A business does not apply for a CIN separately. It applies for company incorporation through the MCA, and after approval, the ROC registers the company and allots its CIN.

A CIN is made up of different identifiers. Here is what each part of CIN means:

• First character: Shows the company’s listing status. L stands for listed and U stands for unlisted.
• Next five digits: Represent the company’s primary National Industrial Classification (NIC) code, which indicates its main business activity.
• Next two letters: Show the state or Union Territory where the company is registered.
• Next four digits: Show the year in which the company was incorporated.
• Next three letters: Indicate the company’s classification or type, such as PTC for a private company and PLC for a public company.
• Last six digits: Represent the company’s registration number assigned by the RoC.

How to Get CIN for New Company Through MCA? Company Incorporation Process

Registering a company can be done in phases or through a single application. The SPICe+ (Simplified Performa for Incorporating Company Electronically) form has two parts. Part A is used to reserve the proposed company name, while Part B captures the details needed for company incorporation and allows eligible proposed directors to apply for a DIN. Once the incorporation application is approved, the ROC registers the company and allots its CIN.

Step 1: Register on the MCA Portal

To initiate the company incorporation process, you need to create an account on the MCA portal. Click Register and start the user registration process.

Select the appropriate user category, Registered User or Business User. Then select the relevant user role based on how you will use the MCA portal.

Next, provide your Income Tax PAN, followed by the required personal and contact details. After completing the registration process, you will receive your MCA login credentials. You can then use these credentials to log in to the MCA portal and proceed with the company incorporation process.

Note: Your MCA login credentials are not the CIN. The CIN is allotted to the company after the incorporation application is approved.

Step 2: Choose and Reserve a Company Name

The name you use for your business may already be registered or may be too similar to an existing company or LLP name. So, before incorporating your company, you need to choose a name that is available and meets the applicable naming rules.

SPICe+ Part A is used to apply for company name reservation. After logging in to the MCA portal, go to:

MCA Services → Company e-Filing → Incorporation and Change Services → SPICe+ → Reserve Name for New Company Incorporation

You need to provide details such as:

• Type: Private, Public, or One Person Company (OPC)
• Class: Company limited by shares, company limited by guarantee or unlimited company
• Category (sub-category): Government or non-government company, and other applicable sub-categories based on the company type
• Main business activity and the relevant NIC code
• Proposed names: You can propose up to two names. It is also advisable to do a trademark search to avoid name rejection. 

If the business has multiple activities covered under different NIC codes, select the code that represents the primary business activity. The primary NIC code also forms part of the company's CIN.

Important note: If Part A and Part B are submitted together as part of the complete incorporation application, only one name can be proposed in Part A.

Step 3: Get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

After completing SPICe+ Part A, you need to fill SPICe+ Part B, which is used for the company incorporation process. To fill Part B, you first need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Since the documents are filed electronically, a DSC helps ensure their security and authenticity.

On the MCA portal, go to MCA Services → DSC Services →DSC Certifying Authorities. You will find the list of Certifying Agencies authorised to issue DSCs. You can obtain a DSC from the applicable Certifying Agency 

Step 4: Fill SPICe+ Part B for Incorporation

Once the company name is reserved, you can move to SPICe+ Part B to provide the information required for incorporation.

You need to provide details such as:

• Registered office details, including the address and required address proofs
• Share capital details, including authorised and subscribed capital
• Details of subscribers, including their personal details and shareholding
• Details of directors, including their DIN, where available
• Details required for DIN allotment for eligible proposed directors who do not have a valid DIN
• PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) details, if available

The form may also require details of the subscribers' and directors' identity and residential proofs, along with other applicable information and attachments

Note: If a proposed director does not have a DIN, the required details can be provided in SPICe+ Part B to apply for one. DIN can be allotted to up to three proposed directors through SPICe+ Part B. Upon successful processing of the incorporation application, the eligible directors receive their DIN, and the company receives its CIN. Similarly, you can apply for the company’s PAN and TAN.

Step 5: Complete the Linked Forms

After filling SPICe+ Part B, you need to fill and upload the applicable linked forms required for incorporation.

