• 1st character represents listing status: “L” represents a listed company, while “U” represents an unlisted company.
• 2nd to 6th characters represent the industry code: “12345” represents the industry code.
• 7th to 8th characters represent the state of registration: “KA” represents Karnataka.
• 9th to 12th characters represent the year of incorporation: “2026” represents the year in which the company was incorporated.
• 13th to 15th characters represent the company type: “PLC” represents a public limited company.
• 16th to 21st characters represent the registration number: “123456” represents the company’s registration number.

Apart from the information a CIN itself carries, using the CIN on the MCA portal can help you access more information about the company. Some company information is available for public viewing, while access to certain records or services may require you to log in to the portal.

What is the Purpose of CIN?

CIN acts as a unique company identifier for various corporate, regulatory and business purposes.

1. For Different MCA Filings

A company needs to file certain information with the MCA during its business operations. These filings may be annual, periodic or event-based, depending on the company's compliance requirements and any changes in its business or structure. The CIN helps the MCA identify the company and link these filings to its records.

Some common MCA filings include:

• Annual return: Companies file their annual return through Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A, as applicable. The annual return contains information about the company's registered office, business activities, shareholding, members, directors and other prescribed details.
• Financial statements: Companies file their financial statements with the Registrar through the applicable AOC-4. These filings cover the company's financial statements and related documents.
• Event-based filings: Companies may need to file forms when certain changes or events occur. For example, PAS-3 is used for reporting allotment of securities, while MGT-14 is used for filing certain resolutions and agreements.
• Director-related filings: Companies may need to report changes in directors through DIR-12 and directors may need to complete their applicable KYC requirements through DIR-3 KYC.

2. To Apply for Banking Products

When a company opens a bank account to hold and use its business funds, the bank may ask for its CIN to verify the company's identity and registration details. Similarly, when a company applies for a business loan or other banking and financial products, the CIN may be used as a corporate identifier during the verification and documentation process.

3. To Respond to Government Notices

When a company receives a compliance, legal or public notice from a government authority or other authorised body, it may need to mention its CIN while responding. The CIN helps identify the company and link the response to the correct corporate records.
For notices related to specific directors, the Director Identification Number (DIN) may also be required along with the relevant director’s details.

4. To Check Company Details

A CIN can help people find and verify company information through the MCA portal.

• For business dealings: Businesses can check a company’s available registration and corporate details before entering into a business relationship or transaction.
• For investors: Investors can use the CIN to identify the company and review its available corporate information before making an investment decision.
• For company stakeholders: Stakeholders can use the CIN to check the company’s current registration status and view available updates in its corporate records.
• For the public: People can use the CIN to find company details available for public viewing on the MCA portal.

Where Should a Company’s CIN Be Mentioned? 

As per the Companies Act, 2013, a company must mention its name, registered office address, and CIN, along with other prescribed details, on certain official documents and communications. These include:

• Business letters
• Billheads
• Letter papers
• Notices
• Other official publications

The company must also mention its phone number, email address and website address, where applicable, along with these details.

Additionally, a company may choose to include its CIN in other places where it wants to clearly identify its legal entity, such as advertisements, its website, online business platforms and company listings.

How is CIN Different From PAN and GSTIN? 

A company may have all three identifiers, and each one serves a different regulatory purpose.

• PAN: PAN is used for income-tax purposes, including filing income-tax returns and carrying out other tax-related activities through the Income Tax Department.
• GSTIN: GSTIN is used for GST-related purposes, including GST registration, returns, invoices and other GST compliance requirements.
• CIN: CIN is used for corporate and company-related purposes, including maintaining company records and completing applicable filings through the MCA portal.

These identifiers work separately, so having a PAN or GSTIN does not replace the need for a CIN for a company incorporated under the Companies Act.

Will a Company Receive Another CIN if Its Details Change?

A company may receive a new CIN when there is a change in details represented in the CIN or when a particular corporate change requires the CIN to be altered. The change is recorded through the MCA, and the company is allotted a revised CIN where applicable.

Changes that can result in a change in CIN include:

• Change in the state of registration: If a company shifts its registered office from one state to another, the state code in its CIN changes and a new CIN is allotted.
• Change in company type: A change in the company’s type, such as conversion from a private company to a public company, can result in a change in the CIN. 
• Change in listing status: A change between listed and unlisted status can also affect the CIN.

Routine changes, such as appointing a new director or changing the registered office address within the same state, do not by themselves require the company to obtain a new CIN.

Final Thoughts

A CIN is a unique identity for a company registered in India. It helps companies maintain their corporate records and complete applicable compliance, while giving banks, investors, business partners and others a way to verify company information. A CIN does not establish the quality of a company's products or services. It identifies the company behind the business, making it an important part of its corporate identity.

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