You can apply for PAN by filling up Form 49A: Application for Allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN application form). You can also apply for PAN online through NSDL-TIN website.
You can obtain the application form for PAN (Form 49A) in the format prescribed by Income Tax Department from TIN-Facilitation Centres (TIN-FCs), any other stationery vendors providing such forms or from NSDL-TIN website.
You should fill the application form legibly in English capital letters with black ink. You should read all the instructions before filling up Form 49A.

'Individual' applicants should affix a recent colour photograph (size 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided on the form. The photograph should not be stapled or clipped to the form. The applicant should not sign across the photograph. The clarity of image on PAN card will depend on the quality and clarity of photograph affixed on the form.
You have to submit the following documents with the application form:
A] Proof of identity (POI)
B] Proof of address (POA)
The documents for POI and POA depend on the citizenship and the status of the applicant.
Individual and HUF Applicants who are citizens of India and located within India at the time of application for PAN:
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of identity:

School leaving certificate
Matriculation certificate
Degree of recognized educational institution
Depository account statement
Valid Credit card
Bank account statement
Water bill
Ration card
Property tax assessment order
Passport
Voter's identity card
Driving license
Certificate of identity signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer.

Answered by subu , an ibibo Specialist, at 4:29 PM on May 24, 2008

hi seema ji :-
1. Use BLACK INK for filling the FORM and SIGNATURE.
2. 'Individual' applicants should paste one recent, coloured photograph (stamp size : 3.5 cms X 2.5 cms).
The photograph should not be stapled or clipped. The clarity of the image on PAN Card will depend on the quality and clarity of photograph pasted on the form.
3. Thumb impression, if used, should be attested by a Magistrate or a Notary Public or Gazetted Officer, under official seal and stamp.
4. Each box, wherever provided, should contain only one character (alphabets/number/punctuation sign) leaving a box blank after each word.
5. Area and AO code should be filled by the applicant, in consultation with IT PAN Service Center, if required

General Information for PAN Applicants

1.

Application for PAN should be made only on from supplied by UTIISL or from website http://www.pancard.utitsl.co.i n or obtained IT PAN Service Center. Cost of the form is Rs.5/-.Applications on any other form including re-printed or photocopied from original will be summarily rejected.
2. Before submission of form, a Processing Coupon of Rs. 60/- should be obtained from the IT PAN Service Center and affixed on the top of the form.
3. Those already allotted a ten digit alphanumeric PAN shall not apply again as having or using more then one PAN are illegal. Such allottees may,however,request for the new tamper proof PAN card, with several security features, on payment of Rs.60/-at IT PAN Service Centers.
4. Documents to be submitted along with application for PAN (Column 15 of Form 49 A):

Answered by shepherd , an ibibo Master, at 2:44 PM on May 20, 2008

You apply online as well as offline. Offline means you submit your application form in IT PAN Service centers or TIN Facilitation centers.
For this you download form 49A from website of income tax india or NSDL or UTIISL( www.incometaxindia.gov.in, www.utiisl.co.in or tin.nsdl.com) or you collect form from these offices. Take form, fillup and submit with supported document. supported documented means Address proof, Identity proof, photo and fee.

For more detail visit site given below-
https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pa n/index.html

Answered by Nagendra , an ibibo Master, at 12:48 PM on May 18, 2008