Lesson content
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What you'll take away
- Obtain Class 3 DSC for each proposed director (₹1,000–₹1,500 per DSC, 1–2 days).
- Apply for name reservation via RUN or Part A of SPICe+ (have 2–3 unique names ready).
- Draft MOA/AOA aligned to objects clause — investors read this in due diligence.
- File SPICe+ Part B with capital, registered office, subscriber details.
- Receive COI, PAN, TAN; open current account with COI + MOA/AOA + board resolution.
SPICe+ in plain English
Most new Private Limited companies in India are incorporated through MCA's SPICe+ form on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
One integrated filing can grant DIN (Director ID), PAN, TAN, EPFO/ESIC registration (where applicable), GSTIN (optional in same flow), and Certificate of Incorporation (COI).
Timeline is typically 7–15 working days after documents are clean — delays usually come from name rejection or DSC issues, not 'government is slow' alone.
Step-by-step checklist
- Obtain Class 3 DSC for each proposed director (₹1,000–₹1,500 per DSC, 1–2 days).
- Apply for name reservation via RUN or Part A of SPICe+ (have 2–3 unique names ready).
- Draft MOA/AOA aligned to objects clause — investors read this in due diligence.
- File SPICe+ Part B with capital, registered office, subscriber details.
- Receive COI, PAN, TAN; open current account with COI + MOA/AOA + board resolution.
- File INC-20A (commencement of business) when applicable; activate GST if liable.
Estimated costs (indicative)
| Item | Typical range (₹) |
| DSC (2 directors) | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Government fees + stamp duty | 2,000 – 12,000 (state-dependent) |
| Professional fees (CA/CS) | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Registered office / virtual office (annual) | 3,000 – 15,000 |
| Total first-year setup | 12,000 – 35,000 |
Documents founders should prepare early
- PAN and Aadhaar of all directors and subscribers.
- Address proof (utility bill / bank statement) — not older than 2 months.
- Passport-size photo and specimen signature.
- Registered office proof: rent agreement + NOC from owner, or owned property papers.
- Main objects clause in plain language (what you actually sell).
After COI: don't stop here
Incorporation is step one. Within 30–60 days most startups need: bank account, GST (if applicable), professional tax, shop establishment (state), and founder agreement.
Missing INC-20A or first-year ROC filings can block future funding or cause director disqualification — treat post-incorporation as a checklist, not a celebration pause.