RBI Mandates PRAVAAH Portal for All Regulatory Applications from May 1, 2025

RBI Mandates PRAVAAH Portal for All Regulatory Applications from May 1, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a significant directive making it mandatory for all regulated financial entities to submit their applications for regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals through the PRAVAAH Portal starting May 1, 2025. This move is part of RBI's effort to bring uniformity, speed, and transparency to the application and regulatory process. Let us explore what the PRAVAAH Portal is, who needs to use it, and how it will benefit India's financial system.
What is the PRAVAAH Portal?
PRAVAAH stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation. It is a secure, web-based digital portal launched by the Reserve Bank of India on May 28, 2024. The main purpose of this platform is to create a single-window digital interface where regulated entities can file their applications, track their progress, and communicate with the RBI regarding approvals, licences, and authorisations.
The PRAVAAH Portal brings all regulatory interactions onto one centralised platform. It was built to simplify the often complex and time-consuming process of manual or email-based applications. With PRAVAAH, financial institutions can submit, monitor, and manage applications more efficiently.
Why RBI Mandates Use of PRAVAAH Portal for All Regulatory Applications?
Despite being launched nearly a year ago, the RBI observed that many banks and financial institutions continued to use conventional channels such as email and hard copy submissions. This led to inconsistent processes, delays in approvals, and difficulty in tracking applications.
To eliminate these issues and enforce a standardised system across all regulated entities, RBI mandates the use of the PRAVAAH Portal from May 1, 2025. This move will ensure that all applications are submitted in a structured digital format, thereby reducing manual errors and increasing processing speed.
Additionally, this centralised platform will help RBI maintain a better record of pending, ongoing, and approved applications, improving regulatory oversight and governance.
Scope and Applicability of PRAVAAH Portal
The mandate applies to all Regulated Entities (REs) supervised by the Reserve Bank of India. These include a wide range of financial institutions such as:

Scheduled Commercial Banks, including Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, and Regional Rural Banks

Urban Co-operative Banks

State and Central Co-operative Banks

All-India Financial Institutions

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including Housing Finance Companies

Primary Dealers

Payment System Operators

Credit Information Companies

These institutions are now required to stop using offline or alternate modes of application and switch exclusively to the PRAVAAH Portal for all their regulatory needs. The RBI has made it clear that no applications will be accepted through other means from May 1, 2025.
Features and Functions of PRAVAAH Portal
The PRAVAAH Portal has been designed to be user-friendly and resourceful. It includes the following key features:

Online Submission: Users can fill and submit application forms online directly through the portal.

Tracking Facility: Once the application is submitted, the portal allows entities to track the real-time status of their applications.

Alerts and Notifications: The system sends automated updates about application status changes, approvals, rejections, or requirements for additional documentation.

General Purpose Forms: In cases where a specific application form is not available, the portal allows submission through a general-purpose form.

Help Resources: PRAVAAH provides user manuals, FAQs, and video tutorials to guide entities through the application process.

These features make the platform efficient and easy to use, even for those not very familiar with digital systems.
How the PRAVAAH Portal Enhances Efficiency and Transparency?
The PRAVAAH Portal is a major step toward creating a transparent and efficient regulatory system. By making all submissions digital and trackable, the portal removes the opacity that existed in manual processes. Financial entities can now know exactly where their application stands without the need for repeated follow-ups.
It also enables the RBI to better monitor the flow of applications and detect delays or anomalies. This is particularly important in cases involving critical approvals such as licensing of banks or authorisation of new financial products.
The system is expected to reduce the turnaround time for applications, eliminate paperwork, and provide a better experience for users.
Why the PRAVAAH Portal is a Positive Step?
The decision by the RBI to mandate the use of PRAVAAH Portal for all regulatory applications is a forward-looking move. In a country like India with a growing number of financial institutions, a centralised system ensures consistency and improves accountability.
It also aligns with the government’s broader Digital India mission, encouraging digitisation in public services. A standard digital platform simplifies compliance and reduces administrative overhead for both RBI and the regulated entities.
Transition Support for Regulated Entities
To assist institutions during this transition, the RBI has ensured that the PRAVAAH Portal includes detailed instructions for access, submission, and document uploads. In addition, the availability of tutorials, manuals, and FAQs will support users in adapting to the new system smoothly.
The RBI has advised all entities to familiarise themselves with the portal well before the deadline to avoid last-minute disruptions. Technical support is also expected to be available through the RBI's helpdesk or the PRAVAAH Portal contact section.
Applications Covered Under PRAVAAH
From May 1, 2025, applications for the following purposes must be submitted via PRAVAAH:

