NPCI Aadhaar Linking: Steps for Connecting Bank Accounts and Aadhaar

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), initiated by the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Banks Association, is integral in advancing digital payments across India, ensuring a secure environment for electronic transactions nationwide.

As a major entity in India's financial ecosystem, NPCI manages the National Financial Switch (NFS), the country's largest interbank network, along with Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) for real-time fund transfers. NPCI also spearheads the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), facilitating the payment of utility and mobile bills from one platform easily. Acting as an extension of the RBI, it enables seamless bill and settlement transactions.

Continuing its mission to enhance user convenience, NPCI introduced the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), allowing instant payments via mobile devices. Additionally, NPCI is paving the way for establishing a Payments Bank, aiming to deliver essential banking services to the general populace.

Linking Bank Accounts with Aadhaar through NPCI:

A critical initiative by NPCI is to connect individual bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers. NPCI has urged banks to offer Aadhaar e-KYC services that employ OTP-based verification with Aadhaar-enabled devices. Here’s how you can link your bank account with Aadhaar through NPCI:

Steps to Connect Aadhaar to Bank Accounts via NPCI:

1. Navigate to the NPCI official website.

2. Locate and select 'Aadhaar Seeding Process'.

3. Click on 'Click here' under the 'Aadhaar Seeding Process' section.

4. Complete the Aadhaar Seeding form that appears in a new tab.

5. Thoroughly review guidelines and provide necessary details.

6. Attach copies of your Aadhaar card and bank passbook.

7. Submit these documents to your bank manager for processing.

Linking Aadhaar via Paytm:

Instead of the NPCI website, you can also use the Paytm app to integrate your Aadhaar with NPCI:

1. Launch the Paytm app on your device.

2. Go to 'My Paytm', choose 'Paytm Bank'.

3. Enter your bank passcode.

4. Under 'Services', select 'All Services'.

5. Click 'Enroll For Direct Benefits Transfer' under 'Government Schemes'.

6. Opt to 'Link your Account' after reviewing DBT benefits.

7. Choose the bank account for linking with NPCI.

8. Select your bank and agree to terms and conditions.

9. Hit 'Submit' to commence linking.

10. A confirmation SMS will arrive within 2-3 days post-processing.

NPCI Aadhaar Link Form: For easy linkage, use the Bank Account Link form available on NPCI's site. Fill in details like Aadhaar number, bank account, and IFSC code, then submit it at your bank.

NPCI Mapper: This tool is essential for ensuring correct payment routing to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. With the NPCI mapper, verify the recipient's Aadhaar number and the bank's Issuer Identification Number (IIN) linked to it for smooth transaction processing.

Online Status Check for Aadhaar Linking:

Check the Aadhaar-link status with your NPCI-linked bank account online:

1. Access the UIDAI website.

2. Click on 'Aadhaar Services' under 'My Aadhaar'.

3. Select 'Check Aadhaar/Bank Linking Status'.

4. Input your Aadhaar/virtual ID and shown captcha.

5. Press 'Send OTP'.

6. Enter the received OTP and click 'Submit'.

7. Your linking status will appear.

Offline Checking via SMS: Without internet, use the following SMS method:

- Dial *99*99*1# using a UIDAI-registered mobile number.

- Input your 12-digit Aadhaar.

- Re-confirm Aadhaar by re-entering numbers to validate bank linkage.

- Linking Aadhaar is optional if not availing government benefits/services.

Conclusion: It's crucial to comprehend NPCI Aadhaar linking due to benefits from government schemes. Only one bank account can be linked to Aadhaar, crediting subsidies to the NPCI-active account.