PAN · NSDL vs UTIITSL
NSDL vs UTIITSL: Which Portal for PAN Name Change in Karnataka
Both NSDL and UTIITSL can change your PAN name, so which should you use? They do the same job with small differences. Here is how the two portals compare, and how to pick the right one for your PAN name change in Karnataka.
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Quick answer: Both NSDL, now called Protean, and UTIITSL are official portals authorised to process PAN name changes, and both give the same result: a fresh PAN card with your new name and the same PAN number. For most people it does not matter which one you choose. A common tip is to use the same agency that issued your existing PAN, which you can check on the back of your card. In short: both are official and the outcome is identical, but for a correction you have to use the provider that issued your PAN, because the other will not find your record.
This clears a common PAN question. For the full process, see the main PAN card name change guide.
On this page
Clearing Up the Names
NSDL, Protean, and the Other NSDL
Almost everyone searches for this as NSDL, and that is not wrong exactly. But there are two organisations tangled up in that name, and knowing which is which saves confusion.
- The PAN service provider was renamed — NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited became Protean eGov Technologies Limited, so the same organisation now trades under a different name.
- Which is why both names still appear — its own PAN centres and tax information network facilities continue to carry the older branding, so seeing NSDL on a receipt is not a red flag.
- There is a separate NSDL — the depository business was transferred to a different company some years earlier, and that one handles demat accounts rather than PAN.
- So if you hold shares in demat form — the NSDL you deal with there is a different organisation from the one that processes your PAN correction.
- UTIITSL has kept its name — UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited, the other authorised provider, which causes less confusion.
- Both are authorised by the same department — so neither is more official than the other, and the outcome of a correction is identical.
The practical takeaway: searching for NSDL PAN services will land you in the right place. Just do not assume that the NSDL on your demat statement and the one processing your PAN are the same company, because they are not.
The basics
Both Are Official Portals
First, the reassuring part. NSDL, which now operates as Protean eGov, and UTIITSL are both official service providers authorised by the Income Tax department to issue and update PAN cards. Neither is unofficial or second-best. Whichever you use, your application goes to the same PAN system and you get a genuine PAN card.
Key point: both NSDL and UTIITSL are official. There is no wrong choice between them for a name change.
Common ground
What Is the Same on Both
For a name change, the two portals are almost identical in what matters:
- Same form — both use the PAN correction application, Form 49A.
- Same proof rules — certificate for marriage, gazette for a legal change.
- Same result — a fresh PAN card with your new name.
- Same PAN number — your number never changes on either.
Good to know: because the rules and result are the same, the provider makes no difference to the outcome. What it does decide is whether your record can be found, so use the one that issued your PAN.
The small stuff
Small Differences to Know
The differences are minor and mostly about the experience, not the outcome:
NSDL / Protean
Widely used
- Very common, familiar interface.
- Handles a large share of PAN cards.
UTIITSL
Equally valid
- Official alternative, same authority.
- Its own portal layout and flow.
The point: fees and steps are broadly similar. The layout and look differ, but the outcome is the same.
At a Glance
The Two Side By Side
Set out together, almost everything matches. The differences are in the interface and the reference number, not in what you end up with.
| Protean, formerly NSDL e-Gov | UTIITSL | |
|---|---|---|
| Authorised by | The same department, so neither is more official than the other | |
| Reference issued | A fifteen digit acknowledgement number | A coupon number |
| Fees | Standardised across both, so the provider does not change what you pay | |
| Paperless route | Aadhaar based with electronic signature | Aadhaar based with electronic signature |
| Proof required | Identical: identity documents plus proof of the change itself | |
| Your PAN number | Never changes, whichever provider you use | |
| Can it find your record? | Only if it issued your PAN | Only if it issued your PAN |
On the fees: the charge depends on what you ask for rather than which provider you choose. An electronic card only is the cheaper option, commonly around Rs 72, and a printed card sent to an Indian address is commonly around Rs 107. A foreign address costs considerably more. Fees are not refundable, which is why getting the file right first matters.
