CKYC in India: Everything You Naeed to Know About CKYC, eKYC, and KYC
Every time you open a bank account, start a SIP, or buy insurance, you are asked for the same documents again and again. CKYC exists to stop this repetition and quietly simplify how India verifies financial identity. CKYC was introduced to fix exactly this problem by creating one verified identity across the financial system.
What is CKYC in India?
CKYC’s full form is Central Know Your Customer. It is a Government of India initiative that creates a centralised KYC record for individuals across financial institutions.
It is managed by CERSAI and issues a unique 14-digit CKYC number after one-time verification.
What is the CKYC Number?
A CKYC number, also called a Central KYC number, is a 14-digit unique identification number. It is issued after your identity and address are verified under the Central Know Your Customer system in India.
Once you have a CKYC number, you do not need to submit KYC documents again for every financial product. The same number can be used for bank accounts, mutual funds, insurance policies, and other regulated financial services.
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The purpose of the CKYC system is to simplify KYC compliance. It reduces paperwork. It also ensures uniform verification across financial institutions.
How to Get a CKYC Number?
You can get a CKYC number by completing a one-time KYC process through an authorised financial institution. Once verified, your details are uploaded to the central registry managed by CERSAI, and a unique 14-digit CKYC number is generated.
Method 1: Get CKYC number through a bank or financial institution (first-time users)
Step 1: Visit a bank branch, mutual fund office, insurance company, or any authorised financial service provider where you are opening an account or investment.
Step 2: Ask for the CKYC form and fill in your personal details, such as name, date of birth, address, and contact information.
Step 3: Submit the required documents, including a PAN card, Aadhaar card, or another valid address proof like a passport, driving licence, or voter ID, along with a recent passport-sized photograph.
Step 4: The financial institution verifies your documents and completes in-person verification if required.
Step 5: After verification, the institution uploads your KYC details to the CKYC registry.
Step 6: Once approved, you receive your 14-digit CKYC number, also known as the KYC Identifier Number (KIN), via SMS or email.
Method 2: Get CKYC number online (if already registered)
Step 1: Visit the website or mobile app of your bank, mutual fund platform, or investment service provider.
Step 2: Log in using your registered credentials.
Step 3: Go to the KYC or CKYC status section on the portal.
Step 4: Enter your PAN number and the security code shown on the screen.
Step 5: Submit the details to view your CKYC number if it has already been generated.
Step 6: If available, download your CKYC details or fetch the digital CKYC card through https://www.ckycindia.in/kyc/getkyccard.
How to Check CKYC Number?
Missed call method
Give a missed call from your registered mobile number to 7799022129.
You will receive an SMS with a link to view your CKYC details or CKYC card.
CKYC or KRA portal
Visit https://www.ckycindia.in/kyc/getkyccard
Your CKYC status and 14-digit CKYC number will be displayed if registered.
Bank or financial institution portal
Log in to your bank’s internet banking or mobile app and go to the KYC or profile section.
Your CKYC number will appear if it is linked to your account.
DigiLocker
Log in to DigiLocker and search for your CKYC card under issued documents.
Verify your mobile number to view or download the CKYC card containing your CKYC number.
How to Check CKYC Status
Method 1: Through a KRA website
Visit a SEBI-registered KYC Registration Agency website such as CVL KRA, Protean, or KFintech.
Enter your PAN number, date of birth, and captcha to view whether your CKYC status is registered, under process, or rejected.
Method 2: Through your bank or financial institution
Log in to your bank’s internet banking or investment platform and go to the KYC or profile section.
Your CKYC status will be shown if your details have been uploaded and verified.
Method 3: Using investment or mutual fund platforms
Open the website or app of a mutual fund or investment platform that supports KYC checks.
Enter your PAN details to see your CKYC status and validation stage.
Method 4: Check via email or SMS confirmation
Search your inbox for messages from banks, mutual funds, or insurers mentioning CKYC status.
These communications often confirm whether your CKYC is completed or still under verification.
