One form, many registrations
SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the MCA's integrated incorporation form. Part A reserves the name; Part B incorporates the company and, through linked forms, also allots DINs to directors, applies for PAN and TAN, and registers the company for EPFO, ESIC, Professional Tax (in applicable states) and — optionally — GST and a bank account.
All applications from anywhere in India are processed by the MCA's Central Registration Centre (CRC), not by the local ROC. That is why timelines are similar whether you register in Delhi, Noida or Chennai. The local ROC — Kanpur for Uttar Pradesh, Delhi for the NCT — takes over after incorporation for all subsequent filings.
The registration process
Decide the structure, capital and directors Day 0
Private Limited, OPC or LLP; authorised and paid-up capital; who the directors and shareholders are and their shareholding. Our structure guide helps with the first decision.
Obtain Digital Signature Certificates Day 1–2
Each director and subscriber needs a Class-3 DSC. It is issued after Aadhaar-based eKYC and a short video verification, usually within a day.
Name search and reservation — SPICe+ Part A Day 2–4
Check the MCA database and the trademark registry, then apply with up to two names in order of preference. The CRC approves or asks for resubmission, typically within 1–3 working days. An approved name is reserved for 20 days.
Draft MoA, AoA and declarations Day 3–5
The e-MoA (INC-33) sets out the objects and capital; the e-AoA (INC-34) sets the internal rules. Directors sign DIR-2 consents and INC-9 declarations.
File SPICe+ Part B with linked forms Day 5–7
Part B carries company details, registered office proof and subscriber and director details, and applies for DIN (up to three directors), PAN and TAN. AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35) is filed for EPFO, ESIC, Professional Tax, GST (optional) and the bank account. Government fees and stamp duty are paid online.
CRC examination Day 6–9
The CRC checks the application. If something is deficient it is marked for resubmission with reasons; a clean application is approved without any correspondence.
Certificate of Incorporation Day 7–10
The COI is issued with the Corporate Identification Number (CIN). The company's PAN and TAN are printed on the certificate and the e-PAN is emailed.
First 30 days After COI
Open the bank account, deposit the subscription money, appoint the first auditor (within 30 days), hold the first board meeting (within 30 days) and file INC-20A (within 180 days). See our post-incorporation guide.
Rules for choosing the company name
A name is rejected if it is identical or deceptively similar to an existing company or LLP, or to a registered or applied-for trademark in the same class. It must also not be undesirable, must not suggest government patronage, and certain words — Bank, Insurance, Stock Exchange, National, Union, Chartered, Board and others — need prior approval or are barred.
Practical tips: choose a distinctive first word rather than a generic one ("Zentrix Technologies" is easier to clear than "Global Tech Solutions"); avoid names that merely add a place or generic suffix to an existing company's name; and check the trademark registry, not just the MCA database, because a trademark objection is the most common reason for rejection of an otherwise available name.
Forms involved in incorporation
| Form | Purpose | Who signs |
|---|---|---|
| SPICe+ Part A | Name reservation | Applicant |
| SPICe+ Part B (INC-32) | Incorporation application, DIN, PAN, TAN | Director + practising professional |
| INC-33 (e-MoA) | Memorandum of Association | All subscribers + witness |
| INC-34 (e-AoA) | Articles of Association | All subscribers + witness |
| AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35) | EPFO, ESIC, PT, GST, bank account | Director |
| INC-9 | Declaration by subscribers and first directors | Auto-generated; digitally signed |
| DIR-2 | Consent to act as director | Each director |
| INC-3 | Nominee consent (OPC only) | Nominee |
| INC-22 | Registered office notice (if not given in SPICe+) | Director, within 30 days |
| INC-20A | Declaration of commencement of business | Director, within 180 days |
Frequently asked questions
How long does company registration take in India?
Typically 7–10 working days from complete documents for a Private Limited Company or OPC, and 10–15 for an LLP. Name approval and CRC processing are the variable steps.
Can I do the SPICe+ filing myself?
Legally, yes, but the form must be certified by a practising CA, CS or CMA, and the MoA and AoA need to be drafted properly. Errors lead to resubmissions that cost more time than the professional fee saves.
What is the difference between authorised and paid-up capital?
Authorised capital is the maximum share capital the company may issue, stated in the MoA; stamp duty and MCA fees are based on it. Paid-up capital is what shareholders have actually paid for shares. Paid-up cannot exceed authorised.
Do I need a DIN before applying?
No. SPICe+ allots DINs to up to three directors who do not already have one. Directors with an existing DIN simply quote it.
Is a bank account opened automatically?
AGILE-PRO-S lets you opt for account opening with a partner bank; the bank still completes its own KYC after incorporation. You are free to open the account with any bank instead.