National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is an Indian central securities depository based in Mumbai.It was established on 8 November 1996 as the first electronic securities depository in India with national coverage based on a suggestion by a national institution responsible for the economic development of India.

NSDL is promoted by Industrial Development Bank of India Limited (IDBI) - the largest development bank of India, Unit Trust of India (now, Administrator of the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) - the largest stock exchange in India.Some of the prominent banks in the country have taken a stake in NSDL.

Application for fresh allotment of PAN can be made through Internet. Further, requests for changes or correction in PAN data or request for reprint of PAN card (for an existing PAN) may also be made through Our Portal. Online application can be made either through the Our portal from NSDL.

Permanent Account Number (PAN) was introduced by the Indian Income Tax Department in order to facilitate easy retrieval of information and matching information relating to an assessee's investment, payment of taxes, raising of loans, assessment, tax demand, tax arrears etc.

Pan Card is issued by the Indian Income Tax Department under the supervision of the Central Board for Direct Taxes (CBDT) and is almost equivalent to a national identification number. It also serves as an important ID proof.