Most PAN applications get rejected because of small, avoidable errors. The form itself is not complicated — but one wrong detail means your application gets stuck or returned. Here are the real mistakes people make.
They write their name in a different order or use a nickname. Aadhaar says "Ramesh Kumar Singh" but form says "R.K. Singh".
Copy your name from Aadhaar character by character. Same order, same spelling. If Aadhaar has a mistake, fix it there first.
They enter date of birth from memory instead of checking their proof document. Day and month get swapped.
Open your Aadhaar or birth certificate and type the date exactly as printed. Double-check day/month order.
They take a photo of their photo with a phone camera. Result is blurry, tilted, or has shadows.
Scan your passport-size photo at 200 DPI or higher. White background. Face clearly visible. Keep it under 100KB in JPEG format.
They sign on ruled paper, or use a blue pen that scans poorly, or the signature is too small.
Sign on plain white paper with a black pen. Make the signature large enough to be clearly visible. Scan it. JPEG format, under 100KB.
They pay the fee and think they are done. But the application is NOT submitted until you complete the e-Sign step using Aadhaar OTP.
After payment, click e-Sign, enter Aadhaar number, receive OTP on your registered mobile, and complete signing. Only then is your application submitted.
They close the browser after filling the form without noting down the Token ID.
Take a screenshot and write down the Token ID separately. You need this to track your application, make corrections, or contact support.
They select a random AO code or leave it blank. AO code links your PAN to the correct Income Tax jurisdiction.
Use the AO code finder on the Protean website. Enter your area/city and it will suggest the correct code.
They upload documents in PNG, BMP, or Word format. Or the file size exceeds the limit.
Photo and signature: JPEG, under 100KB each. Supporting documents: JPEG or PDF, under 300KB each. Use an online compressor if needed.
They already have a PAN card (maybe issued years ago through employer) and apply for a new one. Having two PANs is illegal — Rs. 10,000 penalty.
Before applying, check if you already have a PAN on the Income Tax e-filing portal using your Aadhaar. If yes, apply for reprint or correction instead.
They submit an old address proof that does not match what they entered in the form.
Your address on the form and on the proof document should match. If you moved recently, use Aadhaar (which you can update online) as address proof.
NRIs or minors select "Indian Citizen" without reading category options. Indian citizens use Form 49A, foreign citizens use Form 49AA.
Indian citizens: Form 49A. Foreign citizens/NRIs: Form 49AA. For minors, a parent or guardian must apply on their behalf.
They try to e-Sign but the OTP goes to a number they no longer use.
Before starting, make sure your current mobile number is linked to Aadhaar. Visit an Aadhaar center to update it if needed — takes 2-3 days to reflect.