RBI Mandates Application Submissions via PRAVAAH Portal from May 1, 2025

RBI Mandates Application Submissions via PRAVAAH Portal from May 1, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken an important step towards digital transformation by mandating the use of the PRAVAAH portal for submitting all applications related to regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals starting from May 1, 2025. This initiative aligns with the RBI’s larger vision of enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and timeliness of its regulatory processes by embracing a fully digital platform for end-to-end service delivery.
What is the PRAVAAH Portal?
The PRAVAAH portal, which stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation, is an online platform launched by the Reserve Bank of India on May 28, 2024. This portal was developed to provide a seamless digital experience to individuals and entities applying for regulatory approvals, licences, and other authorisations from the central bank.
Through this platform, the RBI aims to ensure that the application process is no longer bogged down by paperwork and manual follow-ups. Instead, applicants can submit applications online, track their progress, receive status updates through SMS and email, and respond to RBI queries—all from one centralised system.
RBI's Commitment to End-to-End Digitisation
In its official announcement, the RBI reiterated its commitment to end-to-end digitisation of internal workflows involved in processing regulatory approvals. By moving to a unified digital platform like PRAVAAH, the RBI intends to improve both the efficiency and transparency of how regulatory approvals are granted. This transformation is expected to reduce turnaround times, minimise physical paperwork, and create a secure environment for regulatory communication.
Digitisation also allows the RBI to standardise and streamline its internal operations, ensuring that responses and actions are consistent and time-bound. The PRAVAAH portal has become a central tool in realising this vision.
Mandatory Use of PRAVAAH Portal from May 1, 2025
Effective May 1, 2025, the RBI has directed all applicants—whether individuals, companies, or Regulated Entities (REs)—to use the PRAVAAH portal for submitting their applications related to regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals.
Applicants are required to use the specific application forms already made available on the PRAVAAH portal. In cases where a particular form does not exist for a unique request, applicants have the option to use a general-purpose form, which serves as a flexible solution to accommodate special submissions.
This mandate is aimed at bringing uniformity in the application process while encouraging the complete digital migration of regulatory workflows.
What Types of Applications Must Be Submitted Through PRAVAAH?
The PRAVAAH portal covers a wide range of application types, including:

New licence applications

Regulatory authorisation requests

Approvals for change in management

Reporting obligations

Policy clarifications

Specific permissions under FEMA or other applicable regulations

Currently, 108 forms are available for applicants on the portal, catering to a wide variety of requests. The RBI has assured that more forms will be added in the future as per evolving regulatory needs.
Who Needs to Use the PRAVAAH Portal?
All Regulated Entities (REs) and other applicants interacting with the RBI for any authorisation, licence, or approval are required to use the PRAVAAH portal from May 1, 2025. These entities include:

Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)

Payment System Providers

Asset Reconstruction Companies

Credit Information Companies

Other institutions under RBI's regulatory purview

In addition, individual applicants, professionals, and companies who require specific approvals or registrations from the RBI will also have to submit their applications digitally through the portal.
What If a Specific Form Is Not Available on PRAVAAH?
In cases where the required form is not available on the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI has provided an option to submit applications using a general-purpose form. This flexibility ensures that applicants are not restricted due to limited form availability and can still meet compliance requirements on time.
The general-purpose form can be used to raise miscellaneous queries, submit custom requests, or communicate requirements not covered by existing application forms.
Exception for Non-PRAVAAH Submissions
While the RBI is mandating PRAVAAH for all standard submissions, it has also provided an exception for members of the public who are unable to access the PRAVAAH portal. In such exceptional cases, physical or email-based applications may still be submitted to the RBI directly. However, even in these cases, the application will be internally processed through the PRAVAAH portal, and the applicants will be kept informed about the status using PRAVAAH’s communication features.
This approach ensures inclusiveness while still keeping internal processes digital.
Key Benefits of PRAVAAH Portal for Applicants
The PRAVAAH portal is not only a backend digitisation tool but also a user-centric platform that provides multiple advantages to applicants. These benefits include:

Seamless Digital Submissions: Applicants no longer need to submit physical documents or visit RBI offices. All submissions can be made online through a simple and secure interface.

Application Tracking and Notifications: Once the application is submitted, users can track their status in real time using the portal. Updates are also sent via SMS and email, ensuring timely notifications.

One-Stop Platform for All Authorisations: Whether it’s a license request, FEMA approval, or change in business structure, PRAVAAH acts as a single-window platform for submitting all types of regulatory requests to the RBI.

