India’s Goods and Services Tax is a regime that will continue to grow and evolve with the government’s aim to simplify tax compliance and promote the ease of doing business. In a major reform move, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a 3-Day GST Registration Scheme, which will be effective from November 1, 2025, allowing the eligible businesses to receive their GST registration within just three working days.
This initiative marks a remarkable step towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the GST system, and also encourages small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs to enter into the formal economy with fewer delays. Let’s understand the details, benefits, eligibility and implications of this new scheme.
What is the 3-Day GST Scheme?
Under the traditional GST system, the registration could take anywhere from 7 to 15 working days, depending on the document verification and the officer’s scrutiny. However, many genuine and major businesses faced long waiting periods due to various procedural backlogs.
The 3-Day GST Scheme aims to change this by enabling auto-approval of registration applications within three working days, provided that the applicant meets specific eligibility criteria and passes risk-based electronic verification checks.
This means that small or low-risk businesses can now get their GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) quickly and start issuing tax invoices without unnecessary delays.
Objective of the Scheme
The introduction of this fast-track registration system harmonize with the government’s broader objectives of:
- Promoting Ease of Doing Business: By minimising the approval time and reducing the bureaucratic hurdles.
- Encouraging Formalisation: To bring micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the tax network.
- Enhancing Efficiency: Leveraging the technology and data analytics for the automated verification and process of approval.
- Curbing Tax Evasion: Using risk-based profiling to detect various suspicious applications while allowing genuine businesses to register in a smooth manner.
Eligibility Criteria
Not every applicant qualifies for this 3-day auto-registration facility. The scheme applies primarily to low-risk and small-scale businesses based on the following parameters: –
- Low-Risk Applicants: Businesses that are not flagged under the GST system’s risk assessment algorithm. The system evaluates risk based on parameters such as prior compliance records, PAN linkage and Aadhaar authentication.
- Tax Liability Threshold: Businesses that self-declare their expected monthly B2B output tax liability to be below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible for automatic approval under this scheme.
- Aadhaar Verification: The applicant and the authorised signatory must successfully complete Aadhaar authentication. This is a critical requirement for the fast-track approval.
- Valid Documents: All documents, such as proof of principal place of business, identity proof and the bank details, must be uploaded accurately on the GST portal.
Step-by-Step Process for GST Registration in 3 Days
Step 1: Online Application (Form GST REG-01)
Visit the official GST portal (www.gst.gov.in) and complete Part A of Form GST REG-01 by entering PAN, email ID and mobile number. You’ll receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) via OTP for further processing.
Step 2: Fill Part B and Upload Documents
Log in using your TRN and fill Part B of the application form. Upload all required documents, including: –
- Proof of business address (ownership or rental)
- PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor/partners/directors
- Bank account details
- Authorization letter for the signatory
Step 3: Aadhaar Authentication
Complete Aadhaar authentication for the primary authorized signatory through OTP-based verification. This step ensures you qualify for electronic processing.
Step 4: System-Based Verification
The GST portal will run automated cross-verification with PAN, Aadhaar and business data. If the application is found to be low-risk, it proceeds automatically for approval.
Step 5: GSTIN Issuance
Once it gets approved, your GST Registration Certificate, viz., Form GST REG-06, will be issued within the duration of three working days. You can then easily start issuing the GST invoices and filing returns from the effective date of registration.
Benefits of the 3-Day GST Scheme
- Faster Business Launch: Entrepreneurs no longer need to wait weeks for the GST approval. With the automated clearance, businesses can commence operations almost immediately.
- Reduced Bureaucratic Delays: The system reduces manual intervention and officer-level scrutiny, cutting the red tape significantly.
- Encouragement for Startups and MSMEs: It makes the procedure simple, which will motivate more startups, freelancers and also small traders to formalise their businesses under GST.
- Technology-Driven Transparency: The use of the Aadhaar verification and examination, data analytics and automation ensures both the elements of speed and transparency in the process.
- Ease of Compliance: A predictable three-day window allows the various entrepreneurs to plan their operations, cash flows and the supplier relationships effectively.
Precautions and Responsibilities for Businesses
While the new scheme provides convenience, businesses must be cautious to ensure compliance and to avoid penalties.
1. Honest Self-Declaration
The ₹2.5 lakh monthly B2B tax liability declaration must be realistic. Misreporting or underestimating liabilities may lead to cancellation of the registration and penalties.
2. Documentation Accuracy
Ensure that your uploaded documents are clear, valid and consistent with PAN and Aadhaar records. Mismatches can trigger the process of manual verification.
3. Post-Registration Compliance
Fast approval doesn’t mean relaxed compliance. Regular GST return filing, record maintenance and accurate invoicing remain mandatory.
4. Possible post-verification
Authorities may also conduct post-registration checks to ensure the element of authenticity. If discrepancies are found, registration can be cancelled retroactively.
Conclusion
The 3-Day Online GST Registration Scheme is more than just a procedural update; it also represents a major leap toward Digital India and ease of doing Business. With the help of automation, simplified processes and transparent criteria, small businesses can also now join the GST network faster and in a more confident manner.
However, the burden remains on the businesses to provide the correct details, and also to maintain transparency and continue with the regular compliance after registration. For most entrepreneurs, this scheme will be a welcome relief from delays and a crucial step in the process of accelerating business growth in India’s evolving tax landscape.
