Unclaimed bank deposits represent a significant amount of idle money belonging to individuals who may have forgotten, relocated, or lost track of their accounts over time. To address this issue and empower citizens, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a centralized digital platform known as the UDGAM Portal. Through this portal, we can easily search, identify, and verify unclaimed deposits across multiple banks in one secure place.
This comprehensive guide explains everything we need to know about the UDGAM Portal for unclaimed deposits, including how it works, who can use it, what information is required, and how to check dormant or inactive bank accounts efficiently.
What Is the UDGAM Portal?
The UDGAM Portal (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information) is an RBI-backed online system designed to help individuals locate unclaimed deposits lying with banks in India. Previously, searching for unclaimed funds required contacting individual banks separately. With UDGAM, we now have a single-window interface that simplifies the entire process.
The portal aggregates unclaimed deposit data from participating banks and presents it in a searchable, user-friendly format, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and ease of use for the public.
Why Unclaimed Bank Deposits Occur
Unclaimed deposits typically arise due to:
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Long-term inactive or dormant savings and fixed deposit accounts
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Change of address without updating bank records
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Death of account holders where nominees are unaware
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Forgotten accounts opened many years ago
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Lack of awareness about old joint accounts or minor accounts
The UDGAM Portal is specifically built to bridge this information gap and reconnect rightful owners or legal heirs with their funds.
Key Features of the UDGAM Portal
The UDGAM Portal offers several powerful features that make it an essential financial tool:
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Centralized database of unclaimed deposits from multiple banks
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Secure login system with OTP-based authentication
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Search by name, PAN, Aadhaar, or other identifiers
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User-friendly dashboard accessible on desktop and mobile
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RBI-authorized platform ensuring data accuracy and safety
By using these features, we can quickly determine whether any unclaimed funds exist under our name or related family members.
Who Can Use the UDGAM Portal
The portal is designed for:
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Individual account holders
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Joint account holders
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Legal heirs of deceased account holders
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Nominees authorized by banks
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Individuals searching on behalf of family members
Anyone with basic identification details can initiate a search, making the system inclusive and accessible.
How to Check Unclaimed Deposits Using UDGAM Portal
Step-by-Step Guide to Use UDGAM Portal
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Visit the official UDGAM Portal:
https://udgam.rbi.org.in/unclaimed-deposits/#/login -
Register using your mobile number and verify with OTP
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Log in to the portal dashboard
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Enter required details such as name, date of birth, PAN, Aadhaar, or bank name
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Submit the search request
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View the list of matching unclaimed deposit records, if any
The portal displays relevant information while maintaining strict privacy standards.
Information Required to Search on UDGAM Portal
To perform an accurate search, we should keep the following details ready:
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Full name of the account holder
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Date of birth
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PAN number (if available)
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Aadhaar number (optional but helpful)
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Previous bank account details (if known)
Providing accurate information increases the chances of identifying matching records successfully.
What Happens After Finding an Unclaimed Deposit
The UDGAM Portal does not directly release funds. Instead, it guides us to the concerned bank where the deposit is held. After identifying an unclaimed amount, we must:
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Contact the respective bank branch
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Submit a claim application
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Provide identity proof and account ownership documents
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Complete bank verification procedures
Once verified, the bank processes the claim as per RBI guidelines.
Banks Covered Under the UDGAM Portal
The portal includes data from multiple public and private sector banks. RBI continues to onboard more banks in phases to ensure maximum coverage. This makes UDGAM a continuously expanding platform with growing relevance.
Benefits of Using UDGAM Portal
Using the UDGAM Portal offers several clear advantages:
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Time-saving: No need to approach multiple banks separately
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Transparency: Centralized RBI-backed data access
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Financial recovery: Helps reclaim forgotten or idle money
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Public awareness: Encourages responsible financial tracking
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Digital convenience: Accessible anytime, anywhere
This initiative reflects RBI’s commitment to financial inclusion and consumer protection.
Security and Privacy on UDGAM Portal
The UDGAM Portal follows strict data protection and cybersecurity protocols. User access is secured through:
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OTP-based authentication
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Encrypted data handling
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Limited visibility of sensitive information
These measures ensure that personal and financial data remains protected throughout the process.
UDGAM Portal vs Traditional Bank Enquiry
| Aspect | Traditional Method | UDGAM Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Manual bank visits | Fully online |
| Coverage | One bank at a time | Multiple banks |
| Time | Lengthy | Fast |
| Transparency | Limited | High |
| Accessibility | Branch dependent | 24/7 online |
The comparison clearly highlights why UDGAM is a transformational digital solution.
Common Questions About UDGAM Portal
Is UDGAM Portal free to use?
Yes, the portal is completely free for all users.
Can we search for deceased family members?
Yes, legal heirs and nominees can search using available details.
Does UDGAM show the exact deposit amount?
The portal provides indicative information. Final confirmation is done by the respective bank.
Is Aadhaar mandatory?
No, Aadhaar is optional, but it helps improve search accuracy.
Importance of Checking Unclaimed Deposits Regularly
Regularly checking unclaimed deposits helps us:
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Avoid permanent loss of funds
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Maintain updated financial records
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Ensure family members are aware of existing assets
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Promote responsible money management
With digital tools like UDGAM, staying informed has never been easier.
Final Thoughts on UDGAM Portal for Unclaimed Bank Deposits
The UDGAM Portal is a landmark initiative by RBI that simplifies the process of identifying unclaimed bank deposits across India. By offering a centralized, secure, and transparent system, it empowers individuals and families to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them. Leveraging this platform ensures financial awareness, accountability, and peace of mind.
Every individual with past or present banking relationships should make it a priority to check the UDGAM Portal at least once and ensure no funds are left unattended.