Communication and Clarifications: The portal allows applicants to respond to queries, provide additional documentation, and submit clarifications requested by the RBI without the need for offline correspondence.

Time-Bound Communication: The RBI has stated that it will provide decisions through the PRAVAAH portal in a time-bound manner, enhancing predictability and improving stakeholder satisfaction.

How Has PRAVAAH Been Adopted So Far?
Since its launch in May 2024, the PRAVAAH portal has seen a steady rise in adoption. According to RBI’s latest update, over 3,000 applications and requests have already been processed using the platform. This number is expected to rise significantly after May 1, 2025, when the use of the portal becomes mandatory.
Feedback from users indicates that the platform has been successful in simplifying the regulatory interface with the RBI and reducing the turnaround time for application decisions.
Preparing for the Transition to PRAVAAH
To ensure a smooth transition to PRAVAAH from traditional methods, regulated entities and applicants must take the following steps:

Familiarise themselves with the portal's interface at https://pravaah.rbi.org.in

Review available application forms and identify those relevant to their business operations

Assign a compliance officer or administrator to manage the application submissions

Prepare digital copies of all documents that may be required for uploading

Monitor communications via the registered email and mobile number for application updates

Future of Regulatory Applications in India
The shift to the PRAVAAH portal is part of a larger move by Indian regulators toward paperless governance and technology-driven compliance. The RBI’s initiative mirrors similar digitisation efforts by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).
As financial regulation becomes increasingly complex, a centralised and standardised application system like PRAVAAH plays a crucial role in easing the compliance burden and promoting accountability.
The RBI’s decision to expand the portal further by adding new forms and functionalities signals that PRAVAAH will be a core infrastructure tool in the years to come.
Conclusion
The mandatory use of the PRAVAAH portal from May 1, 2025, marks a transformative moment in the way regulatory applications are submitted and processed by the Reserve Bank of India. It is an important step toward creating a more efficient, transparent, and accountable financial regulatory system.
By adopting PRAVAAH, the RBI has shown its commitment to modernising governance and creating a digital-first ecosystem for India’s financial sector. Applicants—from regulated entities to individuals—must now prepare for this transition by familiarising themselves with the portal and ensuring that future applications are routed through this platform.
With features like real-time tracking, structured forms, digital communication, and user notifications, the PRAVAAH portal sets a new benchmark in regulatory efficiency in India.
FAQs
Q1. What is the PRAVAAH portal introduced by RBI? 
Ans. The PRAVAAH portal, which stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation, is an online portal developed by the Reserve Bank of India to facilitate digital submission of applications for licences, regulatory authorisations, and approvals. It aims to streamline regulatory processes and improve transparency, efficiency, and communication.
Q2. Is it mandatory to use the PRAVAAH portal for RBI applications? 
Ans. Yes, starting from May 1, 2025, the RBI has made it mandatory for all applicants, including Regulated Entities (REs), to submit applications for regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals through the PRAVAAH portal.
Q3. What if a specific application form is not available on the PRAVAAH portal? 
Ans. If the required form is not available, applicants can use the general-purpose form provided on the PRAVAAH portal. This form can be used for submitting requests that do not have a pre-defined application format.
Q4. Can members of the public still submit applications offline? 
Ans. Yes, in exceptional cases, where members of the public are unable to access or use the PRAVAAH portal, they may submit their applications directly to the RBI. However, such applications will still be processed through the PRAVAAH system internally, and the applicant will be notified accordingly.
Q5. What types of applications can be submitted via the PRAVAAH portal? 
Ans. The PRAVAAH portal supports applications for various regulatory purposes such as licences, authorisations, policy approvals, FEMA-related permissions, and change of management, among others. It currently offers 108 forms, with more to be added over time.
Q6. How can applicants track their application status on PRAVAAH? 
Ans. Applicants can log in to the PRAVAAH portal and track the real-time status of their applications. The system also sends regular SMS and email alerts to keep the applicants informed about the progress and any required actions.
Q7. What benefits does the PRAVAAH portal offer to users? 
Ans. The PRAVAAH portal offers several benefits including easy digital submissions, centralised communication, real-time tracking, faster response times, and paperless processing. It also allows applicants to upload clarifications or additional documents requested by the RBI.
Q8. How many applications have been processed through PRAVAAH so far? 
Ans. As of April 2025, the RBI confirmed that over 3,000 applications or requests have already been submitted and processed through the PRAVAAH portal since its launch in May 2024. Adoption of the platform has been steadily increasing.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken an important step towards digital transformation by mandating the use of the PRAVAAH portal for submitting all applications related to regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals starting from May 1, 2025. This initiative aligns with the RBI’s larger vision of enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and timeliness of its regulatory processes by embracing a fully digital platform for end-to-end service delivery.

What is the PRAVAAH Portal?

The PRAVAAH portal, which stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation, is an online platform launched by the Reserve Bank of India on May 28, 2024. This portal was developed to provide a seamless digital experience to individuals and entities applying for regulatory approvals, licences, and other authorisations from the central bank.

Through this platform, the RBI aims to ensure that the application process is no longer bogged down by paperwork and manual follow-ups. Instead, applicants can submit applications online, track their progress, receive status updates through SMS and email, and respond to RBI queries—all from one centralised system.

RBI's Commitment to End-to-End Digitisation

In its official announcement, the RBI reiterated its commitment to end-to-end digitisation of internal workflows involved in processing regulatory approvals. By moving to a unified digital platform like PRAVAAH, the RBI intends to improve both the efficiency and transparency of how regulatory approvals are granted. This transformation is expected to reduce turnaround times, minimise physical paperwork, and create a secure environment for regulatory communication.

Digitisation also allows the RBI to standardise and streamline its internal operations, ensuring that responses and actions are consistent and time-bound. The PRAVAAH portal has become a central tool in realising this vision.

Mandatory Use of PRAVAAH Portal from May 1, 2025

Effective May 1, 2025, the RBI has directed all applicants—whether individuals, companies, or Regulated Entities (REs)—to use the PRAVAAH portal for submitting their applications related to regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals.

Applicants are required to use the specific application forms already made available on the PRAVAAH portal. In cases where a particular form does not exist for a unique request, applicants have the option to use a general-purpose form, which serves as a flexible solution to accommodate special submissions.

This mandate is aimed at bringing uniformity in the application process while encouraging the complete digital migration of regulatory workflows.

What Types of Applications Must Be Submitted Through PRAVAAH?

The PRAVAAH portal covers a wide range of application types, including:

New licence applications
Regulatory authorisation requests
Approvals for change in management
Reporting obligations
Policy clarifications
Specific permissions under FEMA or other applicable regulations

Currently, 108 forms are available for applicants on the portal, catering to a wide variety of requests. The RBI has assured that more forms will be added in the future as per evolving regulatory needs.

Who Needs to Use the PRAVAAH Portal?

All Regulated Entities (REs) and other applicants interacting with the RBI for any authorisation, licence, or approval are required to use the PRAVAAH portal from May 1, 2025. These entities include:

Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
Payment System Providers
Asset Reconstruction Companies
Credit Information Companies
Other institutions under RBI's regulatory purview

In addition, individual applicants, professionals, and companies who require specific approvals or registrations from the RBI will also have to submit their applications digitally through the portal.

What If a Specific Form Is Not Available on PRAVAAH?

In cases where the required form is not available on the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI has provided an option to submit applications using a general-purpose form. This flexibility ensures that applicants are not restricted due to limited form availability and can still meet compliance requirements on time.

The general-purpose form can be used to raise miscellaneous queries, submit custom requests, or communicate requirements not covered by existing application forms.

Exception for Non-PRAVAAH Submissions

While the RBI is mandating PRAVAAH for all standard submissions, it has also provided an exception for members of the public who are unable to access the PRAVAAH portal. In such exceptional cases, physical or email-based applications may still be submitted to the RBI directly. However, even in these cases, the application will be internally processed through the PRAVAAH portal, and the applicants will be kept informed about the status using PRAVAAH’s communication features.

This approach ensures inclusiveness while still keeping internal processes digital.

Key Benefits of PRAVAAH Portal for Applicants

The PRAVAAH portal is not only a backend digitisation tool but also a user-centric platform that provides multiple advantages to applicants. These benefits include:

Seamless Digital Submissions: Applicants no longer need to submit physical documents or visit RBI offices. All submissions can be made online through a simple and secure interface.
Application Tracking and Notifications: Once the application is submitted, users can track their status in real time using the portal. Updates are also sent via SMS and email, ensuring timely notifications.
One-Stop Platform for All Authorisations: Whether it’s a license request, FEMA approval, or change in business structure, PRAVAAH acts as a single-window platform for submitting all types of regulatory requests to the RBI.
Communication and Clarifications: The portal allows applicants to respond to queries, provide additional documentation, and submit clarifications requested by the RBI without the need for offline correspondence.
Time-Bound Communication: The RBI has stated that it will provide decisions through the PRAVAAH portal in a time-bound manner, enhancing predictability and improving stakeholder satisfaction.

How Has PRAVAAH Been Adopted So Far?

Since its launch in May 2024, the PRAVAAH portal has seen a steady rise in adoption. According to RBI’s latest update, over 3,000 applications and requests have already been processed using the platform. This number is expected to rise significantly after May 1, 2025, when the use of the portal becomes mandatory.

Feedback from users indicates that the platform has been successful in simplifying the regulatory interface with the RBI and reducing the turnaround time for application decisions.

Preparing for the Transition to PRAVAAH

To ensure a smooth transition to PRAVAAH from traditional methods, regulated entities and applicants must take the following steps:

Familiarise themselves with the portal's interface at https://pravaah.rbi.org.in
Review available application forms and identify those relevant to their business operations
Assign a compliance officer or administrator to manage the application submissions
Prepare digital copies of all documents that may be required for uploading
Monitor communications via the registered email and mobile number for application updates

Future of Regulatory Applications in India

The shift to the PRAVAAH portal is part of a larger move by Indian regulators toward paperless governance and technology-driven compliance. The RBI’s initiative mirrors similar digitisation efforts by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).

As financial regulation becomes increasingly complex, a centralised and standardised application system like PRAVAAH plays a crucial role in easing the compliance burden and promoting accountability.

The RBI’s decision to expand the portal further by adding new forms and functionalities signals that PRAVAAH will be a core infrastructure tool in the years to come.

Conclusion

The mandatory use of the PRAVAAH portal from May 1, 2025, marks a transformative moment in the way regulatory applications are submitted and processed by the Reserve Bank of India. It is an important step toward creating a more efficient, transparent, and accountable financial regulatory system.

By adopting PRAVAAH, the RBI has shown its commitment to modernising governance and creating a digital-first ecosystem for India’s financial sector. Applicants—from regulated entities to individuals—must now prepare for this transition by familiarising themselves with the portal and ensuring that future applications are routed through this platform.

With features like real-time tracking, structured forms, digital communication, and user notifications, the PRAVAAH portal sets a new benchmark in regulatory efficiency in India.

FAQs

Q1. What is the PRAVAAH portal introduced by RBI?

Ans. The PRAVAAH portal, which stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation, is an online portal developed by the Reserve Bank of India to facilitate digital submission of applications for licences, regulatory authorisations, and approvals. It aims to streamline regulatory processes and improve transparency, efficiency, and communication.

Q2. Is it mandatory to use the PRAVAAH portal for RBI applications?

Ans. Yes, starting from May 1, 2025, the RBI has made it mandatory for all applicants, including Regulated Entities (REs), to submit applications for regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals through the PRAVAAH portal.

Q3. What if a specific application form is not available on the PRAVAAH portal?

Ans. If the required form is not available, applicants can use the general-purpose form provided on the PRAVAAH portal. This form can be used for submitting requests that do not have a pre-defined application format.

Q4. Can members of the public still submit applications offline?

Ans. Yes, in exceptional cases, where members of the public are unable to access or use the PRAVAAH portal, they may submit their applications directly to the RBI. However, such applications will still be processed through the PRAVAAH system internally, and the applicant will be notified accordingly.

Q5. What types of applications can be submitted via the PRAVAAH portal?

Ans. The PRAVAAH portal supports applications for various regulatory purposes such as licences, authorisations, policy approvals, FEMA-related permissions, and change of management, among others. It currently offers 108 forms, with more to be added over time.

Q6. How can applicants track their application status on PRAVAAH?

Ans. Applicants can log in to the PRAVAAH portal and track the real-time status of their applications. The system also sends regular SMS and email alerts to keep the applicants informed about the progress and any required actions.

Q7. What benefits does the PRAVAAH portal offer to users?

Ans. The PRAVAAH portal offers several benefits including easy digital submissions, centralised communication, real-time tracking, faster response times, and paperless processing. It also allows applicants to upload clarifications or additional documents requested by the RBI.

Q8. How many applications have been processed through PRAVAAH so far?

Ans. As of April 2025, the RBI confirmed that over 3,000 applications or requests have already been submitted and processed through the PRAVAAH portal since its launch in May 2024. Adoption of the platform has been steadily increasing.