03 August 2012
Other than your articleship if you are doing any business/services and if such income is likely to cross the taxable income under I.T Act, you can apply. Or if you would like to invest in mutual funds, other deposits/bond etc., PAN card is mandatory. So, based on this you can apply.
04 August 2012
Even if you need to open a bank account for the purpose of depositing Stipend Cheques you need to apply for PAN Card, So as per my knowledge is concerned there is no problem for Applying for PAN Card. You may apply for PAN any time