How to check GST registration status — ARN tracker (2026)

1. Visit gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → Track Application Status.
2. Enter your ARN (15 digits, format AA0511220012345 or similar).
3. Status shows current stage.
4. If “Pending for Processing” beyond 7 days, the proper officer must explain delay.
5. If “Approved”, download GST Registration Certificate (Form REG-06).
6. If “Rejected”, note the reason and re-apply with corrections.

What we hear from RTI Wiki users: Akash, a 27-year-old SaaS founder in Bengaluru, applied for GST in March 2024. ARN said “Pending Processing” for 14 days despite 7-day SLA. He filed an RTI to GST Bengaluru zonal office under §6 asking processing officer + reason for delay + projected approval. Reply in 16 days revealed his Aadhaar-authentication wasn't marked complete (he'd done OTP but system needed re-sync). Re-authenticated; GSTIN issued in 4 days.

• Aadhaar authentication failed — most common rejection cause post-2021. Fix: redo OTP at GST portal.
• Documents mismatch — PAN/business name inconsistency. Fix: gazette correction.
• Registered address proof — utility bill > 1 month old. Fix: gas bill or fresh rent agreement.
• Place of business not visited by officer for verification. Fix: ensure name displayed at premises.
• Bank details proof issue — cancelled cheque blurry or wrong format. Fix: clear scanned cheque + first page of passbook.
• Multiple registrations attempted under same PAN. System flags duplicate.
• Composition scheme eligibility — turnover > Rs. 1.5 cr (Rs. 75 L for special states) auto-rejected for composition.

• Aadhaar authentication via OTP speeds up registration to 3 days vs 7-day default. Most don't know this option.
• Composition scheme (1% turnover tax for goods up to Rs. 1.5 cr) — opt-in within 30 days of registration; can't change mid-year.
• E-invoicing mandate for businesses above Rs. 5 cr turnover (since Aug 2023). Check e-invoice eligibility at irp.gst.gov.in.
• LUT (Letter of Undertaking) required for export without IGST — file annually by 31 March.
• Multiple branches in different states — separate GSTIN per state.

GST helpdesk: 1800-103-4786 · helpdesk@gst.gov.in · State GST commissionerate helplines · GSTN: 1800-1200-232

The official SLA on this service is published. If your status is stuck beyond it, you have a statutory right under §6 RTI Act 2005 to demand information from the public authority. Reply mandatory in 30 days.

File an RTI to: GST proper officer (Range / Division / Commissionerate)

Ask these 5 questions:

1. ARN current stage
2. processing officer
3. reason for delay beyond 7-day SLA
4. documents requiring re-submission
5. projected approval date

→ Use our free AI RTI Drafter to generate a complete §6(1) application in 60 seconds. The Drafter pre-fills your name, address, fee statement, and the 5 questions above.

→ Or speak it in हिन्दी / English / 9 other Indian languages via AwaazRTI.

→ For deeper case-law on this scenario: Read the full RTI guide for utilization certificate.

• Q: GST registration is mandatory above what turnover? — Rs. 40 lakh (goods, most states); Rs. 20 lakh (services); Rs. 20/10 lakh in special states (NE + hill).
• Q: Can I voluntarily register below threshold? — Yes — useful for B2B credit recovery. Apply via gst.gov.in.
• Q: What is composition scheme? — 1% turnover tax (goods) / 6% (services) — simple, no input credit. Opt-in within 30 days.
• Q: Can I cancel my GST registration? — Yes — Form GST REG-16 at portal. Final return REG-10 mandatory.
• Q: What if my GSTIN is cancelled by officer? — Apply for revocation within 30 days via Form GST REG-21. Otherwise, fresh registration required.

To check status: use the official portal listed above with your reference number. SLA is published; if stuck beyond it, file a free RTI.

• If status is normal → wait the published SLA, then download/use your document
• If status is delayed → click 🪄 AI RTI Drafter now; complete §6 application in 60 seconds
• If status is rejected → demand reasons under §4(1)(d) RTI Act; appeal/represent
• For state-specific guidance → see state-by-state guide

• 🪄 AI RTI Drafter — type problem, get §6 application
• 🎤 AwaazRTI — voice-to-RTI in 11 Indian languages
• 🔮 Outcome Predictor — score your draft's win-likelihood
• ⚖️ First Appeal Generator — §19(1) draft on Day 31
• 📬 PIO Reply Checker — analyse evasive replies
• 📅 Timeline Calculator — track 30-day window
• 💰 Fee Calculator — state-wise fees
• 🔍 RTI Research — AI Q&A from this site

• Master guide: Full RTI for utilization certificate
• State-by-state: Pick your state
• Citizen RTI playbook: All 100+ scenarios
• The RTI Act 2005: Complete guide
• All status-check guides: All 25 status-check pages

• RTI Act 2005 §§6, 7, 19
• Official portal (linked in Quick Facts)
• Statute referenced in Quick Facts

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.