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Published on:

December 24, 2025

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Basics of GST

How to Become a GST Practitioner in India: Eligibility & Steps

Becoming a GST Practitioner is a good choice for people who want to work in taxation. It is also helpful for those who want to support small businesses with GST work. Many taxpayers need help with filing returns, maintaining records and solving GST issues. A GST Practitioner can assist them and earn a steady income. The process to become a GST Practitioner is simple. You need the right qualification. You need to apply online. You also need to pass an exam to get certified. After certification, you can offer GST services to clients. This guide explains the eligibility, steps, documents, fees, exam details and benefits.

What is a GST Practitioner?

A GST Practitioner is a person who is approved by the GST Department. The person can help taxpayers with GST work. This work includes filing returns, applying for refunds, updating business details & responding to notices. A GST Practitioner works on behalf of the taxpayer. But the taxpayer must approve the practitioner within the GST portal. After approval, the practitioner can support GST tasks for that client.

Eligibility to Become a GST Practitioner

The rules are fixed by the GST Act for who can apply for GST Practitioner registration.

Educational Qualifications

You must have a degree in commerce, law, business administration, business management or business studies.

You can also apply if you have a degree in banking or a related field.

You can apply if you passed the final exam of ICAI, ICMAI or ICSI.

People who retired from government departments in tax-related positions can also apply.

Other Eligibility Requirements

You must be an Indian citizen.

You must be of sound mind.

You must not be declared insolvent.

You must not have been convicted of a serious crime.

Documents Required for GST Practitioner Registration

Here are the documents that you need at the time of online registration.

Aadhaar card

PAN card

Passport-size photo

Proof of address

Educational qualification certificate

Bank account details

Valid email ID

Phone number

Keep digital copies ready. You must upload clear files during the application.

How to Register as a GST Practitioner

Here is the complete online process. The steps are easy and can be done on the GST portal.

Create Account on GST Portal

Visit the GST portal.

Click on “New Registration”.

Select “GST Practitioner”.

Enter your details.

Verify with OTP.

Fill GST PCT-01 Form

Fill Form GST PCT-01.

Upload all required documents.

Submit the form online.

Application Verification

A GST officer will verify your form.

Sometimes an additional document may be requested.

Once approved, you will get a GSTP ID.

Appear for the GST Practitioner Exam

The exam is conducted by NACIN.

You must clear the exam within two years of registration.

Once you pass the exam, your status becomes “GST Practitioner – Certified”.

GST Practitioner Exam Details

The GST Practitioner Exam checks your knowledge of GST laws & procedures. It is held a few times every year by NACIN.

‍Exam Pattern: The exam is online. The duration is two hours and the exam has multiple-choice questions. The maximum marks are 100 & the passing score is 50%.

‍Syllabus Overview: The topics covered in the syllabus are GST registration, GST returns, input tax credit, payment of tax, refund rules, e-way bill, offences and penalties & appeals and revisions.

‍Validity of Certification: Your certificate remains valid unless it is cancelled for any legal reason. There is no expiry once you become certified.

Roles and Responsibilities of a GST Practitioner

Here's what work a GST Practitioner is allowed to do.

File GST returns for clients.

Submit refund applications.

Respond to GST notices.

Apply for amendments in GST registration.

Generate e-way bills.

Assist in compliance and record-keeping.

Act as a representative before the GST authorities.

The taxpayer must approve the practitioner within the GST portal before any work is performed.

Fees and Cost Involved

There is no government fee to register as a GST Practitioner. You only need to pay the exam fee to NACIN. The fee may change but it is usually around ₹500. You may also spend money on coaching or study material but that is optional.

Benefits of Becoming a GST Practitioner

You can earn by offering GST services to businesses. There is high demand because many businesses need compliance help. You can work as a freelancer or start your own consultancy. You can also work with CA firms or tax consultancies. You can grow your practice by adding more clients over time.

Conclusion

Becoming a GST Practitioner is a simple process. You only need the right qualification and proper documents. After registration, you must pass the GST exam. Once certified, you can offer GST services to many types of businesses. This profession is growing. Many people look for reliable help in GST filing and compliance. A certified GST Practitioner can support them and build a stable income. If you want to start a career in taxation then this role is a good option. It offers flexibility, professional value & long-term growth.

FAQs

Q1. Is a GST Practitioner a government job?

No. A GST Practitioner is not a government employee. It is a private profession. You only get approval from the GST Department to help taxpayers. You work independently or with firms.

Q2. How long does it take to become a GST Practitioner?

The registration process is fast. It usually gets approved in a few days. But you must pass the GST exam within two years. Once you clear the exam then you become a certified GST Practitioner.

Q3. What is the passing mark for the GST Practitioner exam?

You must score at least 50 out of 100 marks to pass the exam. The exam is multiple-choice and conducted online by NACIN.

Q4. Can a GST Practitioner file GST returns for any business?

Yes. A GST Practitioner can file returns for any business, but the taxpayer must first approve the practitioner within the GST portal. Only then can the practitioner work for that client.