claims may lead to audits (see Circular 249/06/2025-GST advisory on verification).

Step 2: Fill Part A – Basic Details (15 Minutes) 

• Select “Taxpayer” > Enter PAN, mobile number, and email > Receive Temporary Reference Number (TRN) via OTP.
• Opt into the simplified scheme at this stage (checkbox for low-risk/ECO).
• Documents: Upload minimal proofs (full list below).

Step 3: Complete Part B – Business & Bank Details (20-30 Minutes) 

• Provide your business type (proprietor, partnership, etc.), address, and bank account details (IFSC + cancelled cheque).
• For the ECO scheme: Declare supplies through specific platforms; some fields will fill automatically if you operate in multiple states.
• Guideline: Use Aadhaar e-KYC for auto-verification (90% of cases approved instantly, according to CBIC’s April 2025 instructions). No physical documents are required if you E-Verify.

Step 4: Upload Documents & Submit (10 Minutes) 

• Scan and upload documents (PDF or JPG, each under 1MB).
• Time Limit: Submit within 15 days of TRN generation, or your application will lapse, and you will need to reapply from the beginning.
• ARN (Application Reference Number) is generated immediately.

Step 5: Auto-Approval & Verification (3 Working Days Max) 

• The system automatically assesses risk; low-risk applicants receive GSTIN via email or SMS.
• If flagged, an officer will review your application within 3 days. If there is any delay, it may escalate to the Appellate Authority.
• Guideline: Track your application status via “My Applications” on the portal. After approval, file your first GSTR-3B within 20/22/24 days of month-end.

Step 6: Activation & Compliance Kick-off 

• Download your GST Certificate (Form GST REG-06).
• Activate via DSC or e-Sign if needed.
• Time Limit: Begin filing returns from the next quarter; quarterly for the composition scheme if eligible (turnover <₹1.5 crore).

Total time? Under an hour of effort plus a 3-day wait. Compare this to pre-2025: 11 steps, 7-10 days, and many queries. 

Documents Required: Keep It Lean No more document overload!

The simplified scheme only requires essentials (according to the updated REG-01 Annexure and Instruction No. 03/2025-GST).
Customized for each type of entity:

Guideline: Everything must be digital; Aadhaar links should make up 80% of uploads. For address proof, utility bills less than 3 months old work (no notary needed for low-risk cases).

Time Limits & Penalties: Do not Miss the Beat

• Application Window: 30 days from the start of liability.
• Processing: 3 working days for automated processes; 7 days maximum for manual ones.
• Deemed Approval: If you do not receive a response in 3 days, it’s considered approved (new rule from the 56th Council recommendations).
• Penalties: Late registration incurs 10% of the tax or ₹10,000, whichever is higher; failure to declare output results in 100% tax plus interest at 18%.

Guidelines from the Top: Key References

• 56th GST Council Press Release (Sept 3, 2025): Main framework for automation and the ECO scheme.
• Instruction No. 03/2025-GST (April 17, 2025): Standard document checklists; simplified process now extended.
• Circular 249/06/2025-GST (Recent advisory): Adjusts verification rules for faster e-KYC.
• Upcoming: CBIC Notification for Form SPL-01/SPL-02 (expected January 2026 for full launch; registration begins November 1). Always check gst.gov.in for updates – the CBIC is constantly changing.

Real-World Examples: Lessons from the Trenches 

Case Study 1: Priya’s Handloom Haven (Low-Risk Proprietor) 

Priya, a weaver from Jaipur, expected ₹1.8 lakh in monthly sales to registered boutiques. Before 2025, her REG-01 was stuck for 10 days due to an unclear rent agreement. After November 1, she opted in, uploaded Aadhaar-linked documents, and received her GSTIN in 2 days. The result? She launched on Etsy without delays and claimed ₹50,000 in ITC in the first month. The lesson is to self-assess honestly; her threshold fit perfectly.

Case Study 2: Vikram’s Gadget Flip (ECO Scheme) 

Vikram sold refurbished phones on Flipkart in five states, with a turnover of ₹2 lakh per month. Old rules required five registrations; now, one ECO-linked filing took just 3 days. He used the platform’s address as his place of business and filed quarterly returns. This saved him ₹15,000 in compliance costs during the first year. To avoid pitfalls, he declared all supplies upfront, which prevented audit flags. 

Case Study 3: The Cautionary Tale – Over-the-Threshold Trap 

A cafe owner in Delhi miscalculated his turnover at ₹3 lakh per month from unregistered diners. His application was auto-rejected, so he refilled the standard way, which took 7 days. The penalty? A late fee of ₹5,000. The moral is to use the portal’s turnover calculator consistently.