PAN Card for Students – Importance and Advantages

PAN – Permanent Account Number is not just the combination of numeric digits and alphabets. It is a valuable card, and every citizen should have it, including students. A PAN card for students is helpful and can be accessed by students under 18 years of age in a minor category. 

It will help them in future in filing Income tax returns, educational loan applications, opening bank accounts, and other financial instructions. Therefore, students need to have a PAN card.

Read here and know how students can download and fill the PAN card application form and the benefits they can avail of from it.

Why is PAN Card Mandatory for Students?

PAN card is essential for every Indian citizen, including students. PAN works as an identity proof and helps with educational loans, abroad scholarships, and more. PAN is not just letters or numbers; it’s unique and is allotted to every individual by NSDL on behalf of the Indian government once in a lifetime. 

Previously, only students over 18 were allowed to apply for a PAN card, but according to the latest rules, minors can also apply for a PAN card with their guardians on board. 

How Can a Student apply for PAN Card?

PAN card applications by students can be submitted both offline and online. However, there is no specific PAN card application form for students. And if you are under 18, you have to apply for a minor card at the time of application. 

Here is how you can apply both offline and online:

PAN Card for Students Offline Application Process

If a student cannot fill the application form for PAN online, they can apply offline. The applicants have to download the PAN application form 49A if living in India; otherwise, they have to download form 49AA. 

Students can follow the steps written below:

Download the form 49A from the official online portal of NSDL or UTIITSL

Step 1: If you are below 18 years of age, tick the Minor PAN card option as present in the form.

Step 2: Fill in all the information. Provide all the documents, thumb impressions, signatures and submit them to the nearest TIN centre.

Step 3: In a few days, you will receive an acknowledgement copy from the centre. The Income Tax Department of India will do it after validating all your information.

PAN Card for Students Online Process through NSDL

Step 1: Go to the NSDL TIN website. Select the option Online PAN Application on the homepage.

Step 2:  From the drop-down section, select the application type. Pick form 49A (Indian) or Form 49AA (NRI or POI).

Note: Read the instructions mindfully before filling the form. 

Step 3: Fill in the correct information about your name, birth date, Aadhaar number, and address.

Step 4: Attach the necessary documents as asked in the form. 

Note: If any form is not available, make sure to fill the acknowledgement at its place.

Step 5: You will receive an acknowledgement number with a reference tracking number. 

Note: Using this tracking number, you can check the status of your PAN card online.

Step 6: Take a printout of this page, attest your photographs in the designated area, sign the form, and post it on the NSDL address. 

Note: NSDL address is available along with the acknowledgement number.

Once all the information is verified, PAN will be posted to your given address.

On successful verification of the application, the PAN card will be sent to the address you mentioned in the form.

PAN Card for Students Online Process through UTIITSL 

Step 1: Visit the online portal of UTIITSL. Choose the Application Category.

Step 2: Choose the option of applying for a New PAN Card.

Step 3: Enter the correct details such as your complete name, email, contact information, and others as asked. 

Note: You must read all the instructions before filling the form.

Step 4: Hit the Submit button. An acknowledgement number will appear on your screen. 

Step 5: Take the print of this page and post it to the UTIITSL postal address. Also, attest two of your photographs, sign in designated form, and attach the required documents. 

Note: If you haven’t paid the application fee online, you can post a DD or cheque. 

Once you validate your information, you will receive your PAN card at your postal address. 

Documents for Applying for PAN Card for Students in India

While applying for a student PAN card, you have to submit the following details:

• Two passport-sized photographs.
• You can submit any of the following identity proof for your student PAN card application:

– Copy of Passport

– Copy of your Aadhaar card.

– Copy of a Driving Licence

– Copy of your Voter ID card

– Copy of a Ration card with photograph.

– Identity certificate (original) attested by a Gazetted officer or MLA.

– Certificate from bank signed by the Branch Manager.

• You can submit any of the following address proof for your student PAN card application:

– Copy of passport

– Copy of Aadhaar card

Statement of bank account 

– Copy of a driving licence

– Bill of Gas, Electricity, telephone (not old from last three months)

– Copy of a Voter ID card.

– Passbook from the post office (with address)

– Domicile certificate copy (issued by the government)

– Statement of credit card (not old than three months)

– Original certificate of your house address signed by MLA or a Gazetted officer.

– Letter of accommodation issued and allotted by the government.

Advantages of PAN Card for Students

Any student can enjoy the following primary perks of owning a PAN Card.

Identity Proof: PAN Card is accepted worldwide and works as an identity proof. . It is accepted in every government institution and private organisation. 

Loan Application: In India, many students apply for a loan for higher studies in prestigious universities across the globe. With the help of a PAN Card, loan application processes easily and without extra hassle. Therefore, a PAN Card for students is beneficial and necessary.

Validity: Once a student gets a PAN Card, it remains unchanged, non-transferable, and irreplaceable till the day of any incidence. Further, students link their PAN cards for all financial transactions as their identity and address proof.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)