27 September 2026 2 min readIncorporation
Why filings get sent back
Most SPICe+ resubmissions happen for avoidable reasons — a blurry identity proof, a name that clashes with an existing trademark, or an NOC missing from the registered-office proof. Gathering the right documents before you start the filing is the fastest way to get your Certificate of Incorporation without delays.
Promoter and director documents
For every subscriber, shareholder, and proposed director, keep ready:
- PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
- Identity proof — Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, or driving licence
- Address proof — bank statement, electricity bill, or mobile bill not older than two months
- Passport-size photograph
- Foreign nationals need a valid passport with apostilled documents
Digital signatures and DIN
- DSC: Every proposed director and subscriber needs a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate from a licensed Certifying Authority.
- DIN: Director Identification Numbers are allotted through the SPICe+ form itself for new directors — existing directors quote their approved DIN.
Name approval through SPICe+ Part A
| Check | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Name must not be identical or deceptively similar to an existing company or LLP |
| Trademark | Search the Trade Marks Registry for deceptively similar marks in your class |
| Suffix | Private Limited companies must end with "Private Limited" |
| Prohibited words | Words like "Bank", "Stock Exchange", or "University" need prior approval |
Submit one or two proposed names through Part A of the SPICe+ form on the MCA portal.
Registered-office proof
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, or telephone) not older than two months
- No-objection certificate (NOC) from the owner of the premises
- Rent or lease agreement if the office is leased
Charter documents and declarations
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) stating the main objects of the company
- Articles of Association (AOA) governing internal management
- Form INC-9 declarations by subscribers and first directors
- AGILE-PRO linked form for GST, EPFO, ESIC registration and bank account opening
After the Certificate of Incorporation
- Open the company bank account.
- Hold the first board meeting within 30 days of incorporation.
- Appoint the first auditor.
- File INC-20A (declaration of commencement of business) within 180 days.
- Set up statutory registers and the first-year compliance calendar.
This article is general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Forms, fees, and timelines on the MCA portal change from time to time — confirm applicability to your facts before acting.
Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Provisions, forms, fees, and timelines under the Companies Act and allied laws change from time to time — confirm applicability to your facts before acting.