GST Registration Time: 7 Working Days, Deemed Approval Rule
Two reports say CBIC issued Circular 257/03/2026-GST on 26 October 2026 with guidelines for officers handling GST registration. It sets about 7 working days with Aadhaar authentication, about 30 days otherwise, and deemed approval if the officer does not act in time.
What changed
When: Circular dated 26 October 2026, as reported. The reports do not state a separate start date. The processing times follow Rule 9 of the CGST Rules.
| Before | Circular 257 (reported) |
|---|---|
| Registration with Aadhaar authentication | |
| Officers often raised extra queries | Generally 7 working days |
| Registration without Aadhaar or with physical verification | |
| Timing varied | Generally 30 days |
| Officer asks for clarification | |
| No clear clock | Decision within 7 working days of your reply |
| Officer does not act in time | |
| Applicants waited | Deemed approved under Rule 9 |
How long does GST registration take now?
Two reports (Taxo and Sarkaritel) say the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued eight circulars dated 26 October 2026 after the 57th GST Council meeting. Circular 257/03/2026-GST covers registration.
Both reports agree on the timing. If Aadhaar authentication is successful, registration is generally decided in 7 working days. If Aadhaar is not used or not completed, or the officer needs a physical check, it is generally 30 days.
What happens if the officer asks questions about my application?
The reports say the officer should send the deficiency in FORM GST REG-03. You reply in FORM GST REG-04 within 7 working days. After your reply, the officer should decide within 7 working days.
Taxo adds that officers should not raise unrelated queries, such as the address location, the Udyam certificate or the type of electricity connection. Sarkaritel does not list these, so treat that detail as reported by one outlet.
Is GST registration deemed approved if nobody acts?
Yes, both reports say so. If the statutory period passes without action, the application can be deemed approved under Rule 9 of the CGST Rules, 2017. Sarkaritel says this is subject to the rule's conditions.
Taxo also reports a faster route for small taxpayers under Rule 14A, with registration in 3 working days. Sarkaritel does not mention it, so confirm it on the official circular.
What documents will officers accept?
Sarkaritel says the circular gives standard formats for consent letters, affidavits and undertakings, for example when you operate from a rented or shared place. Taxo says there are 51 FAQs with the circular.
Keep your PAN, Aadhaar, address proof and rent or consent papers ready. Our GST registration guide lists them.
Does a delay mean I can start billing?
Do not start billing only because you think the period is over. Wait for the approval message or the certificate on the GST portal. Raise a complaint with the Chief Commissioner (Central) or the state Commissioner if the application is stuck, as Taxo reports the circular allows.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does GST registration take?
As reported, generally 7 working days with Aadhaar authentication and about 30 days otherwise.
Is this confirmed by the official circular?
Not yet by us. Two reports describe Circular 257/03/2026-GST dated 26 October 2026. We will update this page when we have read it on the CBIC site.
What is deemed approval in GST registration?
If the officer does not act within the time set by Rule 9, the application can be treated as approved. The reports say this is subject to the rule's conditions.
How long do I have to answer a GST officer's query?
The reports say you reply in FORM GST REG-04 within 7 working days of the deficiency notice in FORM GST REG-03.
GST registration mein kitne din lagte hain?
Reports ke hisaab se Aadhaar authentication ke saath aam taur par 7 working days, warna lagbhag 30 din. Official circular padhkar hi pakka karein.
Short summary in Hinglish
Do reports ke mutabik CBIC ne 26 October 2026 ko Circular 257 jaari kiya: Aadhaar authentication ke saath GST registration aam taur par 7 working days mein, warna lagbhag 30 din mein, aur officer ne time par kaam na kiya to deemed approval. Official circular humne abhi nahi padha, isliye yeh reported hai.