New Licence Applications for Banks or NBFCs

Requests for Authorisation of New Financial Products or Services

Applications for Approval of Mergers, Acquisitions, or Restructuring

Changes in Management or Ownership

Permissions for Branch Expansion or Closure

Regulatory Reporting and Disclosures

Entities must use the forms provided on the PRAVAAH Portal or the general-purpose form where specific formats are unavailable. This makes the submission process uniform across all use cases.
Feedback and Performance So Far
Since its launch on May 28, 2024, PRAVAAH has processed around 4,000 applications from various financial entities. This shows that the system is already capable of handling a large volume of requests. Early feedback from users has been largely positive, especially regarding ease of tracking and simplified documentation.
However, a few institutions still preferred legacy systems, either due to habit or lack of digital readiness. The RBI’s mandate now removes this option, compelling all entities to upgrade their compliance methods.
Implications for Non-Compliance
Entities failing to comply with the new mandate after May 1, 2025, may face rejection of their applications or regulatory scrutiny. The RBI is expected to take a strict view of delays or refusals to use the portal. Hence, all regulated entities must immediately begin internal preparation for the switch.
There could also be internal audits or reviews conducted by RBI to ensure that all regulated entities are using the PRAVAAH Portal as mandated.
Conclusion
The RBI’s directive to make the PRAVAAH Portal mandatory from May 1, 2025, for all regulatory applications represents a major policy step toward digitisation and better governance. By standardising the application process, reducing delays, and improving transparency, this move will benefit both the regulators and the regulated entities.
The PRAVAAH Portal is more than just a digital tool; it is a significant reform in how the RBI interacts with the financial sector. As India moves toward a more technology-driven regulatory framework, such initiatives will play a key role in building a more responsive and efficient financial system.
All financial institutions, especially those still using legacy systems, should immediately prepare to adapt to the PRAVAAH Portal to remain compliant and benefit from faster, smoother regulatory communications.
For any queries contact us at:
Email: info@ccoffice.in
Whatsapp/Call: +91 9988424211
FAQs
Q1. What is the PRAVAAH Portal introduced by RBI?
Ans. The PRAVAAH Portal stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation. It is a secure, web-based system introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to streamline the submission, validation, and tracking of regulatory applications from financial institutions. It provides a centralised digital interface for submitting various applications like licences, approvals, and authorisations.
Q2. From when is the use of the PRAVAAH Portal mandatory?
Ans. The Reserve Bank of India has made it mandatory for all regulated entities to use the PRAVAAH Portal starting from May 1, 2025. After this date, applications submitted through email, hard copy, or any other offline mode will not be accepted.
Q3. Who is required to use the PRAVAAH Portal?
Ans. All RBI-regulated entities are required to use the PRAVAAH Portal. This includes Scheduled Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Urban Co-operative Banks, State and Central Co-operative Banks, All-India Financial Institutions, NBFCs (including Housing Finance Companies), Primary Dealers, Payment System Operators, and Credit Information Companies.
Q4. What types of applications can be submitted through the PRAVAAH Portal?
Ans. Entities can submit applications related to regulatory authorisations, new licences, branch approvals, management changes, mergers, product authorisations, and more. If a specific form is not available, users can use the general-purpose form provided on the portal.
Q5. What are the benefits of using the PRAVAAH Portal?
Ans. The PRAVAAH Portal offers transparency, efficiency, and standardisation in the regulatory application process. It allows users to submit applications online, track their real-time status, receive alerts, and access support resources like manuals, FAQs, and video tutorials.
Q6. What happens if a regulated entity does not use the PRAVAAH Portal after May 1, 2025?
Ans. Non-compliance with the RBI mandate may lead to the rejection of applications or regulatory scrutiny. The RBI may not entertain requests submitted through other channels, and this could delay important approvals for the concerned institution.
Q7. Where can regulated entities find help to use the PRAVAAH Portal?
Ans. All instructions for using the PRAVAAH Portal, including login guidance, application submission steps, and tracking information, are available directly on the portal. Additionally, RBI has provided user manuals, FAQs, and tutorial videos to help entities navigate the platform easily.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a significant directive making it mandatory for all regulated financial entities to submit their applications for regulatory authorisations, licences, and approvals through the PRAVAAH Portal starting May 1, 2025. This move is part of RBI's effort to bring uniformity, speed, and transparency to the application and regulatory process. Let us explore what the PRAVAAH Portal is, who needs to use it, and how it will benefit India's financial system.