The main linked forms include:

• Form INC-33 or e-MOA (Memorandum of Association): States the company's purpose, objectives and the activities it is authorised to carry out.
• Form INC-34 or e-AOA (Articles of Association): Sets out the rules and procedures for the company's internal management and functioning.
• Form INC-35 or AGILE-PRO-S: Used for applicable registrations and services such as GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, and company bank account opening.
• INC-9: Declaration by the subscribers and first directors, where applicable.

The information entered in SPICe+ Part B can be carried into the applicable linked forms, reducing the need to enter the same details again.

Step 6: Sign and Submit the Forms

After completing SPICe+ Part B and the applicable linked forms, the required documents need to be digitally signed using the relevant Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs).

The DSC-affixed forms are then uploaded on the MCA portal and pay the required fees to complete the submission.

Step 7: MCA/ROC Reviews and You Receive the Certificate of Incorporation and CIN

After the incorporation application is submitted, MCA/ROC reviews the application and the documents submitted with it.

If the application and documents meet the required conditions, the application is approved. The company is then incorporated, and the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is issued with the company's CIN.

If any information is incomplete or needs correction, the ROC may ask for resubmission or additional information.

Note: MCA's incorporation FAQs state that up to two resubmissions are permitted to remove defects in SPICe+ forms.

What to Do After Incorporation?

After incorporation and receiving the CIN, check whether you have completed the following:

1. Open and activate the company's bank account, if not already completed through the incorporation process

2. Mention the CIN on company documents wherever required, as prescribed under the Companies Act and applicable rules

3. Complete applicable tax and statutory registrations, based on the company's business and requirements

4. Complete PAN and TAN submissions, wherever required

5. Use DIN for applicable filings, where required

How to Verify a CIN If You Already Have It?

If you already have a CIN, you can verify the company details through the MCA portal. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the MCA portal and log in to your account.

2. Hover over or click Master Data and select Master Data Services. Both options will take you to the login page.

3. If you already have an MCA account, log in using your credentials. If you are not registered, complete the registration process first.

4. After logging in, enter the company name, CIN, or LLPIN if you want to view LLP details.

5. Enter the CAPTCHA, if displayed, and submit the search.

6. The available company or LLP details will be displayed on the screen.

Note: If you are verifying a company's CIN, enter the CIN or company name and check whether the company details displayed on the MCA portal match the information you have.

CIN vs DIN vs PAN vs TAN

During the company incorporation process, you receive different identification numbers, each serving a different purpose.

Final Thoughts

To operate as a registered company, a business needs to complete the company incorporation process and obtain the required CIN, PAN and TAN, while eligible directors need to have a DIN. Through SPICe+, DIN can be allotted to up to three proposed directors, or up to five in the case of a Producer Company. If there are more proposed directors, they need to obtain their DIN through the prescribed regulatory process.

The post-incorporation process also remains important, both from a legal compliance perspective and for maintaining the company's credibility.

Disclaimer:

The contents herein are only for informational purposes and generic in nature. The content does not amount to an offer, invitation or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell, and are not intended to create any legal rights or obligations. This information is subject to updation, completion, amendment and verification without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product-specific terms and conditions, as well as any applicable third-party terms and conditions, for which Ujjivan Small Finance Bank assumes no responsibility or liability.

Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or opinion. Please obtain professional advice before making investment or any other decisions. Any investment decisions that may be made by you shall be at your own sole discretion, independent analysis and evaluation of the risks involved. The use of any information set out in this document is entirely at the user's own risk. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy and completeness of any information herein. The Bank disclaims any and all liability for any loss or damage (direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) incurred by you due to use of or due to investment, product application decisions made by you on the basis of the contents herein. While the information is prepared in good faith from sources deemed reliable (including public sources), the Bank disclaims any liability with respect to accuracy of information or any error or omission or any loss or damage incurred by anyone in reliance on the contents herein, in any manner whatsoever.

To know more about Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Products Visit:"https://www.ujjivansfb.bank.in"

All intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary rights, pertaining to the content and materials displayed herein, belong to Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited or its licensors. Unauthorised use or misuse of any intellectual property, or other content displayed herein is strictly prohibited and the same is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would (by reason of that person's nationality, residence or otherwise) be contrary to law or registration or would subject Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements.

Explore Our Products