As part of a national identity program, every citizen in India is assigned a distinctive 12-digit National Identification Number (NIN), commonly known as an Aadhaar number. This number serves various purposes, including accessing government services.1 When applying for an OCI card, you’ll need to provide your NIN as it helps verify your identity. The submission of the Aadhaar number is mandatory for all OCI applicants who hold Indian nationality. When filling out the OCI application form, applicants must include their Aadhaar number and provide a copy of their Aadhaar card along with the application.
If you are an Indian national without an Aadhaar number, you can obtain one by enrolling in the Aadhaar program. This can be done by visiting the UIDAI website or an Aadhaar enrollment center.
To enroll in the Aadhaar program, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your full name.
- Your date of birth.
- Your gender.
- Your address.
- Your contact information.
- Your biometric data, such as your fingerprints and iris scans.
- Uses
- Accessing government services (subsidies, healthcare, education)
- Opening bank accounts
- Filing taxes
- Obtaining mobile phone connections
- Various other identity verification purposes
- Security
- Protected by the Aadhaar Act 2016
- Strict privacy and security measures in place
After enrollment, you will receive a unique identification number, the Aadhaar number, which you can then use to apply for an OCI card.
If you plan to get an OCI Card, consider applying for an Indian OCI here at Visas for Future. The online application process is simple – click here, fill out the form, pay the fee, and submit all required information. Our team of experts will then review your application on your behalf.
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If you are a foreign national of Indian origin, you may want to consider applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, our service will process your application within two business days, after which you will receive your OCI card within seven to eleven weeks.
- Grants unlimited stay in India.2
- Multiple-entry.
- $368 fee (Including government fee).
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National Identification Number (NIN) in OCI application
The National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for all OCI applicants who are Indian nationals. When completing the OCI application form, applicants must furnish their NIN and include a copy of their Aadhaar card with the submission. In applying for an OCI card as an Indian national, it is usually necessary to include your Aadhaar number on the application form.
If you do not have an Aadhaar number, you need to register for the Aadhaar program, where you will be required to provide the necessary personal information and undergo the collection of biometric data.
In India, there are two main national identification numbers that might be relevant to your OCI application:
1. Aadhaar:
- A 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian residents.
- Not mandatory for OCI application: Aadhaar is not an official requirement for the OCI application itself.
- Can be helpful as a supporting document: However, you can provide your Aadhaar number as supporting documentation for proof of identity or address, especially if you lack other official documents.
2. PAN (Permanent Account Number):
- A 10-character alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India for tax purposes.
- Not mandatory for OCI application: Similar to Aadhaar, PAN is not mandatory for the OCI application.
- May be required for certain financial transactions: If you plan to open a bank account or invest in India after getting your OCI card, you might need a PAN.
Here’s a table summarizing the information:
| National Identification Number | Mandatory for OCI Application | Helpful for OCI Application | Additional Notes |
| Aadhaar | No | Yes | Proof of identity or address |
| PAN | No | No, (unless planning financial transactions in India) | Not relevant for OCI application itself |
Ultimately, whether or not to include your NIN (Aadhaar or PAN) in your OCI application is up to you. However, it’s generally not required and might not be necessary unless you lack other official documents or plan to engage in financial activities in India after obtaining your OCI card.
Benefits of providing NIN in OCI application
There are several benefits to providing your NIN in your OCI application, including:
- Verification of identity and citizenship: The Aadhaar number is a unique identifier that can be used to verify your identity and citizenship. This is important for OCI applicants, as they must prove that they are Indian nationals to be eligible for an OCI card.
- Streamlined application process: The Aadhaar number can streamline the OCI application process. For example, the UIDAI can use your Aadhaar number to pre-populate certain fields on the OCI application form. This can save you time and effort when filling out the application.
- Access to government services and benefits in India: The Aadhaar number is required to access several government services and benefits in India. This includes opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, and filing your taxes. By providing your NIN on your OCI application, you can access these services and benefits if you need to.
How to obtain NIN?
The method for obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN) depends on your location. Here are the general steps for different scenarios:
If you are in India
- Pre-enrolment online (optional): Visit the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) website and pre-enroll online through the Pre-enrolment Portal. This will generate a Pre-enrolment Slip with a barcode that speeds up the process at the enrolment center.
- Visit a NIMC Enrolment Centre: Locate your nearest NIMC Enrolment Centre. You can find a list on the NIMC website.
- Submit documents and provide biometrics: Carry the required documents (proof of identity and address) listed on the NIMC website. At the center, you will have your fingerprints, facial photograph, and signature captured.
- Collect your NIN Slip: After successful enrolment, you will receive a temporary NIN Slip containing your unique NIN.
