Major Changes in PAN Card Application Rules Announced

The Government has announced significant changes to the rules for applying for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026. The revised guidelines are expected to impact new applicants across the country. According to information shared by Common Services Centres (CSC) on the social media platform X, citizens can continue to apply for a PAN card using only their Aadhaar card until March 31, 2026. After this date, additional documents will be required as part of the application process. As per the update issued by CSCeGov, applicants will need to provide supporting documents such as a birth certificate, voter ID card, Class 10 marksheet or certificate, driving licence, an affidavit certified by a magistrate, or a passport. This means that Aadhaar alone will no longer be sufficient to obtain a PAN card under the new rules. The announcement also states that new PAN application forms will be introduced from April 1, 2026. Existing forms will no longer remain valid, and applicants will be required to use the updated formats for submitting their requests. These changes mark a shift in the PAN application process, making documentation requirements more comprehensive for new applicants.