CKYC Benefits
CKYC benefits go beyond paperwork, because a single verified identity can unlock faster access to multiple financial products without repeated documentation.
One-time KYC submission
You need to submit your KYC documents only once, after which the same CKYC record can be used across banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other financial services.
Faster account opening
Since your details are already verified and stored centrally, new accounts, investments, and loans can be opened much faster.
No repeated paperwork
You do not have to submit the same PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, and photographs every time you use a new financial service.
Easy update of details
Any change in address or personal information can be updated once, and the revised details are available to all linked institutions.
Better data security
Your KYC information is stored in a central and secure system managed by CERSAI, reducing the risk of data misuse.
Lower chances of fraud
Centralized verification helps prevent duplication, fake identities, and fraudulent financial activities.
Smooth experience across services
CKYC ensures consistency in your KYC records, making it easier to manage multiple bank accounts, investments, and types of insurance policies without delays.
CKYC also plays an important role in accessing government welfare benefits.
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Types of CKYC Accounts
| CKYC Account Type | Documents Used | How It Works | CKYC Number Prefix | Usage Level |
| Normal CKYC Account | PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, NREGA Job Card | Full KYC completed using officially valid documents | No prefix | Full access, no restrictions |
| Simplified CKYC Account | Limited or alternate documents with personal details and a photograph | For low-risk customers with partial documentation | L | Limited access until upgraded |
| Small CKYC Account | Basic personal details and photograph only | Opened when standard KYC documents are not available | S | Strict limits on balance and transactions |
| OTP-based eKYC CKYC Account | Aadhaar OTP and Aadhaar PDF | Digital KYC using Aadhaar authentication | O | Quick onboarding with certain limits |
CKYC vs eKYC vs KYC
KYC is the traditional process where physical documents are submitted separately to each financial institution. eKYC is a digital and paperless version using Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric authentication. CKYC creates a single centralised KYC record with CERSAI and issues a 14-digit number that can be reused everywhere.
| Basis | KYC | eKYC | CKYC |
| Full form | Know Your Customer | Electronic Know Your Customer | Central Know Your Customer |
| What it is | Traditional identity verification process | Digital KYC using Aadhaar | Centralised KYC record stored with CERSAI |
| How it is done | Physical documents and in-person verification | Aadhaar OTP or biometric verification | One-time KYC uploaded by a financial institution |
| Documents required | PAN, address proof, photo | Aadhaar linked to mobile or biometrics | PAN, Aadhaar, photo (submitted once) |
| Time taken | Slow | Instant or near-instant | Depends on institution, reusable later |
| Validity | Valid only for that institution | Valid only for that institution | Valid across banks, mutual funds, and insurers |
| Reusability | Not reusable | Not reusable | Fully reusable |
| Output | KYC completed for one account | Digital KYC completion | 14-digit CKYC number |
Disclaimer- The rankings and figures in this article have been compiled from multiple verified reports, credible sources, and public financial data available as of 2026.
All values are approximate and may vary with newer updates, revisions, or changes in official records.
CKYC India – FAQs
CKYC means Central Know Your Customer, a centralised KYC system that stores verified customer details for use across financial institutions. It is managed by CERSAI and issues a unique 14-digit CKYC number after one-time verification.
Yes, CKYC is mandatory for most new bank accounts, investments, loans, and insurance policies with regulated entities. Existing customers may be migrated to CKYC when they start a new financial relationship.
Anyone opening or using banking, investment, insurance, or loan services in India needs a CKYC number. This includes individuals, NRIs, and minors through guardians.
Regular KYC is done separately with each institution and often requires repeated document submission.
CKYC centralises KYC records so the same verification can be reused across institutions.
Centralised storage can raise data privacy concerns if records are not updated correctly.
Some updates may take time, and NRIs may face additional documentation requirements.
Any individual starting a financial relationship with a bank, mutual fund, insurer, or NBFC must complete CKYC.
It is especially important for investors, borrowers, and policyholders.
Yes, CKYC is valid across banks and institutions regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA.
However, outdated or incomplete records may require fresh updates.
