September 9, 2026

If you want to build a career or business in mutual fund distribution in India, obtaining an ARN (AMFI Registration Number) is one of the most important regulatory steps. An ARN identifies a mutual fund distributor registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Before distributing mutual fund products, eligible distributors need the required NISM certification and AMFI registration. AMFI’s current Master Circular states that mutual fund intermediaries engaged in selling and marketing mutual fund units must pass the prescribed certification and obtain an ARN. (AMFI India) But getting an ARN is not simply a matter of filling out an application. You need to understand the NISM certification, KYD requirements, documents, fees, online application process, validity and renewal rules. This guide explains the complete ARN registration process in simple language. What Is an ARN Number? ARN stands for AMFI Registration Number. It is a unique identification number allotted by AMFI to eligible mutual fund distributors. The number is linked to the PAN of the individual or entity and is non-transferable. (AMFI India) For example, when an investor purchases a mutual fund through a distributor, the distributor’s ARN helps identify the intermediary responsible for sourcing the transaction. ARN vs EUIN These two numbers are often confused. ARN EUIN Identifies the Mutual Fund Distributor Identifies the individual employee/salesperson Issued to eligible individuals/entities Issued to employees of MFDs Linked to the distributor/entity PAN Linked to employee PAN Required for distributor registration Used to identify the person interacting with the investor AMFI requires the EUIN to be mentioned along with the ARN for relevant transactions involving employees of distributors. (AMFI India) Who Needs an ARN? An ARN is relevant for people and entities engaged in mutual fund distribution. This can include: For a non-individual entity, AMFI requires at least one employee/salesperson with the required NISM certification and EUIN to be mapped with the entity’s ARN. (AMFI India) ARN Registration Eligibility For a new individual mutual fund distributor, the basic route is: NISM Series V-A → AMFI Registration → ARN The current AMFI framework requires mutual fund distributors and relevant associated persons to pass the NISM Series V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination and register with AMFI to obtain an ARN. (AMFI India) There are special provisions for certain grandfathered individuals, but these generally apply to people who met specific age or experience conditions as of May 31, 2010. (AMFI India) Minimum Age An individual applicant must be at least 18 years old for ARN/EUIN allotment. (AMFI India) Step 1: Pass NISM Series V-A The first major step for a new individual distributor is the NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination. NISM currently lists the examination fee at ₹1,500. The exam consists of 100 questions for 100 marks, has a two-hour duration, no negative marking, and requires 50% to pass. (NISM) The certificate is valid for three years from the date of the examination. (NISM) NISM Series V-A official information What Does NISM Series V-A Cover? The certification helps candidates understand areas such as: For someone planning a long-term career as an MFD, this certification provides the basic regulatory and product knowledge required for the profession. Step 2: Complete the KYD Process KYD means Know Your Distributor. AMFI requires MFDs to complete the KYD process during initial registration. Under the current process, the ARN applicant/designated official of a non-individual applicant must either provide Aadhaar and PAN or have a “KYC Validated” status with the KRA for KYD purposes. (AMFI India) An important change is that AMFI has made ARN/EUIN registration and renewal an online process, replacing the earlier physical/biometric application process. (AMFI India) Step 3: Keep Your Documents Ready Before starting the ARN application, keep the required information and documents ready. For an individual applicant, the process generally involves: AMFI’s current online process specifically requires PAN and Aadhaar for online ARN/EUIN applications. (AMFI India) For companies, LLPs and other non-individual entities, additional documents and an eligible employee/EUIN mapping may be required. Step 4: Apply for ARN Online Through AMFI Once you have completed the certification and KYD requirements, you can apply for ARN through the AMFI distributor registration process. AMFI has appointed CAMS (Computer Age Management Services) to handle the end-to-end activities relating to ARN/EUIN registration and renewal. (AMFI India) The broad process is: Visit AMFI Distributor Section → Online Registration → Enter Details → Complete Authentication/KYD → Pay Fees → Submit Application → Verification → ARN Allotment AMFI specifically states that applications for grant of ARN/EUIN must be submitted online. (AMFI India) AMFI ARN Registration – Official Portal ARN Registration Fees in 2026 One of the most important questions for new distributors is: How much does an ARN cost? The current AMFI Master Circular lists the following fees for Mutual Fund Distributors, plus 18% GST. (AMFI India) Applicant Category Registration Fee Fee Including 18% GST* Individual ₹3,000 ₹3,540 Proprietorship Firm ₹3,000 ₹3,540 Partnership Firm ₹20,000 ₹23,600 LLP ₹40,000 ₹47,200 Private Limited Company ₹40,000 ₹47,200 One Person Company ₹40,000 ₹47,200 Public Limited Company ₹4,00,000 ₹4,72,000 Bank ₹4,00,000 ₹4,72,000 NBFC ₹1,00,000 ₹1,18,000 Employees/EUIN Holders ₹1,500 ₹1,770 *Calculated at 18% GST. AMFI’s published fee schedule specifies the base fees and says GST @18% is additional. (AMFI India) Important For an individual starting a mutual fund distribution business, the core regulatory costs can therefore include: NISM Series V-A exam fee + ARN registration fee + applicable GST Training/coaching costs, if any, are separate. How Much Does It Cost to Become a Mutual Fund Distributor? For a new individual distributor, a simple illustration is: Component Approx. Cost NISM Series V-A Exam ₹1,500 Individual ARN Registration ₹3,000 GST on ARN fee ₹540 Minimum core fees ₹5,040 The NISM examination fee is ₹1,500, while AMFI’s current individual ARN registration fee is ₹3,000 before GST. (NISM) Note: This does not include optional coaching, study programs, travel or other business setup expenses. ARN Renewal: How Does It Work? ARN registration is not something you should treat as a one-time formality. You need to monitor the validity of your ARN and