The decision
Which One Should You Pick
For a correction to an existing PAN, this is not really a free choice. Your PAN record sits with whichever agency processed it, and the other portal will not find it. You can usually see which one it was on the back of your PAN card.
Best default
Match your issuer
- Check the back of your PAN card.
- Use the same agency for a clean match.
If unsure
Find out first
- Check your PAN allotment letter or email.
- Or try each portal with your PAN and date of birth.
The process
How to Apply on Either
Pick your portal
Choose NSDL or UTIITSL, ideally the one that issued your PAN.
Open the correction form
Select PAN correction and choose change in name.
Enter your new name
Fill Form 49A with your name exactly as it should appear.
Attach the right proof
A certificate for marriage, or a gazette for a legal change.
Verify, pay, and receive
Complete verification, pay the fee, and get a fresh PAN, same number.
What to prepare
Documents You Need
- Existing PAN card — needed on either portal.
- Proof of the name change — certificate or gazette as your case needs.
- Aadhaar — for verification on both portals.
- Photo and signature — as required for the fresh card.
Note: the proof requirement is the same on both portals. Picking the wrong proof, not the wrong portal, is what usually causes delays.
Three Ways to Check
How to Find Which One Holds Your PAN
This matters more than the page you land on. Your record sits with one provider, and the other portal simply will not find it.
- Turn the card over — the reverse names the provider that printed it, which is the quickest check if you have the card to hand.
- Look for the allotment letter or email — the original communication when your PAN was issued names the provider that processed it.
- Or test both portals — entering your PAN number and date of birth on each will show you which one recognises the record.
- An old card may not help — very old cards can be worn or carry branding that has since changed, in which case the other two methods are more reliable.
- Do not open a second application to find out — fees are not refundable, so check first rather than paying twice.
- Note it somewhere — you will need it again for a reprint, a future correction or an electronic copy.
A separate route worth knowing: the income tax portal itself offers an instant electronic PAN facility using Aadhaar. That is for obtaining a PAN rather than correcting one, but it is why some people find they have a record without remembering which provider was involved.
Straight Talk
What Other Comparisons Get Wrong
These are the claims we found on pages comparing the two PAN service providers.
- Wrong for a correction: pages saying either portal is fine. Right: for a change to an existing PAN, your record sits with the provider that processed it, and the other will not find it.
- Missing: no page explains that NSDL e-Governance was renamed Protean, or that a separate NSDL handles demat accounts, which is where the confusion comes from.
- Missing: no page sets the two out side by side, which is the one thing a comparison page ought to do.
- Missing: no page notes that the reference numbers differ, an acknowledgement number on one and a coupon number on the other.
- Vague: pages saying fees are "broadly similar". Right: fees are standardised across both, so the charge depends on whether you want a printed card, not on the provider.
- Missing: no page warns that fees are non-refundable, so opening an application to find out which provider holds your record is an expensive way to check.
Portals, forms and fees change, including the correction forms notified from April 2026. Confirm the current position on the provider's own portal or on incometax.gov.in before applying. This page is general information and not tax advice.
Areas we serve
PAN Name Change Help Across Karnataka
We help with PAN name change on both NSDL and UTIITSL in every district of Karnataka:
BangaloreMysuruMangaluruHubballi
DharwadBelagaviKalaburagiBallari
VijayapuraDavangereShivamoggaTumakuru
RaichurBidarHassanUdupi
ChikkamagaluruChitradurgaKolarMandya
Do not see your city? We serve all Karnataka districts. Just contact us.
People also ask
People Also Ask About NSDL and UTIITSL
These are the follow-up questions Karnataka applicants search most, answered in one or two lines each.
Is NSDL the same as Protean?
For PAN purposes, yes. NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited was renamed Protean eGov Technologies Limited, so it is the same organisation under a different name. Its centres still carry the older branding.
Then what is the NSDL on my demat statement?
A different company. The depository business was transferred to a separate entity some years earlier, and that one handles demat accounts rather than PAN.
