Growing old is a blessing, but with it comes the responsibility of managing retirement income and pensions smoothly. If you or someone in your family is a pensioner, you already know how important it is to submit a life certificate every year to continue receiving the pension. For thousands of pensioners banking with the State Bank of India (SBI), this process is especially significant.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about life certificate submission in SBI in 2025 — from deadlines and methods (online & offline) to the new SPARSH system for defence pensioners. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions in simple words so that even senior citizens can easily understand.
What is a Life Certificate?
A Life Certificate is a document that confirms a pensioner is alive. It is mandatory for all government pensioners to submit it every year so that pensions can continue without interruption.
Earlier, this process used to be tiring because pensioners had to visit their bank branch physically. But today, thanks to digital initiatives like Jeevan Pramaan, UMANG App, and even Video Life Certificate (VLC), pensioners can now submit their life certificates online from the comfort of their homes.
Why is Life Certificate Submission in SBI Important?
SBI is the largest pension disbursing bank in India, handling the pensions of lakhs of retired government employees, defence personnel, and family pensioners. To ensure that pensions are given only to eligible individuals, the bank requires proof of life once every year.
Without timely submission of this certificate, pension payments can be stopped. That’s why life certificate submission in SBI is critical for every pensioner.
SBI Life Certificate Submission Last Date 2025
One of the most common questions pensioners ask is:
What is the last date for life certificate submission in SBI in 2025?
- For pensioners below 80 years: You must submit your life certificate between 1st November and 30th November 2025.
- For very senior pensioners (80 years and above): You get an early window and can submit from 1st October 2025.
This means if you are 80 or above, you don’t need to wait for November. You can submit from October itself.
Note: If you fail to submit within the deadline, your pension will be stopped until the life certificate is submitted.
Quick Checklist – 5 Easy Ways to Submit Life Certificate in SBI (2025)
1. Physical Submission (Branch Visit)
- Submit signed certificate at any SBI branch.
- Get acknowledgment slip.
2. Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan)
- Aadhaar-based biometric authentication.
- Generate via SBI branch, CSC, Aadhaar center, or jeevanpramaan.gov.in.
3. UMANG Mobile App
- Download UMANG app.
- Generate & submit certificate through Aadhaar authentication.
4. Video Life Certificate (VLC)
- Available via pensionseva.sbi or SBI PensionSeva app.
- Verification through video call with PAN card.
- No need to visit branch.
5. CSC / Aadhaar Seva Kendra
- Visit nearest CSC center.
- Provide Aadhaar, PPO, bank details & biometric authentication.
Important Dates:
- Pensioners below 80 years → Submit between 1st–30th November 2025
Pensioners 80+ years → Can submit from 1st October 2025
Different Ways of Life Certificate Submission in SBI
SBI has made it very easy for pensioners by providing multiple modes — both offline and online. Let’s go through them one by one.
1. Physical Submission at SBI Branch
This is the traditional method. Pensioners can visit any SBI branch (not just their home branch) and submit a signed physical life certificate form.
- You will receive an acknowledgment slip after submission.
- The certificate is updated in SBI’s pension software the same day.
- The branch will keep your certificate safely for 5 years.
Suitable for pensioners who are not comfortable with digital methods.
2. Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan)
The Government of India launched Jeevan Pramaan on 10th November 2014. It is an Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certificate (DLC).
How to submit Jeevan Pramaan via SBI:
- Visit any SBI branch, CSC center, or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- Provide Aadhaar number, mobile number, Pension Payment Order (PPO), and account details.
- Give biometric authentication (fingerprint).
- On success, a Pramaan ID will be generated and sent to your mobile.
Pensioners can also generate their certificate online from jeevanpramaan.gov.in.
3. Life Certificate via UMANG App
Pensioners with a smartphone can use the Government’s UMANG app to submit a life certificate.
Steps:
- Download UMANG app from Google Play Store.
- Search for “Jeevan Pramaan” inside the app.
- Click on “Generate Life Certificate.”
- Enter details and provide biometric authentication.
- Your digital life certificate will be submitted instantly.
4. Video Life Certificate (VLC) in SBI
SBI has introduced a very senior-friendly option called Video Life Certificate.
This allows pensioners to submit the certificate via a video call with an SBI official, without leaving home.
