Table of contents
- Want to become a mutual fund distributor in India?
- What is an ARN number?
- What is AMFI?
- What is EUIN?
- Eligibility criteria for AMFI registration
- Documents required for AMFI registration
- How to get an ARN number in India (Step-by-step process)
- ARN validity
- How to apply for an ARN offline
- What to Do After Receiving Your ARN
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During ARN Registration
- FAQs
Want to become a mutual fund distributor in India?
The first step is getting your AMFI Registration Number (ARN) — your official license to sell mutual funds and earn commissions.
But most people get stuck between exams, KYD, documentation, and confusing processes.
This guide breaks down the exact step-by-step process to get your ARN card, along with fees, eligibility, and common mistakes — so you can get registered faster and start building your distribution business.
What is an ARN Number (ARN Card)?
The AMFI Registration Number (ARN) is a unique identification code issued to mutual fund distributors by AMFI. Once your registration is approved, you receive an ARN card, which serves as your official identity in the mutual fund distribution industry.
Holding a valid ARN allows an individual or entity to:
- Distribute mutual fund schemes
- Receive commissions from Asset Management Companies (AMCs)
- Operate legally as a mutual fund distributor in India
Without a valid ARN card, a person cannot legally sell or distribute mutual fund schemes.
How to Get ARN Number in India (Quick Steps)
1. Pass NISM Series V-A exam
2. Complete KYD verification
3. Apply on AMFI/CAMS portal
4. Submit documents
5. Pay fees
6. Receive ARN card
What is AMFI?
The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) is the industry body representing SEBI-registered Asset Management Companies.
Established in 1995, AMFI works to maintain professional standards, promote ethical distribution practices, and protect investor interests. One of its key responsibilities is issuing the AMFI Registration Number (ARN) to eligible individuals and entities who wish to distribute mutual funds.
What is EUIN?
EUIN (Employee Unique Identification Number) is issued to employees or representatives of distributor firms who interact directly with investors.
Its purpose is to:
- Ensure accountability in the distribution process
- Prevent mis-selling of mutual fund products
- Identify the individual responsible for a transaction
Example:
- The distributor firm holds the ARN
- Employees interacting with investors receive EUIN numbers
Eligibility criteria for AMFI registration
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Age | The applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for AMFI registration. |
| Certification Requirement | The applicant must pass the NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination. |
| Clean Financial Record | The applicant should not have been convicted of financial fraud or economic offences. |
| Eligible Entities | The following entities can apply for ARN registration: • Individuals • Proprietorship firms • Partnership firms • Companies • Banks and NBFCs • Overseas distributors |
Documents required for AMFI registration
Before applying, keep the following documents ready.
Mandatory Documents
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- NISM Series V-A certification
- Passport-size photographs
- Bank account proof (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
- KYC documents: If applying offline – will need to submit your know your customer acknowledgement form
Having these documents ready helps ensure a smoother application process.
How to get an ARN number in India (Step-by-step process)
Obtaining your ARN involves several steps. Below is the complete process.
Step 1: Pass the NISM Series V-A certification exam
To get an ARN number in India, you must first pass the NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination.
This certification confirms that you understand:
- mutual fund products
- regulatory guidelines
- investor suitability
- distribution practices
The exam can be registered through the NISM certification portal and is mandatory for anyone who wants to distribute mutual funds.
To apply for the examination, candidates must create an account on the official NISM portal, provide the required details, and submit their application for the selected certification exam.
Exam Fee: ₹1,500 + GST
Passing Marks: 50% (There is no negative marking)
Validity: 3 years
Create your account on the official NISM portal here.
Step 2: Complete Know Your Distributor (KYD)
After clearing the NISM certification exam, applicants must complete the Know Your Distributor (KYD) verification process.
KYD is a mandatory identity verification step for mutual fund distributors. It typically involves:
- Biometric verification: Providing fingerprint authentication at a CAMS (Computer Age Management Services) centre.
- Document verification: Validating personal details by cross-checking documents such as PAN and Aadhaar.
This process helps ensure that only properly verified individuals are allowed to register and operate as mutual fund distributors.
For the detailed KYD process, read the official AMFI guidelines – AMFI Know Your Distributor (KYD) Process for Mutual Fund Distributors
Step 3: Apply for ARN registration
Once the certification and verification steps are complete, you can apply for your ARN.
Applications can be submitted through:
- The AMFI–CAMS online registration portal: https://amfi.camsonline.com/amfi-online/sessions/registration
- Offline applications through CAMS Points of Service
During the application process, you will need to provide digital copies of:
- ID proof
- NISM certificate
- Passport-size photographs
Step 4: Pay registration fees
Applicants must upload or submit the required supporting documents and pay the applicable registration fee.
| Category | Registration Fee | Renewal Fee |
| Individuals | ₹3,000 | ₹1,500 |
| Employees of MFDs (EUIN holders) | ₹1,500 | ₹750 |
*Plus GST @18%.
Fees may vary depending on the type of applicant. Companies, banks, and partnership firms typically have different fee structures compared to individuals and EUIN holders.
Once the payment is completed, the application moves to the verification stage.
Step 5: ARN card issuance
Once your application is verified and approved, AMFI issues your ARN number and ARN card. The ARN details are usually shared via registered email, and a physical ARN card is also sent to you.
The ARN serves as your official registration in the mutual fund distribution industry. With a valid ARN card, you can start working with Asset Management Companies (AMCs) and distribution platforms.
