GST Registration Process Simplified: Faster Approvals, Fewer Hurdles
The GST Policy Wing has revamped the GST registration process with new timelines, biometric norms, and standardized instructions to improve ease of doing business while reducing fake registrations.
As per Instruction No. 01/2024-GST dated 30.04.2024, issued by CBIC’s GST Policy Wing, a streamlined and legally consistent approach is now mandated across all states and UTs.
Let’s break it down.
What Has Changed in GST Registration?
Here are the key reforms effective immediately:
- 7 Working Day Deadline:
GST registration applications must be processed within 7 working days (excluding biometric verification cases). - Biometric Verification Timeline:
Where Aadhaar authentication fails or is opted out, the applicant must complete biometric authentication within 15 days of receiving the email/SMS. - No In-Person Visit by Officer:
Where biometric is done or Aadhaar is authenticated, no field visit is allowed unless flagged under Rule 9(1) or Rule 9(2). - Clear Grounds for Rejection:
If rejected, proper explanation under Rule 9(2) is mandatory. No vague or template-based objections allowed. - PAN, Aadhaar & Premises Consistency:
Any mismatch in PAN, Aadhaar, or business address needs explanation or supporting proof.
Legal Basis of the Reform
- Rule 8 & 9 of CGST Rules, 2017 revised to empower time-bound approvals and biometric steps.
- Refer: CBIC Instruction No. 01/2024-GST dated 30.04.2024
- Refer: Rule 9(1), 9(2), 9(4), and Rule 8(4A) for biometric-specific instructions
Step-by-Step GST Registration Under New Rules
- Submit Application on GST portal
- Complete Aadhaar Authentication or opt-out
- If biometric is triggered →
- Visit facilitation centre within 15 days
- Upload photo & fingerprint
- Processing Time:
- 7 working days if Aadhaar verified
- 30 working days if biometric required
- Final Status:
- Registration approved, rejected (with reasons), or show cause issued
Expert Tip: Don’t Ignore SMS/Email Triggers
Many registrations are delayed just because biometric was not completed on time.
👉 Always monitor your SMS/email if Aadhaar wasn’t authenticated.
CBIC’s Balanced View: Ease + Security
The reform balances:
- ✅ Speed for genuine businesses
- ❌ Deterrents for fly-by-night operators
- 🤝 Uniformity in practice across states (often a pain point earlier)
When Can a Physical Site Visit Still Happen?
Only under these two rules:
- Rule 9(1): Doubtful cases flagged by system
- Rule 9(2): Incomplete documents or mismatches in PAN/address
FAQs
Q1. Is biometric mandatory for all registrations?
No. Only if Aadhaar authentication fails or the applicant chooses not to authenticate.
Q2. Can I delay biometric beyond 15 days?
No. Failing to complete biometric within 15 days leads to automatic rejection.
Q3. Can a GST officer visit even after biometric?
Only if flagged under Rule 9(1) or Rule 9(2), otherwise not permitted.
Summary
GST registration gets faster: 7-day timeline, biometric check if Aadhaar not verified, and stricter rejection grounds to prevent misuse, as per CBIC’s Instruction 01/2024-GST.