NSDL/UTI PAN Card Status Not Updating — How to Fix & Track

Applied for a PAN card through NSDL or UTI and the status has been stuck on "under process" for weeks? You're not alone. This guide covers every common PAN status issue — from stuck applications and rejected forms to missing dispatches and e-PAN download failures — with step-by-step fixes.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with NSDL, UTI, or the Income Tax Department.

How to Track PAN Card Status on NSDL

If you applied through Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov):

1. Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html
2. Select PAN - New/Change Request from the application type dropdown
3. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number (starts with your application date, e.g., 020320261234567)
4. Enter the captcha and click Submit
5. The status will show one of: Under Process, Dispatched, Returned, or Rejected

Alternative: You can also track via the NSDL toll-free number 1800-222-990 or send an SMS: NSDLPAN <15-digit ack number> to 57575.

How to Track PAN Card Status on UTI

If you applied through UTIITSL:

1. Visit https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN/
2. Click on Track PAN Card or Application Status
3. Enter your PAN application coupon number or PAN number
4. Enter date of birth and captcha
5. Click Submit to view status

UTI helpline: 033-40802999 or email at uaboraclemail@utiitsl.com

PAN Application Stuck on "Under Process" — What to Do

Normal processing time is 15–20 working days from the date of application. If your status has been "under process" beyond this:

Step 1: Wait the Full Processing Period

• NSDL online applications: 15–20 working days
• UTI applications: 15–20 working days
• Physical form submissions via PAN centres: may take longer (up to 30 days)

Step 2: Check for Communication from NSDL/UTI

• Check the email ID you provided during application for any queries or rejection notices
• Also check your spam/junk folder

Step 3: Contact the Respective Agency

• NSDL: Call 1800-222-990 (toll-free) or 020-27218080. Email: tininfo@nsdl.co.in
• UTI: Call 033-40802999. Email: uaboraclemail@utiitsl.com
• Keep your acknowledgement number ready

Step 4: File a Grievance on TIN-NSDL

If no response after contacting:

1. Visit https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
2. Go to Services → Grievance section
3. Select grievance type as PAN
4. Enter your acknowledgement number, PAN (if existing), and details of the issue
5. Submit and note the grievance ticket number for follow-up

Step 5: Escalate to the Income Tax Department

If the issue persists beyond 45 days:

1. Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in/
2. Go to Grievances under the Help section
3. File an e-Nivaran complaint with your PAN application details

PAN Application Rejected — Common Reasons & How to Reapply

Common Rejection Reasons

How to Reapply After Rejection

1. Note the exact rejection reason from your email or status check
2. Visit the NSDL or UTI portal and start a fresh application
3. Correct the issue — upload clearer documents, fix name spelling, etc.
4. Pay the application fee again (₹107 for Indian communication address, ₹1,017 for foreign address — inclusive of GST)
5. If you have a duplicate PAN, apply for cancellation/surrender of the extra PAN instead

PAN Card Dispatched but Not Received

If the status shows "Dispatched" but you haven't received your PAN card:

Step 1: Check Courier Details

• The status page on NSDL shows the courier partner name and tracking number
• Common courier partners: Speed Post (India Post), Blue Dart, DTDC
• Track on the courier partner's website using the tracking number

Step 2: Wait a Reasonable Time

• Speed Post: 7–15 days after dispatch
• Private couriers: 3–7 days after dispatch
• Remote areas may take longer

Step 3: Request a Reprint

If the card is lost in transit or not delivered within 30 days:

1. Visit https://onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
2. Select Reprint of PAN Card (choose "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data / Reprint of PAN Card")
3. Enter your PAN number and submit the form
4. No need to re-upload documents if only requesting reprint
5. Pay the reprint fee: ₹50 + GST (for Indian address dispatch)

Step 4: Download e-PAN as Interim

While waiting for physical card, download your e-PAN (see next section). The e-PAN is legally valid.

e-PAN Download Not Working — Fixes

Download e-PAN from NSDL

1. Visit https://onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
2. Select Download e-PAN
3. Enter your PAN number and date of birth
4. An OTP will be sent to your registered email/mobile
5. Enter OTP and download the PDF