- Receive your NIN card: Your permanent plastic NIN card will be delivered to your chosen address within 2-3 weeks.
If you are outside India
- Contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate: Each embassy or consulate may have different procedures for the enrollment of overseas Indians. They will guide you on the specific documents required and the process to follow.
- Pre-registration (optional): Some embassies or consulates may offer online pre-registration. This can help streamline the process at the enrollment center.
- Visit the designated enrolment center: The embassy or consulate will direct you to the designated enrolment center where you will submit documents and provide biometrics.
- Collect your NIN Slip and card: You will receive a temporary NIN Slip and, later, your permanent NIN card through the embassy or consulate.
How to apply for NIN?
Enrollment process
- Pre-registration: You can pre-register online through the UIDAI website or mobile app. Provide your personal details, contact information, and scanned copies of required documents.
- Enrollment Center visit: Once your pre-registration is approved, you must visit a designated enrollment center (NRI facilitation center) abroad.
- Biometric capture: At the center, your fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs will be taken for unique identification.
- Verification and issuance: UIDAI verifies your documents and data against government records. Upon successful verification, your NIN will be generated and sent to your registered address.
Political Dissidents are being denied OCI Card
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled more than 100 Overseas Citizen of India cards over nine years, according to right-to-information responses we received from the home ministry, and blacklisted—meaning banned from entering the country—an unknown number of Indian-origin people. Indian embassies and consulates are increasingly tasked with monitoring and stopping those who criticise or even tweet against Modi, government policies and Hindutva.
Article 143
The Modi government has been revoking the Overseas Citizenship of India status of critics in the diaspora, effectively banning them from entering the country. The ban has also included foreign journalists in addition to critics, reflecting a decline in democratic values in India.4
OCI Students can enter Indian Universities
The Karnataka government has informed the High Court that Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, and engineering courses on equal footing with Indian citizens for both government and private quota seats for the academic year 2024-25. This declaration came during the hearing of a petition filed by an OCI cardholder, which challenged a clause in the Common Entrance Test notification that seemed to imply different eligibility criteria for OCI/PIO candidates.5 The High Court and Supreme Court precedents were cited, affirming the rights of OCI cardholders, and the state government expressed no objection to treating OCI cardholders on par with Indian citizens in the admission process.56
Indian Consulate in San Fransisco will make OCI Cards in USA to shorten wait time
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OCI count as an Indian national?
No, OCI cardholders are not considered Indian nationals.
Can I travel to India with an OCI?
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card allows holders to travel to India.
Do OCI card holders need to pay tax in India?
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are not automatically subject to income tax in India solely based on their OCI status.
Is an Indian visa better than an OCI?
Whether an Indian visa or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status is “better” depends on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
- Consulate General of India, (2023), Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA), Indiainnewyork.gov.in, Retrieved January 19, 2024, <https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in/pages?id=WEEvaENpL3VyK3BxTER3cTFYYVJqUT09&subid=TkxlMlU0MUpGWFdqbEM3cFNUZzhUUT09> [↩]
- Ministry of Home Affairs. (n.d). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Retrieved January 19, 2024,<https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf> [↩]
- Lalwani, Lalwani. “How the Modi Govt Is Trying to Silence Critics in the Diaspora by Banning Them from India.” Article 14, 12 Feb. 2024, article-14.com/post/how-the-modi-govt-is-trying-to-silence-critics-in-the-diaspora-by-banning-them-from-india-65c98c934673f [↩]
- https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/curbing-foreign-voices-continues-india-s-election-looms [↩]
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/oci-students-are-eligible-for-admission-to-medical-dental-and-engineering-seats-on-par-with-indian-citizens-karnataka-govt-tells-high-court/article68032757.ece [↩] [↩]
- https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/oci-candidates-to-be-treated-on-par-with-indian-citizens-for-mbbs-bds-admissions-karnataka-hc-126823https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/ocis-can-attend-counselling-for-professional-courses-hc/articleshow/109077045.cms [↩]
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Written by
Charlyn Miguel 
Charlyn is a science researcher and a content writer at Visas for Future. She is trained to write informatively, engaging her contents about visas for Turkey, India, Colombia, Egypt, and Aruba. She also does and manages client orders for efficient customer service. She had published academic articles and co-authored a book. She handles actual visa orders once every three months to preserve his knowledge and communication with the factual visa processing system.
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Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Miguel, Charlyn. "What is the National Identification Number for OCI Application?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/indian-oci-application-national-identification-number/. Accessed on 8 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Miguel, Charlyn. "What is the National Identification Number for OCI Application?." Visas For Future. October 8, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/indian-oci-application-national-identification-number/.