Recently I got an interview call from a reputed MNC. Along with my Bio-data they are asking for my PAN Card details.

My question is, why they required PAN details before the interview. Can they track my previous salary details with the PAN number ? Need expert views here.

Answer:

Requiring PAN card details before an interview seems unusual because the recruitment process typically involves evaluating the candidate's skills, experience, and suitability for the job.

Interviewers ask for PAN card from candidate to verify their true identity and prevent fraudulent candidates from appearing for interview.

However, there could be a few reasons why a company might ask for this information:

1. Identity Verification: The PAN (Permanent Account Number) card in India is an essential document for financial transactions and also serves as proof of identity. A company might use it for background checks or verification of identity before proceeding further with an interview. In the recent times, I have seen several cases of fake candidates appearing for interview in place of the actual candidates. Having a PAN card can quickly help companies identify if the right person is being interviewed.

2. Tax Purposes: A PAN card is also needed for income tax purposes in India. If the interview is for a contractual or freelancing position where tax-at-source needs to be deducted, the company might need your PAN card information.

3. Formality and Record-keeping: In some cases, companies might collect PAN card details as part of their formal documentation and record-keeping processes.

However, it's essential to be cautious and ensure you're not sharing sensitive information with untrustworthy sources.

If the request seems suspicious or the company isn't able to provide a reasonable explanation for why they need this information before an interview, it's advisable not to share these details.

Sharing sensitive information can lead to identity theft or other types of fraud.

Remember, until you are formally employed or have accepted a contract, you generally should not need to provide tax information.

As a general rule, only share such personal details when you are comfortable, and it's clearly necessary.

An important point to keep in mind is that the companies cannot draw information about candidate’s past employment information.

For all the practical purposes, PAN card is asked only to verify the information provided by the candidate in their resume is correct.