Rule Changes From November 1, 2026: GST Registration, Caller ID, PNB Charges, Mutual Funds and Pension Updates
Several important financial and regulatory changes are taking effect across India from November 1, 2026. These updates will affect businesses, mobile phone users, pensioners, bank customers and mutual fund investors.
The changes include new provisions for GST registration at co-working spaces, the introduction of caller name identification, revised charges on certain PNB credit card transactions and changes to mutual fund investment platforms. Investors in Sovereign Gold Bonds will also get opportunities for premature redemption, while prices of several cancer medicines are expected to fall from November 9.
Here is a detailed look at the major changes coming into effect.
1. GST Registration Rules for Co-working SpacesBusinesses will now be able to use co-working space addresses to obtain GST registration, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Applicants will need to submit a copy of their co-working space membership agreement, clearly mentioning the business address. Supporting records, including electricity bills and property tax receipts, may also be required to establish the address.
For applications completed through Aadhaar-based authentication, physical verification of the premises will generally not be required. However, authorities may conduct an inspection if they suspect fraud or identify serious irregularities.
Other GST-related changes will also take effect, covering appeal filing fees, the requirement to provide clear reasons in tax notices and improvements to the refund process.
2. Caller Name Display Facility to BeginTelecom operators will be required to introduce the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service from November 1.
Under this facility, the name registered against the caller’s mobile connection will appear on the recipient’s phone screen when a call is received. The feature is intended to help users identify incoming callers and deal more effectively with unwanted calls.
Initially, CNAP will be available on compatible 4G and 5G connections. The service may be extended to 2G and 3G users at a later stage.
The displayed name will be based on the registration details associated with the caller’s mobile connection.
3. Life Certificate Deadline and New PNB Credit Card ChargesLife Certificate submission for pensioners
Government pensioners below 80 years of age can submit their annual Life Certificate between November 1 and November 30.
Those aged 80 years and above have been eligible to begin submitting their certificates from October 1.
Pensioners can complete the process by visiting the bank branch responsible for distributing their pension. They can also submit the certificate digitally through the Jeevan Pramaan facility using Aadhaar-based authentication and face authentication technology.
Submitting the certificate within the applicable period is important for the continuation of pension payments.
PNB utility bill payment charges
Punjab National Bank (PNB) is introducing a charge on certain utility bill payments made through its credit cards.
From November 1, a fee of 1% will apply to utility bill transactions exceeding ₹50,000. The maximum charge will be limited to ₹2,000 per transaction.
Earlier, PNB did not levy this particular charge on utility bill payments made through its credit cards.
Payments for electricity, telephone, internet and water services are among the transactions covered under the utility bill category.
4. Direct Mutual Fund Plans to Become the Default OptionThe Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is introducing a change in the way mutual fund investment options are presented on asset management companies’ digital platforms.
From November 1, direct plans will become the default selection on these platforms.
Investors who choose regular mutual fund plans will first be informed about the higher expense ratios associated with those options.
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the change is intended to ensure that investors are made aware of the additional costs before selecting a regular plan.
5. Sovereign Gold Bond Redemption Dates and Cancer Medicine Price ChangesSovereign Gold Bond premature redemption
Investors holding certain Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) series will have an opportunity to withdraw their investments before the completion of the full maturity period during November 2026.
The scheduled premature redemption dates are:
Sovereign Gold Bond Series Redemption Date| 2020-21 Series VII | November 2, 2026 |
| 2020-21 Series VIII | November 18, 2026 |
| 2020-21 Series II | November 19, 2026 |
| 2021-22 Series I | November 25, 2026 |
Eligible investors can opt for premature redemption on the respective scheduled dates.
Cancer medicine prices expected to fall from November 9
The government has capped the trade margin on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines at 30%.
According to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the decision could reduce the retail prices of these medicines by up to 70%, depending on their existing price structure.
The revised prices are scheduled to come into effect from November 9, 2026. This move is expected to provide financial relief to patients purchasing the medicines covered by the decision.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the details provided about the proposed and scheduled regulatory changes. Actual implementation, eligibility conditions, charges and applicable dates may depend on official notifications issued by the concerned authorities. Readers should verify the latest guidelines with the relevant government department, bank, SEBI, NPPA or financial institution before making financial decisions.