What is CKYC - Meaning, Benefits, and Process

Central KYC (CKYC) is a revolutionary initiative by the Indian government. It is designed to simplify the KYC process. This centralised database stores your KYC information across various financial institutions. By completing the CKYC process once, you eliminate the need to repeatedly submit documents for future investments or financial services. It fosters a smoother onboarding experience and enhances efficiency within the financial sector.

The Central KYC Registry (CKYCR) is the backbone of India's centralised KYC system. 

• The database stores your standardised KYC information

• It eliminates the need to submit documents repeatedly when seeking financial services across different institutions

• Once registered, a unique CKYC number allows financial entities to access and verify your KYC details seamlessly

• This streamlines the onboarding process and saves you both time and effort

• The CKYCR promotes efficiency in the financial sector while ensuring robust customer identification and verification

• Efficient KYC Processes

Streamlines and standardises KYC across financial institutions, reducing redundancy.

• Preventing Duplication

Customers undergo KYC only once, preventing redundant efforts with multiple institutions.

• Swift Customer Onboarding

Enables quick retrieval of customer details, expediting the onboarding process.

• Enhanced Security

Includes biometric data, adding an extra layer of security and reducing identity fraud risks.

• Regulatory Compliance

Helps institutions comply with regulatory standards for customer identification.

• Financial Inclusion

Facilitates broader access to financial services, especially in remote areas.

• Centralised Monitoring

Allows for better monitoring and management of customer data.

The documents required for CKYC typically include:

Individuals need to follow the steps outlined below to complete the process -

1. Visit the CKYC website

2. Fill out the CKYC online form

3. Upload a self-attested copy of the documents

4. Submit the form and documents

5. If applicable, provide biometric data online

6. Receive an online confirmation or acknowledgement

7. Check your email for updates

 

Note: Procedures may vary; follow the specific instructions provided by the financial institution.

 

It is important to remember that if your KYC has already been verified, the site will prompt you to modify your existing details.

You can follow the steps below to check the status of your application online:

• Visit the CKYC website and use your credentials to log in

• Enter your PAN card number

• Proceed by entering the displayed security code

• The status of your application will be displayed on the screen

To update your details, follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Visit the CKYC website

2. Sign in with you CKYC login credentials

3. Click on the ‘Update KYC’ tab

4. Enter the verification OTP sent to your registered mobile number

5. Update details such as your email address, mobile number and residential address

The Central KYC form categorises accounts into four types: Normal, Simplified, Small, and OTP-based eKYC.

• Normal Account

Accepts six officially valid documents (PAN, AADHAAR, Voter ID, Passport, Driving licence, NREGA Job Card) for customer identification.

• Simplified Measures Account

Allows additional OVDs as per RBI guidelines, and the CKYC identifier for this account has the prefix 'L'.

• Small Account

Requires only personal details and a customer-certified photograph for submission. The CKYC identifier for Small Account has the prefix 'S.'

• OTP-based eKYC Account

Involves generating a PDF file with Aadhaar data obtained during EKYC/OTP-based KYC. Upload this file, along with a photograph, into CKYC. The identifier for these accounts has the prefix 'O'.

 

Understanding these distinctions helps tailor the KYC process based on the chosen account type, ensuring flexibility and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

The difference between a normal KYC, eKYC, and CKYC is as given below: