Aadhaar Seeding: How to Link or Change Bank Account with Aadhaar for DBT Schemes Online

Aadhaar Seeding: From PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to LPG gas subsidies and various state schemes like Yuvasree, the majority of government welfare benefits are now transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This process, known as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensures transparency and speed. However, beneficiaries often face a common issue: despite funds being sanctioned, the money does not get credited to their accounts. The primary culprit is often an outdated or inactive bank account linked with Aadhaar. The good news is that you no longer need to stand in long queues at the bank; using the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) portal, you can now resolve this issue from the comfort of your home.

Why is this Change Necessary?

Many individuals have old bank accounts linked to their Aadhaar that are no longer in use. Consequently, government grants attempt to credit these inactive accounts, leading to transaction failures. By utilizing the new facility provided by NPCI, you can easily map your currently active bank account for DBT purposes. This update significantly increases the chances of receiving any pending dues, such as PM Kisan installments, directly into your new account along with future payments.

How to Verify Your Current Status?

Before initiating a change, it is crucial to know your current seeding status. To check which bank is currently linked:

• Visit the official NPCI website (npci.org.in).
• Navigate to the ‘Customer’ section and select ‘Aadhaar Seeding Status’. Then, click on ‘Aadhaar Map Status’.
• Enter your Aadhaar number and the Captcha code. A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Upon entering the OTP, the screen will display the name of the bank currently active for DBT services with your Aadhaar.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Bank Account Online

If you find that an old or incorrect account is linked, follow these steps to update it:

1. Access the Portal: From the homepage, select the ‘Aadhaar Seeding and Deseeding’ option.
2. Choose Your Requirement: After entering your Aadhaar number, you will be presented with three options:
   • Fresh Seeding: For those linking a bank account for the very first time.
   • Same Bank with Another Account: If you wish to switch the DBT link to a different account within the same bank.
   • Movement from One Bank to Another: To transfer your DBT link entirely to a different bank (e.g., moving from SBI to PNB).
3. Select Bank and Confirm: Choose your new bank from the drop-down list. Enter the account number twice carefully. Note that some regional rural banks or specific private banks might not be listed on the portal yet; in such cases, you will need to visit the bank branch physically.
4. Final Submission: Tick the declaration box, read the ‘Terms and Conditions’ carefully, and click on ‘Agree and Continue’. Verify the transaction with the OTP sent to your mobile. Once successful, you will receive a confirmation message.

Important Considerations

It is important to note that changing your DBT account link does not affect the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS). This means your ability to withdraw money using fingerprint authentication remains unchanged, regardless of which account is linked for DBT. If your specific bank is not visible on the online portal due to technical reasons, visiting the branch for offline seeding remains the best alternative.