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Payments Insight

Central KYC (CKYC)

Deepshikha Nainani Posted on May 13, 2025

Overview

Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) is a centralised KYC process introduced to simplify identity verification across India’s financial system. It allows individuals to complete their KYC once and use the same verified record across banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and other financial entities. This shared registry reduces the need for multiple submissions of the same documents, making the verification process more uniform and efficient.

Previously, customers had to repeat the KYC process for every financial product they wanted to use. With CKYC, financial institutions can access a central database maintained by the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest (CERSAI). This helps reduce duplication and ensures that KYC information is consistent and readily available.

Explore how CKYC works, who needs to register, and what documents are required. Understand both online and offline registration steps, learn how to update CKYC records, and discover how the system benefits both individuals and institutions in streamlining financial services.

What is CKYC (Central KYC)

Definition

Central KYC (CKYC) is a uniform KYC process introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and managed by the Central Registry of Securitisation and Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI) under the Ministry of Finance. It allows a person’s KYC details to be stored centrally and accessed by any authorised financial institution, avoiding repetitive KYC submissions.

Objective of CKYC

The main goal is to create a central repository of verified customer data to:

Simplify the KYC process for users.
Avoid duplication of effort across institutions.
Improve compliance with financial regulations like anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT).

Implementing Authority

CKYC is managed through the Central KYC Registry (CKYCR), a digital database maintained by CERSAI. Financial institutions are required to submit their customers’ KYC records to this registry.

Why is CKYC Important

Streamlining KYC Process

CKYC eliminates the need to submit physical KYC documents to each financial institution separately. Once you are registered, your verified KYC data can be accessed securely by any authorised service provider.

Enhanced Customer Experience

With CKYC, you only need to complete your KYC once. This saves time and effort, especially when applying for financial services like bank accounts, mutual funds, insurance, or loans.

Regulatory Compliance

CKYC ensures that all financial entities maintain updated and standardised customer records, which could help in meeting RBI guidelines and strengthening Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) frameworks.

Faster Processing

CKYC shortens the time taken for onboarding customers and processing applications, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Who Needs to Register for CKYC

Individual Customers

Anyone who wants to use financial services in India, including opening a savings account, investing in SIPs, applying for credit cards or loans, may complete CKYC.

Corporate Entities

Companies and businesses engaging with banks or financial institutions for services such as business loans, corporate accounts, or investment products might also require CKYC registration.

NRI and Foreign Nationals

Non-Resident Indians and foreign nationals investing or transacting through Indian financial institutions are expected to register for CKYC to access these services smoothly.

How to Register for CKYC

CKYC Registration Process:

Visit the nearest branch of the financial institution where you hold an account.

Carry the required documents needed for CKYC registration.

Submit the documents to the branch officials for verification.

Once verified, your details will be sent for uploading to the CKYC Registry.

After successful upload, a 14-digit CKYC identifier will be generated.

This identifier can be used when availing financial services in the future.

Required Documents for CKYC Registration

You will need to provide the following:

Proof of Identity (POI)

Aadhar card
PAN card
Passport
Voter ID
Driving licence

Proof of Address (POA)

Utility bill (electricity, water or gas)
Bank statement
Rent agreement
Passport

Proof of Date of Birth

Birth certificate
Passport
School leaving certificate
Aadhar card (if DOB mentioned)

Photograph

A recent passport-sized photograph, generally taken within the last 6 months.

Additional Documents (For Corporate Clients)

Certificate of incorporation
PAN of the company
Board resolution
List of authorised signatories
Partnership deed (if applicable)

Authentication Methods

The most common method is Aadhar-based e-KYC, which uses an OTP sent to your registered mobile number. This method is typically quick, paperless, and widely accepted.

Benefits of CKYC

For Individuals

No Repeated KYC: You don't need to repeat the KYC process for each institution.
Easier Access: Once your CKYC is complete, opening accounts or making investments becomes much quicker.
Secure Storage: Your documents are stored safely in a government-regulated central database.

For Financial Institutions

Reduced Paperwork: No need to store and manage multiple physical documents.
Quicker Onboarding: Verified customer data can be accessed instantly, speeding up the approval process.
Uniformity: Standardised KYC formats help ensure compliance across all services.

For the Government and Regulatory Bodies

Better Oversight: Helps monitor financial transactions across institutions.
Improved Compliance: Reduces risks of fraud and strengthens anti-money laundering measures.

How to Update KYC Information Under CKYC

CKYC Information Update Process:

Update Initiation: A financial institution may start an update request if customer information in the Central KYC Registry needs revision.
Customer Request: If a customer provides updated details, the institution will verify the supporting documents before initiating changes.
Applicable Scenarios: Updates may be made when there is a change in existing KYC information, doubts about the validity of earlier data, or a change in account type (such as converting a minor account to a regular one).
Data Upload: Once verified, the new information and any required document scans are uploaded to the CKYC Registry.
Record Linkage: To make any modifications, the financial institution must be connected to the customer’s most recent KYC record.

Required Documents for CKYC Updates

Depending on the change:

Address update: New utility bill or rent agreement.
Name change: Marriage certificate, Gazette notification.
DOB correction: Birth certificate, school certificate.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting in CKYC

CKYC Registration Rejected

Possible Reasons:

Mismatched or incomplete documents
Incorrect PAN or Aadhar details
Illegible scanned copies

How to Fix:

Re-check all entries and ensure documents are valid and clearly scanned.
Resubmit the form through a reliable institution.

Delayed Registration

Possible Reasons:

Backlog at CKYCR
Delays in verification from the submitting institution

How to Fix:

Follow up with the institution where you submitted your CKYC.
Ensure that your documents were complete and accurate.

Problems with Updating Information

Steps to Resolve:

Visit the institution where you submitted your CKYC and raise a correction request.
Submit updated documents and ask for confirmation once changes are made.

Conclusion

CKYC plays an important role in reducing paperwork and improving coordination across banks, NBFCs, and other financial services. By centralising identity records, it helps make processes more consistent and easier to manage. Once completed, you may not need to repeat KYC procedures for different services.

Staying updated with CKYC requirements can save time and effort in the long run. Whether you’re opening a bank account, applying for a loan, or starting an investment, having a CKYC number can simplify the experience.

As more financial services move online, CKYC supports a smoother and more secure journey for both individuals and institutions. Making sure your details are accurate and current can help you stay prepared for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CKYC

Is CKYC mandatory for all individuals and businesses?

CKYC is needed when opening accounts, applying for loans, or using other regulated financial services in India.

Can I complete CKYC without Aadhaar?

Yes, the process can be completed using other valid documents such as a passport or voter ID.

How long does the CKYC registration process take?

The CKYC registration process may take around 7–10 working days after submission.

What happens if my CKYC information is incorrect?

You can request a CKYC update by submitting the corrected documents through your financial institution.

Can NRIs and foreign nationals register for CKYC?

Yes, they can register by submitting a passport and valid address proof, as accepted by financial institutions.

Hi! I’m Deepshikha Nainani

Blogger

Deepshikha is a marketing and communications expert with over a decade of experience across various industries. With expertise in performance content, digital campaigns and brand management, she excels in creating data-driven, creative solutions that drive growth and engagement. Holding certifications in digital marketing and content strategy, she is passionate about combining creativity with analytics to create compelling marketing narratives that resonate. During her downtime, Deepshikha enjoys watching films and documentaries, listening to music, cooking and traveling.