eKYC Explained: How Aadhaar-Based KYC Works for Investing, Banking and Mutual Funds

Before you can buy your first stock, open a demat account, or start a SIP, there is one process you must complete.

KYC. Know Your Customer.

And thanks to Aadhaar, completing it now takes minutes instead of days.

What is KYC and Why Does Every Investor Need It?

KYC is the process SEBI and RBI require every financial institution to complete before allowing you to invest or transact. It verifies who you are, where you live, and that you are a legitimate investor.

Without completed KYC, you cannot open a demat account, buy mutual funds, or trade stocks, regardless of how much money you have.

Aadhaar-Based eKYC: The Fastest Way to Get KYC Done

eKYC is the digital version of KYC. Instead of visiting a branch with physical documents, you verify
your identity online using your Aadhaar number. 

The entire process takes under 20 minutes.

How to complete eKYC:

Step 1: Visit a KYC Registration Agency portal

Step 2: Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.

Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.

Step 4: Your details are automatically pulled from UIDAI.

Step 5: e-sign the document. KYC complete.

Important: Investors who complete eKYC via OTP can invest up to ₹50,000 per mutual fund house

per year. To invest beyond this limit, Video KYC or biometric verification is required.

Video KYC For Higher Investment Limits

Video KYC is a live video call with your broker or fund house. It takes 5 to 10 minutes and unlocks unlimited investment capacity, beyond the ₹50,000 eKYC limit.

During the call you will need to:

• Show your original PAN card and Aadhaar

• Answer a few basic verification questions

• Confirm your signature on blank paper

Bigul offers Video KYC directly within its account opening process. Once done, you are fully KYC validated with no investment restrictions.

[Complete Video KYC and open your Bigul account]

CKYC: Do It Once, Use It Everywhere

CKYC or Central KYC stores your KYC details in a central government registry. Once completed with any SEBI-registered entity, you do not need to redo KYC elsewhere.

Your CKYC number is valid across all banks, mutual funds, brokers, and insurance companies in India.

Note: SEBI has mandated Aadhaar and PAN authentication for KYC validation from April 2026. Investors who previously completed KYC using utility bills must update their KYC with Aadhaar to continue investing with new fund houses.

Demat KYC Requirements: What You Need 

Opening a demat account requires KYC to be completed first. Here is exactly what you need:

Most brokers complete demat KYC entirely online in one sitting using Aadhaar OTP verification.

→ Make sure your PAN is active before starting KYC: [Aadhaar-PAN Link Status Check Guide]

→ Understand why PAN is mandatory for investing: [Why PAN Card is Mandatory for Demat Accounts and Mutual Funds]

→ Complete your KYC and open your demat account today: [Open Your Bigul Account]