There are following 4 types of forms for applying for a PAN card which serve for various persons:
(1) Application for allotment of PAN (Form 49 A)- applicable for Indian Citizens
This application is used when the applicant is applying for PAN for the very first time and he has never applied for a PAN or does not have PAN allotted to him. The new application of Form 49A is effective from April 08, 2012.
(2) Application for allotment of PAN (Form 49AA) - applicable for Foreign Citizens
This application is used by the foreign citizens who have never applied for a PAN or does not have PAN allotted to them. An applicant can visit Income Tax Department (ITD) website to find whether a PAN has been allotted to him or not. The new application of Form 49AA is effective from April 08, 2012.
(3) Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN data
This application is used in the following circumstances:
The application for issuance of PAN is processed usually in 15 days' time, if it is found in order and the PAN card is issued and sent to the applicant.