ARN validity
The ARN registration is valid for three years.
After this period, distributors must renew their ARN by:
- completing refresher training (CPE), or
- requalifying through the NISM certification exam
Renewal ensures distributors stay updated with regulatory changes and industry practices.
How to apply for an ARN offline
If you prefer the offline route, you can apply for your ARN by visiting the nearest CAMS (Computer Age Management Services) office.
Step 1: Collect the Application Form
Visit the nearest CAMS centre and obtain the ARN registration form.
Step 2: Fill and Submit the Form
Complete the form and submit it along with your KYC details.
Step 3: Attach Required Documents
Submit copies of your photo ID, NISM certificate, and passport-size photographs.
Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee
Pay the applicable fee at the CAMS office and keep the receipt for reference.
Step 5: Receive Your ARN
After verification and approval, your ARN details will be shared via email and post.
You can find the nearest CAMS location in your city through the CAMS branch locator on their official website.
What to do after receiving your ARN
Once your ARN is issued, you can begin building your mutual fund distribution business.
Empanel with Asset Management Companies (AMCs)
Distributors can empanel with different Asset Management Companies (AMCs) to distribute their mutual fund schemes.
Partner with distribution platforms
Many distributors choose to work with digital platforms that simplify operations such as client onboarding, transaction execution, portfolio monitoring, and commission tracking.
For example, platforms like Moolaah provide tools that help mutual fund distributors manage their practice more efficiently. By empanelling with Moolaah as a partner, distributors can create a microsite showcasing their qualifications and experience, making it easier for investors to discover and connect with them.
Distributors also get access to additional investment products such as fixed deposits, bonds, and PMS, along with operational support that helps streamline day-to-day business activities.
Start acquiring clients
Once your distribution setup is ready, the next step is to start building your client base. Successful distributors often acquire clients through a combination of education, outreach, and relationship building.
- Investor education: Hosting webinars, creating educational content, or explaining mutual fund basics to potential investors helps build credibility and attract interested clients.
- Networking and referrals: Many distributors grow their client base through personal networks, professional connections, and referrals from satisfied clients.
Over time, strong relationships and consistent service can help distributors grow their client network through referrals and continued investments from existing clients
Common mistakes to avoid during ARN registration
1. Using an Expired NISM Certificate
Ensure your NISM Series V-A certificate is valid when applying. Applications with expired certifications are often rejected.
2. Incorrect or Incomplete Application
Double-check details such as name, PAN number, certification details, and contact information to avoid delays.
3. Missing or Unclear Documents
Make sure all required documents, such as PAN, Aadhaar, and photographs, are submitted clearly and completely.
4. Incorrect Fee Payment
Pay the correct registration fee based on your category and keep the payment receipt or proof of transaction.
5. Incomplete KYC Verification
Ensure your KYC details are updated and verified before submitting the application.
How Moolaah helps you after getting your ARN
Getting your ARN is just the beginning. The real challenge is:
• Managing clients
• Tracking portfolios
• Scaling your AUM
Moolaah helps distributors to:
• Create a professional microsite
• Offer multiple investment products (MF, bonds, PMS)
• Manage clients and transactions in one place
So instead of juggling Excel sheets and multiple platforms, you can focus on growing your business.
Conclusion
Obtaining an ARN card and AMFI registration is a mandatory requirement for anyone who wants to distribute mutual funds in India. It authorises individuals and entities to operate within the regulated mutual fund distribution ecosystem.
Once registered, distributors can empanel with Asset Management Companies and use various tools and platforms to manage their operations more efficiently. By maintaining compliance and building trust with clients, distributors can gradually establish themselves in the mutual fund distribution space.
Recent AMFI data shows that around 72% of mutual fund AUM from both HNI and retail investors in India is invested through distributors, highlighting the significant role they play in helping investors navigate investment decisions.
After obtaining your ARN, distributors can also partner with platforms like Moolaah to simplify operations, access multiple investment products, and receive operational support for growing their distribution practice.
FAQs
1. What is an ARN card in mutual funds?
An ARN card is the official identification issued by AMFI to authorised mutual fund distributors. It allows individuals or entities to legally distribute mutual fund schemes in India.
2. Is the NISM Series V-A exam mandatory for ARN registration?
Yes. Clearing the NISM Series V-A Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination is mandatory before applying for an ARN.
3. How long does it take to get an ARN card?
The approval process typically takes a few working days after submitting the application and completing verification.
4. What is the validity of an ARN registration?
An ARN registration is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed through CPE training or by retaking the NISM exam.
5. Can companies apply for an ARN?
Yes. Companies, partnership firms, banks, and NBFCs can apply for ARN registration, not just individuals.
6. What is the difference between ARN and EUIN?
ARN identifies the mutual fund distributor, while EUIN identifies the employee interacting with investors on behalf of the distributor.
7. Can I distribute mutual funds without an ARN?
No. Distributing mutual funds without a valid AMFI Registration Number (ARN) is not permitted under industry regulations.
8. Where can I apply for ARN registration?
You can apply online through the AMFI website or CAMS portal, or submit an offline application at a CAMS Point of Service.
9. Can I apply for ARN online?
Yes, through the AMFI–CAMS portal.
Disclaimer: Moolaah is an AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (ARN-245875). We distribute Regular Plans of mutual fund schemes, which involve the payment of trail commission to us. Our services are incidental to product distribution and do not constitute independent investment advice. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme-related documents carefully.
