First, clear the NISM Series V-A exam at certifications.nism.ac.in. Once you have the NISM certificate, visit amfiindia.com, go to Distributor Corner, select Online Registration of ARN, and complete PAN and Aadhaar authentication. Upload your NISM certificate, address proof, bank details, and photograph, then pay the fee online based on your registration category. AMFI typically issues the ARN within about two weeks of a complete application.

The AMFI Registration Number (ARN) is allotted by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the industry body that regulates mutual fund distribution under SEBI oversight. AMFI processes ARN applications through its designated processing agent, Computer Age Management Services Private Limited (CAMS). The ARN is issued once your NISM Series V-A certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, and other documents have been verified.

For individuals and proprietorship firms, the ARN registration charge is ₹3,000 plus GST, totalling nearly ₹3,540. Renewals for individuals are ₹1,500 plus GST. Corporate entities like LLPs and private limited companies pay ₹40,000 plus GST for new registration. Payment happens online at the application stage.

An ARN is valid for three years from the date of issue. The validity is co-terminus with the underlying NISM Series V-A certificate, which means both expire on the same date and must be renewed together. AMFI asks for the renewal application at least six months before expiry. Miss that window, and you risk holding commission payments and suspended AMC empanelments. The ARN cannot be renewed if your NISM certificate is invalid, so plan accordingly.

This question refers to the GST ARN (Application Reference Number), which is distinct from the AMFI ARN. After you submit a GST registration application at gst.gov.in, a GST ARN is generated immediately for tracking. The GSTIN and GST registration certificate are typically issued within 7 to 15 working days of the GST ARN, provided no clarifications are requested. The AMFI ARN and GST ARN are separate systems.