{"id":48188,"date":"2025-03-07T20:49:56","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T15:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tatacapital.com\/blog\/?p=48188"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:01:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T09:31:22","slug":"what-is-ekyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tatacapital.com\/blog\/generic\/what-is-ekyc\/","title":{"rendered":"What is eKYC? Full form, meaning & how to do Aadhaar-based e-KYC online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The digital age has modernized many vital services we use daily, upgrading them to be faster and more cost-effective. Among these is e-KYC, or Electronic Know Your Customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E-KYC is the digital version of the Know Your Customer (KYC)<\/a> process used in financial institutions. This highly secure and efficient process lets you verify your identity for financial transactions using your Aadhaar number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will explore eKYC\u2019s meaning, its types, and the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is eKYC? Full form, meaning & Aadhaar-based eKYC explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The e-KYC full form is Electronic Know Your Customer. It is a digital service that verifies your identity via Aadhaar authentication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The e-KYC mechanism is provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and allows instant verification of the Aadhaar number holder\u2019s identity. It is the modern, paperless version of the Know Your Customer protocol mandated for all financial institutions by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since e-KYC is a paperless process, it significantly reduces the costs associated with the traditional Know Your Customer process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages and benefits of eKYC in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

E-KYC provides several benefits, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. E-KYC is cost-effective as it lets you avail identity verification and authentication processes without charging fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. E-KYC provides immediate results in just a few minutes due to its digital and paperless nature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The e-KYC ensures easy and secure authorization. Your UIDAI information is provided to the relevant parties only after you give approval through secure methods like OTP or biometric verification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. E-KYC reduces the risks of document forgery due to its secure digital procedures and authentication requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Types of eKYC: Aadhaar OTP, biometric, offline & video KYC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are several types of e-KYC methods used in India to verify a person\u2019s or organization\u2019s identity. These e-KYC types include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. OTP-based e-KYC: In this method, you provide your Aadhaar number to get an OTP to your registered mobile number. You then use this OTP to complete the verification process. OTP-based e-KYC is the most convenient type for most people as it requires no biometric data or physical interactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Biometric-based e-KYC: In this method, you provide your Aadhaar number along with biometric data like fingerprints. The provided data is used for verification by matching it with the data stored in the UIDAI database. Biometric-based e-KYC ensures high security due to the unique biometric data requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Offline e-KYC: This method is unique due to its offline nature. You download a digitally signed XML with your demographic details from the official UIDAI website. This XML file can then be provided wherever KYC is required. This method allows you to ensure your privacy without revealing your UID number.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Eligibility criteria for eKYC registration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If you are a resident Indian citizen with an Aadhaar number, you automatically qualify for e-KYC and only have to complete the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Additionally, Non-resident Indians (NRIs)<\/a> and foreigners who have been living in India for 182 days in the twelve months before applying for Aadhaar are also eligible for e-KYC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      eKYC documents required: Aadhaar, PAN, photo & more<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      As e-KYC is an entirely digital and paperless mechanism, it requires no documentation. You only require your Aadhaar number to get your KYC done online. You will be asked to upload a self-attested copy of your e-Aadhaar to the KYC registration agency (KRA) of your choice. Any other document requirements will be mentioned on the KRA\u2019s portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Additionally, you may have to provide a passport photograph to avail e-KYC services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to do eKYC online: Step-by-step process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      It is easy to apply for an e-KYC online. Follow the steps given below for a hassle-free e-KYC registration process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Visit any SEBI-licensed KRA\u2019s official website (Know Your Customer Registration Agency).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Create your personal account by filling in the required details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Provide your personal details, including your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Enter the provided OTP and complete the verification process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Submit a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar card.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Visit the KRA\u2019s web portal and input your PAN number to keep up with your application status.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        eKYC status: How to check & track your application?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Follow the straightforward steps given below to check your e-KYC status:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Visit the official Central Depository Service Limited (CDSL) website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Click on \u2018Inquire Your KYC.\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Fill in the required details, including your PAN or Aadhaar number.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Enter the provided captcha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Click \u2018Submit\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          After completing this process, your e-KYC verification status will appear. If your application is verified, your status will show as \u2018Verified by NDML.\u2019 Otherwise, your status will appear as \u2018Pending\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          eKYC vs Regular KYC: Key differences simplified<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Regular and eKYC in India are both methods to verify customer identity. However, their process and speeds vary. The following table highlights the differences between eKYC and regular KYC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Parameter<\/td>eKYC<\/td>Regular KYC<\/td><\/tr>
          Process<\/td>Fully digital and paperless<\/td>Physical documents are required<\/td><\/tr>
          Time taken<\/td>A few minutes<\/td>Takes days to process<\/td><\/tr>
          Verification<\/td>Aadhaar OTP, biometrics, or video<\/td>In-person or document submission<\/td><\/tr>
          Convenience<\/td>Higher, can be done online<\/td>Lower, a branch visit is needed<\/td><\/tr>
          Cost<\/td>Lower for banks<\/td>Higher due to manual handling<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          In a nutshell, eKYC is faster and more convenient, while regular KYC is used when digital verification is not possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Aadhaar-Based eKYC: Eligibility, safety & government norms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Aadhaar-based eKYC allows banks and financial institutions to quickly verify a customer\u2019s identity using their Aadhaar number. It is regulated by UIDAI and follows strict government and RBI guidelines to ensure data security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Individuals who are eligible for eKYC with Aadhaar include Indian residents with a valid Aadhaar number linked to their mobile number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The government ensures that Aadhaar-based eKYC is a secure system through the following norms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n