Download e-PAN from Income Tax Portal

1. Visit https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/
2. Go to Instant e-PAN under Quick Links
3. Enter your Aadhaar number (must be linked to PAN)
4. Verify via Aadhaar OTP and download

Common Issues & Fixes

PAN-Aadhaar Linking Status Stuck

PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory. If your linking request is stuck:

Check Linking Status

1. Visit https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/link-aadhaar-status
2. Enter PAN and Aadhaar number
3. Status will show: Already Linked, Pending, or Failed

Common Reasons for Stuck/Failed Linking

• Name mismatch between PAN and Aadhaar — update the name on either document to match
• Date of birth mismatch — correct on whichever document has the error
• Payment not processed — linking fee is ₹1,000 (paid via challan 280 on NSDL). Check if payment reflected
• Server issues — the Income Tax portal sometimes takes 5–7 days to process. Wait and recheck
• Biometric Aadhaar authentication needed — in some mismatch cases, you may need to visit a PAN centre for biometric verification

How to Fix

1. Ensure name and DOB match exactly on both PAN and Aadhaar
2. If you paid the ₹1,000 fee, wait 5–7 working days for processing
3. If still stuck after 7 days, file a grievance on https://www.incometax.gov.in/ under e-Nivaran

See our Aadhaar guide for help updating Aadhaar details.

NSDL vs UTI — Which One Should You Use?

Both Protean (NSDL) and UTIITSL are authorised PAN service agencies by the Income Tax Department. There is no difference in the PAN card issued.

Recommendation: Both are equally reliable. NSDL's online portal is generally considered more user-friendly. Choose whichever has a physical centre nearer to you if applying offline.

How to File a Grievance on TIN-NSDL

If your PAN issue remains unresolved:

1. Visit the TIN-NSDL website
2. Navigate to Services → Grievance Redressal
3. Choose complaint type: PAN Related
4. Fill in:
   • Your PAN or acknowledgement number
   • Contact details (email and mobile)
   • Description of the problem
5. Submit and save the complaint reference number
6. Expected resolution time: 7–15 working days
7. If unresolved, escalate to the Income Tax Ombudsman in your jurisdiction

Important Tips

1. Save your acknowledgement number — it's the only way to track your PAN application status
2. Keep registered mobile/email active — NSDL and UTI send updates and OTPs to these
3. Download e-PAN immediately after allotment — it's legally valid and serves as backup
4. Don't apply for a second PAN if your first is delayed — having two PANs attracts a ₹10,000 penalty under Section 272B
5. Check AO code carefully while applying — incorrect AO (Assessing Officer) code is a common reason for delays

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for PAN card status to update on NSDL?

PAN card status on NSDL typically updates within 24–48 hours of any change. Full processing takes 15–20 working days from application date.

My PAN application has been "under process" for over a month. What should I do?

Contact NSDL at 1800-222-990 or UTI at 033-40802999 with your acknowledgement number. If no resolution, file a grievance on the TIN-NSDL portal or an e-Nivaran complaint on the Income Tax website.

Can I download e-PAN if my physical PAN card is not delivered?

Yes. Once your PAN is allotted (status shows "Dispatched" or you receive a PAN number), you can download the e-PAN from the NSDL portal or the Income Tax e-filing portal. The e-PAN is legally valid.

Why was my PAN application rejected?

Common reasons include name/DOB mismatch with documents, blurry document uploads, invalid proof of identity or address, or an existing duplicate PAN. Check your email for the specific rejection reason.

How do I get a reprint of my PAN card?

Visit the NSDL online portal, select "Reprint of PAN Card," enter your PAN number, verify via OTP, and pay ₹50 + GST. The reprinted card will be dispatched to your registered address.

Is PAN-Aadhaar linking still mandatory?

Yes. All PAN holders (except exempt categories like NRIs and super senior citizens) must link PAN with Aadhaar. Unlinked PANs become inoperative. The linking fee is ₹1,000.

How can I check if my PAN is linked to Aadhaar?

Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal at eportal.incometax.gov.in, go to "Link Aadhaar Status," and enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.

NSDL or UTI — does it matter which one I use for PAN?

No. Both are authorised by the Income Tax Department and issue the same PAN card. Fees and processing times are identical. Choose based on convenience.