How to Port Your Indian Mobile Number to BSNL

Many people want BSNL’s wide coverage and affordable plans but hesitate because they do not want to lose their existing mobile number.

Thanks to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), you can shift from Jio, Airtel, Vi or any other operator to BSNL while keeping the same number.

MNP lets a subscriber change service provider without changing the mobile number, as long as basic eligibility conditions are met. This guide explains those conditions and then gives clear, vendor-wise steps to port your Indian mobile number to BSNL.

Check Eligibility Before You Start

TRAI sets common rules for all operators:

• Your number must be active with the current operator for at least 90 days.
• If you are on postpaid, you must clear all outstanding bills.
• There must be no ongoing request to change ownership of the number.
• The number must not be under court case or contractual lock-in.
• Porting is blocked for 7 days after a SIM swap or replacement.

If any of these conditions fail, the system will not generate a port code (UPC), so it is wise to sort them out first.

Keep these documents ready for BSNL:

• Aadhaar/Passport/Driving licence (ID and address proof)
• One passport-size photo (some centres still ask)
• Existing SIM in working condition

Common MNP Steps for Porting to BSNL

The basic method is the same irrespective of your current operator. TRAI and BSNL describe the process in three main stages.

Step 1: Generate your Unique Porting Code (UPC)

From the number you want to port, send:

PORT <your 10-digit mobile number> to 1900

Example: PORT 98xxxxxx98

You will receive an 8-digit UPC from 1901, valid for 4 days in most circles (30 days in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North-East).

Step 2: Submit port request to BSNL

You can either:

• Visit a BSNL Customer Service Centre (CSC) / retailer, or
• Use an online BSNL MNP partner portal or app where available.

Give your UPC, fill the Customer Application Form (CAF) and Porting Form, attach KYC documents, choose a BSNL plan, and collect the new BSNL SIM.

Step 3: Wait for porting window

Porting within the same Licensed Service Area usually takes up to three working days; inter-circle or corporate numbers may take five days, and J&K/Assam/NE up to fifteen. You will receive SMS updates about request submission, scheduled port time and final activation.

Step 4: Insert BSNL SIM

Around the scheduled time (often late night) your old SIM will lose network for up to four hours. When that happens, insert the BSNL SIM, complete any tele-verification if prompted, and start using your number on BSNL.

3. Port from Jio to BSNL

When moving from Jio, keep in mind that many users have eSIM or data-heavy plans. Follow these steps:

1. Back up important data from Jio apps if needed.
2. From your Jio number, send:
   PORT <your number> to 1900 and note the UPC from 1901.
3. If you are on Jio postpaid, clear all pending bills and ensure there is no device-lock contract.
4. Visit a BSNL CSC or retailer with your Aadhaar and Jio SIM.
5. Fill CAF + Porting Form, provide UPC, choose a BSNL plan (prepaid or postpaid).
6. Receive your BSNL SIM and keep using your Jio SIM until network goes off.
7. Once Jio network disappears at the scheduled time, insert the BSNL SIM and complete activation.

If you recently converted between physical SIM and eSIM on Jio, wait at least seven days before requesting porting, as required by TRAI.

4. Port from Airtel to BSNL

Airtel users often hold family postpaid or corporate numbers, so check ownership before starting.

1. Confirm that your Airtel number is older than 90 days and, for corporate connections, obtain an authorization letter if you want to port a company SIM to BSNL personal.
2. Send PORT <your number> to 1900 from the Airtel SIM.
3. Pay any outstanding Airtel bills, including international roaming charges. Keep payment proof.
4. Visit the nearest BSNL CSC with ID proof and the UPC SMS.
5. Fill the CAF and Porting Form, attach documents, and pick your BSNL plan.
6. Airtel will continue to work until the night of porting. You will receive SMS giving the exact date and time.
7. When the Airtel signal drops, insert your BSNL SIM and finish verification calls or SMS prompts.

If you change your mind within 24 hours of submitting the port form, you can cancel by sending CANCEL <your number> to 1900.

5. Port from Vi (Vodafone Idea) to BSNL

Vi customers should double-check a few points, particularly unpaid dues and recent SIM changes.

1. Ensure you have no unpaid Vi bills and that your connection is not under any minimum-tenure contract.
2. Verify that at least seven days have passed since any SIM replacement or upgrade.
3. Send PORT <your number> to 1900 from the Vi SIM and note the UPC.
4. Carry Aadhaar/ID proof, Vi SIM and UPC SMS to a BSNL CSC or authorized retailer.
5. Fill BSNL CAF and Porting Form, provide UPC, and select a prepaid or postpaid BSNL plan.
6. Receive the BSNL SIM; continue using Vi until the scheduled porting time.
7. When Vi network disconnects, insert the BSNL SIM and follow activation instructions.

Prepaid users should remember that any remaining balance with Vi will lapse after porting; use it before the port date if possible.

Conclusion

Porting your Indian mobile number to BSNL is a structured process, not a risky leap. If you clear dues, meet TRAI’s eligibility rules and follow the operator-specific steps outlined above for Jio, Airtel and Vi, the move usually completes within a few working days. You keep your trusted number while gaining access to BSNL’s coverage and plans. The key is simple: send the correct PORT SMS on time, provide accurate KYC at a BSNL centre, and wait for the scheduled switch window. With that, your existing number continues its journey on a new network, and you stay reachable to everyone who already has your contact.