Harshvardhan Mishra
What is CAMS KRA?
CAMS KRA stands for Computer Age Management Services – KYC Registration Agency. It is one of India’s SEBI-registered KRAs authorized to maintain and verify KYC records of investors who wish to invest in:
- Mutual Funds
- Stock Market (Demat / Trading)
- Portfolio Management Services (PMS)
- Alternative Investment Funds (AIF)
Whenever an individual completes KYC (Know Your Customer) while opening a mutual fund account or trading account for the first time, the details are stored centrally in KRA systems such as:
- CAMS KRA
- CVL KRA
- Karvy KRA
- NSE KRA
- NDML KRA
This means you only need to complete KYC once, and it will be valid across all investment platforms.
Why is KYC Required for Investments?
As per SEBI regulations, KYC is mandatory to verify the identity of investors and prevent:
- Financial fraud
- Money laundering
- Identity theft
- Benami transactions
KYC ensures that the investor is a genuine individual with valid identity proof.
Documents Required for KYC
To complete KYC, you generally need:
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Utility Bill, Rent Agreement, Bank Statement |
| Photograph | Passport-size photo |
| Signature Proof | Signature on Paper or Digital e-Sign |
Note: PAN Card is mandatory for mutual fund and stock market investments.
How CAMS KRA Works?
- When you apply for KYC, your documents and details are submitted to a KRA.
- The KRA verifies identity from UIDAI (Aadhaar) and PAN database.
- After successful verification, your KYC status becomes “KYC Registered”.
- This status is shared with all intermediaries like brokers, mutual fund houses, and investment platforms.
Types of KYC Status You May See
| KYC Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| KYC Registered / Verified | Your KYC is valid and active. |
| KYC Under Process | Verification is ongoing; wait 1–2 working days. |
| KYC on Hold / Rejected | Documents mismatch or incomplete information. |
| KYC Not Available | You have not completed KYC. |
How to Check KYC Status on CAMS KRA? (Step-by-Step)
You can check your KYC status using your PAN number. Follow the steps:
- Visit the official CAMS KRA website:
https://www.camsonline.com/Investors/verify-your-kyc-status - On the page, locate the KYC Status section.
- Enter your PAN Number.
- Fill the captcha code.
- Click Submit.
You will now see your KYC Status displayed on the screen, such as:
- KYC Registered
- KYC Under Verification
- KYC On Hold
- Not KYC Registered
How to Update or Modify KYC?
If your KYC is On Hold or needs to be updated (due to address or name change), you can follow any one of the below methods:
1. Online KYC Update Through Aadhaar
- Visit your mutual fund or broker website.
- Use Aadhaar OTP verification to complete e-KYC.
2. Offline KYC Update
- Fill KYC Modification Form.
- Attach relevant documents.
- Submit to CAMS service center or your broker.
Benefits of Completing KYC via CAMS KRA
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| One-time Verification | No need to repeat KYC for every broker or mutual fund house. |
| Secure Data Storage | Your documents are stored in encrypted format. |
| Easy Online Verification | Check status anytime using PAN. |
| Faster Investment Process | You can start investing instantly once KYC is approved. |
Common Reasons for KYC Rejection
- PAN and Aadhaar details mismatch.
- Signature mismatch.
- Blurred or invalid documents.
- Address Proof not updated.
- Name change without proof (e.g., after marriage).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CAMS KRA safe?
Yes, CAMS KRA is SEBI-regulated and follows strict data security standards.
2. Do I need to do KYC again if I change my broker?
No. If you are already KYC-registered, it works across all platforms.
3. Can KYC be done completely online?
Yes, if you verify Aadhaar using OTP, you can do e-KYC online.
4. Is KYC free?
Yes, completing KYC is free of cost for investors.
Conclusion
CAMS KRA plays a crucial role in securely verifying and maintaining investor KYC records. With a single KYC registration, you can invest across multiple platforms without repeating identity verification. Checking your KYC status is simple and can be done online using just your PAN number.
By ensuring your KYC is complete and updated, your investment journey becomes smooth and hassle-free.