What is the PRAVAAH Portal?

PRAVAAH stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation. It is a secure, web-based digital portal launched by the Reserve Bank of India on May 28, 2024. The main purpose of this platform is to create a single-window digital interface where regulated entities can file their applications, track their progress, and communicate with the RBI regarding approvals, licences, and authorisations.

The PRAVAAH Portal brings all regulatory interactions onto one centralised platform. It was built to simplify the often complex and time-consuming process of manual or email-based applications. With PRAVAAH, financial institutions can submit, monitor, and manage applications more efficiently.

Why RBI Mandates Use of PRAVAAH Portal for All Regulatory Applications?

Despite being launched nearly a year ago, the RBI observed that many banks and financial institutions continued to use conventional channels such as email and hard copy submissions. This led to inconsistent processes, delays in approvals, and difficulty in tracking applications.

To eliminate these issues and enforce a standardised system across all regulated entities, RBI mandates the use of the PRAVAAH Portal from May 1, 2025. This move will ensure that all applications are submitted in a structured digital format, thereby reducing manual errors and increasing processing speed.

Additionally, this centralised platform will help RBI maintain a better record of pending, ongoing, and approved applications, improving regulatory oversight and governance.

Scope and Applicability of PRAVAAH Portal

The mandate applies to all Regulated Entities (REs) supervised by the Reserve Bank of India. These include a wide range of financial institutions such as:

Scheduled Commercial Banks, including Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, and Regional Rural Banks
Urban Co-operative Banks
State and Central Co-operative Banks
All-India Financial Institutions
Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including Housing Finance Companies
Primary Dealers
Payment System Operators
Credit Information Companies

Features and Functions of PRAVAAH Portal

The PRAVAAH Portal has been designed to be user-friendly and resourceful. It includes the following key features:

Online Submission: Users can fill and submit application forms online directly through the portal.
Tracking Facility: Once the application is submitted, the portal allows entities to track the real-time status of their applications.
Alerts and Notifications: The system sends automated updates about application status changes, approvals, rejections, or requirements for additional documentation.
General Purpose Forms: In cases where a specific application form is not available, the portal allows submission through a general-purpose form.
Help Resources: PRAVAAH provides user manuals, FAQs, and video tutorials to guide entities through the application process.

These features make the platform efficient and easy to use, even for those not very familiar with digital systems.

How the PRAVAAH Portal Enhances Efficiency and Transparency?

The PRAVAAH Portal is a major step toward creating a transparent and efficient regulatory system. By making all submissions digital and trackable, the portal removes the opacity that existed in manual processes. Financial entities can now know exactly where their application stands without the need for repeated follow-ups.

It also enables the RBI to better monitor the flow of applications and detect delays or anomalies. This is particularly important in cases involving critical approvals such as licensing of banks or authorisation of new financial products.

The system is expected to reduce the turnaround time for applications, eliminate paperwork, and provide a better experience for users.

Why the PRAVAAH Portal is a Positive Step?

The decision by the RBI to mandate the use of PRAVAAH Portal for all regulatory applications is a forward-looking move. In a country like India with a growing number of financial institutions, a centralised system ensures consistency and improves accountability.

It also aligns with the government’s broader Digital India mission, encouraging digitisation in public services. A standard digital platform simplifies compliance and reduces administrative overhead for both RBI and the regulated entities.

Transition Support for Regulated Entities

To assist institutions during this transition, the RBI has ensured that the PRAVAAH Portal includes detailed instructions for access, submission, and document uploads. In addition, the availability of tutorials, manuals, and FAQs will support users in adapting to the new system smoothly.

The RBI has advised all entities to familiarise themselves with the portal well before the deadline to avoid last-minute disruptions. Technical support is also expected to be available through the RBI's helpdesk or the PRAVAAH Portal contact section.

