NPS (National Pension System) password reset refers to resetting your I-PIN (Internet Personal Identification Number), the login password for your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) on the CRA (Central Recordkeeping Agency) portal, managed by Protean eGov (formerly NSDL).
Key New Rules / Security Features (as per PFRDA updates)
Account Lockout: Entering an incorrect password 5 times consecutively locks the account for security.
You can still reset the password even if locked, preferably via the secret question method.
If you forget the secret question answer, you may need to request re-issuance of I-PIN through proper channels.
Two main reset options: Secret Question (self-service if you remember it) or Instant Set/Reset (via OTP or Nodal Office).
Strong password practices are recommended (complexity rules apply on the portal).
Step-by-Step Process to Reset NPS Password (I-PIN)
Visit the Official CRA Portal
Go to: https://cra.nps-proteantech.in/ (or the legacy redirect from cra-nsdl.com).
Access Reset Password
On the homepage, under the Subscribers login section, click on “Reset Password” or “Forgot Password”.
Choose Reset Method
You will see two primary options:
Reset Password using Secret Question
Instant Set/Reset Password (recommended for most cases).
Option A: Reset Using Secret Question (Self-Service)
Enter your PRAN and Captcha.
On the next screen, answer the secret question you set during initial login.
If correct, set a new password (follow portal complexity rules, e.g., mix of letters, numbers, special characters).
Confirm and complete the process.
This works even if your account is locked due to wrong attempts.
Option B: Instant Set/Reset Password (Most Common)
Select Instant Set/Reset Password.
Provide required details: PRAN, Date of Birth (DOB), new Password (and confirm it), and Captcha.
Then choose one of these sub-options:
Sub-Option i: Via Generate OTP (Fastest if mobile/email is updated)
Choose Generate OTP.
Select delivery mode: SMS (to registered mobile) or Email.
Enter the OTP received.
Submit. You’ll get an acknowledgment — your new password is activated immediately.
Sub-Option ii: Via Nodal Office (If OTP not possible)
Select Reset IPIN via Nodal Office.
Submit details and print the Acknowledgment.
Submit the printed acknowledgment to your associated Nodal Office (e.g., PAO/CDDO for government subscribers, or POP-SP) for authorization.
Once authorized, log in with the new password.
After Reset
Log in using your PRAN (or User ID) and the new password.
You may need to complete additional authentication (e.g., Aadhaar OTP in some login flows).
Update your registered mobile/email if outdated to ease future resets.
