In India, it is mandatory to have a PAN card to open a savings bank account as per the regulations set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Income Tax Department of India.

The PAN card serves as proof of identity and proof of address for the account holder and is also linked to the account holder’s income tax records.

However, there are some alternative documents that can be used in place of a PAN card to open a savings bank account. These include:

• Aadhaar card: The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serves as proof of identity and proof of address.
• Passport: A passport can be used as proof of identity and proof of address.
• Voter ID card: A Voter ID card can be used as proof of identity and proof of address.
• Driving license: A driving license can be used as proof of identity and proof of address.

It’s worth noting that, the bank may ask for additional documentation such as utility bills, rent agreements, salary slips, etc. as per their internal policy.

It’s also worth noting that, opening a savings account without a PAN card would be difficult, and in the case of any transaction above a certain limit, the bank will ask for PAN card details. It’s advisable to apply for a PAN card if you don’t have one, as it will be required not only for opening a savings account but also for various financial transactions such as investing in mutual funds, insurance, etc.