Applications Covered Under PRAVAAH

From May 1, 2025, applications for the following purposes must be submitted via PRAVAAH:

New Licence Applications for Banks or NBFCs
Requests for Authorisation of New Financial Products or Services
Applications for Approval of Mergers, Acquisitions, or Restructuring
Changes in Management or Ownership
Permissions for Branch Expansion or Closure
Regulatory Reporting and Disclosures

Entities must use the forms provided on the PRAVAAH Portal or the general-purpose form where specific formats are unavailable. This makes the submission process uniform across all use cases.

Feedback and Performance So Far

Since its launch on May 28, 2024, PRAVAAH has processed around 4,000 applications from various financial entities. This shows that the system is already capable of handling a large volume of requests. Early feedback from users has been largely positive, especially regarding ease of tracking and simplified documentation.

However, a few institutions still preferred legacy systems, either due to habit or lack of digital readiness. The RBI’s mandate now removes this option, compelling all entities to upgrade their compliance methods.

Implications for Non-Compliance

Entities failing to comply with the new mandate after May 1, 2025, may face rejection of their applications or regulatory scrutiny. The RBI is expected to take a strict view of delays or refusals to use the portal. Hence, all regulated entities must immediately begin internal preparation for the switch.

There could also be internal audits or reviews conducted by RBI to ensure that all regulated entities are using the PRAVAAH Portal as mandated.

Conclusion

The RBI’s directive to make the PRAVAAH Portal mandatory from May 1, 2025, for all regulatory applications represents a major policy step toward digitisation and better governance. By standardising the application process, reducing delays, and improving transparency, this move will benefit both the regulators and the regulated entities.

The PRAVAAH Portal is more than just a digital tool; it is a significant reform in how the RBI interacts with the financial sector. As India moves toward a more technology-driven regulatory framework, such initiatives will play a key role in building a more responsive and efficient financial system.

All financial institutions, especially those still using legacy systems, should immediately prepare to adapt to the PRAVAAH Portal to remain compliant and benefit from faster, smoother regulatory communications.

For any queries contact us at:

Email: info@ccoffice.in

Whatsapp/Call: +91 9988424211

FAQs

Q1. What is the PRAVAAH Portal introduced by RBI?

Ans. The PRAVAAH Portal stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation. It is a secure, web-based system introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to streamline the submission, validation, and tracking of regulatory applications from financial institutions. It provides a centralised digital interface for submitting various applications like licences, approvals, and authorisations.

Q2. From when is the use of the PRAVAAH Portal mandatory?

Ans. The Reserve Bank of India has made it mandatory for all regulated entities to use the PRAVAAH Portal starting from May 1, 2025. After this date, applications submitted through email, hard copy, or any other offline mode will not be accepted.

Q3. Who is required to use the PRAVAAH Portal?

Ans. All RBI-regulated entities are required to use the PRAVAAH Portal. This includes Scheduled Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Urban Co-operative Banks, State and Central Co-operative Banks, All-India Financial Institutions, NBFCs (including Housing Finance Companies), Primary Dealers, Payment System Operators, and Credit Information Companies.

Q4. What types of applications can be submitted through the PRAVAAH Portal?

Ans. Entities can submit applications related to regulatory authorisations, new licences, branch approvals, management changes, mergers, product authorisations, and more. If a specific form is not available, users can use the general-purpose form provided on the portal.

Q5. What are the benefits of using the PRAVAAH Portal?

Ans. The PRAVAAH Portal offers transparency, efficiency, and standardisation in the regulatory application process. It allows users to submit applications online, track their real-time status, receive alerts, and access support resources like manuals, FAQs, and video tutorials.

Q6. What happens if a regulated entity does not use the PRAVAAH Portal after May 1, 2025?

Ans. Non-compliance with the RBI mandate may lead to the rejection of applications or regulatory scrutiny. The RBI may not entertain requests submitted through other channels, and this could delay important approvals for the concerned institution.

Q7. Where can regulated entities find help to use the PRAVAAH Portal?

Ans. All instructions for using the PRAVAAH Portal, including login guidance, application submission steps, and tracking information, are available directly on the portal. Additionally, RBI has provided user manuals, FAQs, and tutorial videos to help entities navigate the platform easily.