What is e-KYC for SIM cards?

e-KYC is an electronic process of verifying a customer's identity using Aadhaar and biometric authentication.

Yes, you can now apply for a new SIM card or port your number though self-KYC.

Can I get a SIM card without visiting a store?

Self-KYC allows users to verify their identity online using govt.-issued IDs through telecom operators' apps or websites.

Which documents are required for e-KYC?

Aadhaar or other govt. approved ID is required for e-KYC verification.

Is the process safe and secure?

yes, e-KYC and self-KYC are encrypted and hence safe.

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New SIM Card Rules In India: e-KYC And Self-KYC For Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and VI

Samridhi

Author

Updated: 28-01-2025 at 6:55 AM

New SIM Card Rules In India: e-KYC And Self-KYC For Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and VI

In a far-reaching reform concerning mobile phone users in India as a whole, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated new rules for buying SIM cards. It is an Aadhaar-based e-KYC and Self-KYC for customers. All these changes and reforms aimed at making the processes of acquiring new SIMs from key telecom companies like Airtel, Jio, BSNL and Vodaphone-Idea (VI) safe and less cumbersome. These changes are by the government policy of Digital India and aim to make the user's experience more trouble-free.

However, if you are planning to get a new SIM card wish to change your existing operator or even convert your prepaid connection to postpaid, here is all you need to know about the new rules. This article explains the steps on how you can get a SIM by using Aadhaar-based e-KYC, Self KYC, and OTP services among other features and what each of these entails.

What Are the New SIM Card Regulations In India?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has imposed new features for purchasing SIM cards in India, which are indeed an improvement from what users have previously known. With the new system in place, users no longer need to visit telecommunications shops or provide photocopies of documents. No more printed paperwork is required since all the transactions are done in electronic form, hence the process is more efficient, effective and safe than before.

In the past, customers needed to supply hard copy records and complete face-to-face verification which took ages. Now with the use of e-KYC and Self-KYC, the whole process of buying and verification is fast and done online. The telecom industry will make use of the Aadhaar card verification, hence no paperwork will be used.

How To Buy A New SIM Card With Aadhaar-based e-KYC In 2024?

The Aadhaar-based e-KYC on the SIM Registration Rules is quite noteworthy. In this case, there is no need to submit your photograph along with other photocopies of the documents while buying a SIM card, either through the Internet or at an authorised dealer. Here is a step-by-step process explaining how to buy a SIM card using Aadhaar-based e-KYC:

Choose Your Telecom Provider

Decide which provider you wish to use – Airtel, Jio, BSNL, or Vodafone-Idea (VI). Select the one that best suits your needs.

Visit the Provider's Website or Store

Go to the official website of your chosen provider or visit an authorised store to start the eSIM activation process.

Enter the Aadhaar Number for eKYC.

For eKYC verification, enter your Aadhaar number on the website. This step ensures your identity is verified electronically.

OTP Verification

You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Enter this OTP on the website for verification.

Receive and Activate Your eSIM

After successful verification, your eSIM will be activated, and you can start using it without delay.

The Aadhaar-based e-KYC need not limit itself to the facilitating factors since the only linking phone used in verification further enhances the security of the system.

Changes In The SIM Card Buying Process: Self-KYC And Paperless SIM Verification

One of the most innovative changes introduced by the DoT is the Self-KYC process, which allows users to verify their identity and purchase a SIM card from the comfort of their home. Here’s how the Self KYC process works:

Visit the Telecom Provider’s Website: First of all, please proceed to the website of the telecom provider that offers the Self KYC option.
Upload Your Documents Using DigiLocker: There is also a procedure for using DigiLocker to do self-verification by uploading pertinent documents, e.g. Aadhaar.
Complete Self Verification: After the uploading of the documents is done, verification is done automatically and the sim card will be sent to the given address.

This paperless system not only saves time but also guarantees the safety of your private documents since there will be no physical interaction with anyone with the documents.

Department Of Telecommunications Introduces OTP-based SIM Card Verification

Apart from e-KYC and Self-KYC, the government has also introduced the system of OTP verification of SIM cards. This security feature is beneficial to users who wish to shift from postpaid to prepaid or the other way around. Here’s how it works:

Request to Switch Your SIM: If you’re moving from prepaid to postpaid or vice versa, you can request a change of sim through the telecom provider’s web portal or mobile application.
Enter Your Mobile Number: You will have to indicate your mobile number which will then be sent to you with an OTP.
Verify with OTP: Use the OTP to verify your account with the telecom service provider.
SIM Switch Complete: The only thing left after verification is the switching of the SIM which will not require a store visit or filling in the papers.

Impact Of New SIM Card Rules On Fraud Prevention And Document Security In India

The new SIM card rules have been implemented with security in mind. In the past, there have been numerous cases of fraud related to the misuse of personal documents, particularly when users were required to submit photocopies of their Aadhaar cards and other identification proofs. With the Aadhaar-based e-KYC and Self-KYC systems, users can now safely and securely verify their identity without handing over physical documents. This reduces the chances of document misuse and identity theft.

Prepaid To Postpaid SIM Switch Through OTP-Based Process Explained

There has been simplification in the process of switching from prepaid to postpaid plans and vice versa. Companies like Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and VI have introduced features such that such users can change the types of plans offered without going to the store or filling out any papers which are through an OTP. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Select Prepaid or Postpaid: Go to the site or application of your telecom provider and choose the plan to which you want to migrate, whether prepaid or postpaid.
OTP Verification: An OTP will be sent to the mobile registered with you. You enter the OTP to complete the switch.
Plan Activated: Once the OTP is verified, then the new prepaid or postpaid plan will be activated whenever it is ready.

What Are The Benefits Of The New SIM Card Rules?

The new SIM card rules come with several advantages for the users:

Convenience: It has become easier for users to obtain a SIM card since they no longer need to visit a store or give papers.
Security: Biometric-linked e-KYC and Self-KYC systems lessen the risk of fraud as well as misusing such important documents.
Speed: The customer doesn’t have to go through a lengthy process as before, and he/she can use the sim card right away after the online verification.
Cost-Effective: The Aadhaar-based E-KYC verification available online is spending only Rupee 1 which any given user can afford.
Digital India Initiative: This transition to a paperless environment, supports the Digital India initiative that seeks to simplify the processes to make them more user-centred.

Conclusion

The Modi government’s fresh guidelines regarding the acquisition and verification of SIM cards have proved to be revolutionary for the telecom sector in India. It is now very easy, safe, and efficient to purchase a SIM card due to the availability of Aadhaar e–KYC, Self KYC and even OTP verification. Customers can now opt for a paperless approach which saves time and guarantees safety in service delivery.

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