Can I use either portal for a PAN correction?
Not really. Your record sits with whichever provider processed your PAN, and the other portal will not find it. That matters more than which interface you prefer.
How do I find out which one holds my PAN?
Turn the card over, check your original allotment letter or email, or enter your PAN number and date of birth on each portal to see which recognises the record.
Is one provider faster or better than the other?
No. Both are authorised by the same department, the proof required is identical, and the outcome is the same. The differences are in the interface and the reference number.
Do the fees differ between them?
No. Fees are standardised across both. What changes the charge is whether you want a printed card, and whether it is going to an Indian or a foreign address.
What does a correction cost?
An electronic card only is the cheaper option, commonly around Rs 72, and a printed card to an Indian address commonly around Rs 107. A foreign address costs considerably more, and fees are not refundable.
What reference number will I get?
A fifteen digit acknowledgement number on one provider and a coupon number on the other. Either is what you track the application with, so save it.
Does my PAN number change?
No. Whichever provider you use, a correction updates the details recorded against your existing number. The number itself is lifelong.
Should I just open an application to find out which provider I am with?
No. Fees are not refundable, so check the card, the allotment letter or both portals first rather than paying to find out.
Questions and answers
Frequently Asked Questions
NSDL or UTIITSL, which portal should I use for a PAN name change?
Both NSDL, now Protean, and UTIITSL are official portals and give the same result: a fresh PAN card with your new name and the same PAN number. For most people it does not matter which you choose. A useful tip is to use the same agency that issued your existing PAN, which you can check on the back of your card.
Is NSDL the same as Protean?
Yes. NSDL eGov now operates under the name Protean eGov Technologies. It is the same official PAN service provider, just rebranded, and it still processes PAN applications and corrections.
Will my PAN number change depending on the portal?
No. Your PAN number stays the same for life regardless of which portal you use. Only the name printed on the card is updated during a name change.
Are the fees different between NSDL and UTIITSL?
The fees for a PAN correction are broadly similar on both portals. Any small differences do not change the outcome, and both issue a genuine updated PAN card.
How do I know which agency issued my PAN?
You can usually tell from the back of your PAN card, which shows whether it was issued through NSDL, now Protean, or UTIITSL. Using the same agency for your name change can make the process a little smoother.
Can you handle the PAN name change for me?
Yes. Tell us your case and we will pick the right portal, prepare Form 49A, attach the correct proof, and guide the application so your PAN name change goes through cleanly on either NSDL or UTIITSL.
People also search for: NSDL vs UTIITSL PAN, which portal for PAN name change, Protean NSDL PAN, UTIITSL PAN correction, PAN name change portal, best site for PAN correction.
Not Sure Which Portal to Use? We Handle It
Tell us your case. We pick the right portal, NSDL or UTIITSL, prepare Form 49A, attach the correct proof, and guide your PAN name change from start to finish.
People also search for
People Also Search For
Related searches that come up alongside this comparison, each answered in a line so you know whether it applies to you.
- Protean eGov Technologies formerly NSDL — the same organisation renamed, and the provider that processes PAN applications and corrections.
- Which agency issued my PAN card — named on the back of the card and in your original allotment letter or email.
- PAN correction fee 2026 — standardised across both providers, with an electronic card cheaper than a printed one.
- PAN acknowledgement number vs coupon number — the reference each provider issues, used to track the same kind of application.
- Instant e-PAN income tax portal — a separate Aadhaar based facility for obtaining a PAN rather than correcting one.
- PAN correction form CR-01 — the correction form for individuals notified from April 2026, served automatically by either portal online.
- PAN name change rejected — why applications come back. See our rejection reasons guide.
- PAN correction vs legal change — which category applies. See our correction vs legal change guide.
- PAN card name change process — the full picture. See our PAN name change guide.
- Aadhaar name change Karnataka — the record PAN is verified against. See our Aadhaar name change guide.
- Gazette notification for name change — the change proof both providers accept. See our gazette name change guide.