Who is eligible?
- Pensioners whose pensions are processed by SBI.
- Pensioners living in India.
- Pensioners whose Aadhaar is linked to their pension account.
- Pensioners who submitted a certificate last year.
Benefits:
- Free, safe, and paperless.
- No need to visit branch.
- Easy submission from home.
Requirements:
- Smartphone, tablet, or laptop with internet & camera.
- PAN card for verification.
- Adequate lighting.
You can access this service via the SBI PensionSeva website (pensionseva.sbi) or the SBI PensionSeva mobile app.
5. Life Certificate at Citizen Service Centre (CSC)
If you are not comfortable with mobile apps, you can also visit your nearest CSC (Citizen Service Centre) or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- Provide Aadhaar, PPO number, and account details.
- Give biometric authentication.
- Your digital life certificate will be generated with a Pramaan ID.
Life Certificate for Defence Pensioners under SPARSH
Defence pensioners have a slightly different process now. The Ministry of Defence has launched SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha).
- Pensioners are being gradually migrated from SBI and other banks to SPARSH for pension processing.
- If you are a defence pensioner whose pension is migrated under SPARSH, your life certificate will still be accepted at any SBI branch, but it will be uploaded digitally to SPARSH.
- The SBI branch will:
- Verify your certificate.
- Retain it safely for 5 years.
- Update it in the SPARSH system digitally.
- Verify your certificate.
If you are still under SBI’s pension system (not yet migrated), your old process remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s now answer some common doubts in very simple words.
1. Who needs to submit a life certificate?
All government pensioners (Central, State, Defence, and family pensioners).
2. What happens if I don’t submit my life certificate on time?
Your pension will be stopped temporarily. Once you submit, it will be resumed.
3. Can I submit a life certificate online without visiting SBI?
Yes. You can use Jeevan Pramaan, UMANG app, or Video Life Certificate (VLC).
4. What is the last date to submit life certificate in SBI in 2025?
- For pensioners below 80: 30th November 2025
- For pensioners 80+: From 1st October 2025
5. What documents are required for Video Life Certificate?
- PAN card.
- Aadhaar must be linked to your pension account.
- Device with internet & camera.
6. Can defence pensioners migrated to SPARSH submit life certificates in SBI?
Yes. SBI will collect and digitally upload your certificate to SPARSH.
7. If I am re-employed or remarried (for family pensioners), can I submit a digital certificate?
No. In such cases, only physical life certificate is accepted.
8. Is Video Life Certificate available outside India?
No. Currently, it is available only within India.
9. Can I reschedule a Video Life Certificate appointment?
Yes. Pensioners can reschedule to a convenient date and time.
10. Is Jeevan Pramaan safe?
Yes. It uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, and you get a transaction ID for record.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submit Video Life Certificate in SBI
For those who prefer detailed instructions:
- Visit SBI PensionSeva website or open the PensionSeva app.
- Click on VideoLC.
- Enter your pension account number and CAPTCHA.
- Authorize use of Aadhaar.
- Enter OTP received on Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Submit self-declarations (non-employment, non-remarriage, income).
- Schedule a video call with SBI official.
- Show your PAN card and read out verification code during the call.
- After verification, your life certificate will be accepted.
- You’ll receive SMS confirmation.
Key Takeaways for Pensioners
- Life certificate submission in SBI is mandatory every year.
- Last date: 30th November 2025 (1st October for 80+).
- Options available: Physical form, Jeevan Pramaan, UMANG app, Video Life Certificate, CSCs.
- Defence pensioners migrated under SPARSH must also submit at SBI branches, which upload it digitally.
- Video Life Certificate is the most convenient method for senior citizens who cannot visit branches.
Final Thoughts
Life certificate submission in SBI doesn’t have to be a stressful process anymore. With digital tools like Jeevan Pramaan and Video Life Certificate, pensioners can now complete the process in just a few minutes — without leaving home.
If you or your loved ones are pensioners, mark your calendars for October–November 2025 and choose the most convenient way to submit the life certificate. This small step ensures uninterrupted pension and peace of mind throughout the year.
Pro Tip: Always keep your Aadhaar and PAN linked with your pension account in SBI. This will make digital submission smoother and faster.