How To Register A Public Limited Company In India?

If you are wondering about how to register a public limited company in India, A Public Limited Company is one of the good options allowed by the Companies Act, 2013, through which shares can be offered to the public for listing on a stock exchange. It requires at least 7 shareholders, 3 directors, and an authorized capital of ₹5 lakh. Start with the Digital Signatures Certificates (DSC) for proposed directors, apply for the Directors Identification Number (DIN), and reserve a company name ending with Limited through the MCA portal. The main filing is that of SPICe+ (INC-32), which is an MCA multi-purpose application for name approval, incorporation, DIN allotment, and PAN/TAN registration at one go!

At the same time, you should also get ready to submit the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), as well as proof of address of your registered office, such as a mobile bill or an NOC.

What Is A Public Limited Company?

The Public Limited Company is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 2 (71), with the limited liability of the shareholders, which means that shareholders are only liable to the extent of the amounts unpaid by them on their shares and are not liable for the company's debts.

The number of shareholders in such companies cannot be less than seven; there must be at least three directors; thus, shares can be offered to the public and are freely transferable. The word "Limited" must be included at the end of its name, and the company must keep an authorized or paid-up capital that was formerly ₹5 lakh (prior to the 2015 Amendment), whereas now there are no minimum capital requirements.

Being a public limited company also entails stringent compliance requirements for the company, issuing a prospectus, publishing financial reports on a regular basis, and shareholder disclosures, while adhering to the Indian Government Laws, Securities Laws, Corporate Governance, and SEBI Regulations, in case the shares are listed on a recognized stock exchange. Simply put, in the eyes of the law, a PLC stands for a company existing for this particular purpose: to allow anyone to purchase its shares and protect the personal assets of shareholders while subject to full transparency and strong regulations.

Example in simple words: Imagine a new company called “Fresh Juice Limited”. It officially registers under Indian law, sets up with seven shareholders and three directors, and adds “Limited” in its name. To raise money, it offers shares to ordinary people via a prospectus. Those who buy shares become part-owners, but can only lose what they invest. Meanwhile, Fresh Juice Limited must follow strict rules- hold annual meetings, get its books audited, and share its performance publicly- to build trust and comply with the law.

Key Features OF Public Limited Company Registration

These are the main features you must understand when registering a Public Limited Company (PLC) in India.

1. Minimum Members and Directors

• At least 7 shareholders (owners) are required.
• At least 3 directors (managers) are needed.

2. Limited Liability

• Shareholders are only responsible for the money they invest.
• Their personal property is safe if the company has debts.

3. Share Capital

• The company must have a minimum authorized share capital (often Rs. 1 lakh or Rs. 5 lakh, depending on rules).
• There is no minimum paid-up capital required in many cases.

4. Company Name

• The name must be unique and end with the word "Limited" to show it is a public company.

5. Documents Needed

• Identity and address proofs of shareholders and directors.
• Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) and Director Identification Numbers (DIN).
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).

6. Prospectus Requirement

• The company must issue a prospectus (a document with company details) when offering shares to the public.

7. Free Transfer of Shares

• Shares can be easily bought and sold on the stock market.
• No need for other shareholders’ approval to transfer shares.

8. Strict Regulatory Compliance

• Must follow strict rules and regulations.
• Required to publish detailed financial statements every year for transparency.

9. Raising Capital from the Public

• Can collect money from the public by selling shares.
• Makes it easier to get large investments for business growth.

10. Registration Process

• Steps include getting DSC, applying for DIN, name approval, filing forms (like SPICe+), and paying fees to the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

These features make public limited companies suitable for businesses that want to grow large, raise money from the public, and provide safety to investors.

Eligibility Criteria For Public Limited Company Registration In India

When registering a Public Limited Company in India, it must meet certain eligibility criteria and legal requirements. Below is a comprehensive list of the key criteria and requirements for successfully incorporating a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.

1. Minimum Number of Shareholders and Directors

• Minimum Shareholders: A public limited company must have at least 7 shareholders. These shareholders can be individuals or entities.
• Minimum Directors: A public limited company is required to have at least 3 directors. There are no restrictions on the maximum number of directors, but the company must comply with the provisions related to the composition of the Board.

2. Residency Requirements for Directors

• Indian Director Requirement: Out of the minimum 3 directors, at least 1 director must be a resident of India. A resident is defined as someone who has stayed in India for a period of not less than 182 days during the preceding one year.

3. Minimum Authorized Share Capital

• Minimum Capital: Public limited companies must have a minimum authorized share capital of ₹5 lakh. This is the capital that the company is authorized to raise through the issue of shares.
• Paid-Up Capital: The paid-up capital, which refers to the amount of money the company actually receives from shareholders, should be sufficient to meet the company’s initial needs and comply with MCA regulations.

4. Unique Company Name Requirements

• Company Name: The company name must be unique and not identical or too similar to an existing company or trademark. The name should not mislead or be objectionable under any existing laws.
• Company Suffix: The name of a public limited company must include “Limited” at the end of its name to distinguish it from other forms of companies like private limited companies (which use "Private Limited").
• MCA Name Approval: The company name must be approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This is done through a name availability check on the MCA portal. If the proposed name is available, it will be approved by the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

5. Registered Office Requirement

• Registered Office: The company must have a registered office address in India, which will be used for all official communications from the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and other government bodies.
• Documents for Proof: You will need to provide documents such as a utility bill (electricity, water, etc.) or rent agreement as proof of the office address.

6. Drafting of Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

• MoA: The Memorandum of Association (MoA) defines the company’s objectives, scope, and capital structure.
• AoA: The Articles of Association (AoA) specifies the rules and regulations for the company’s internal management.

Both documents must be signed by the directors and shareholders and submitted to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) as part of the registration process.

7. Compliance with Indian Laws

• Corporate Governance: A public limited company must comply with all corporate governance rules and maintain accurate financial records, including preparing annual reports and conducting annual general meetings (AGMs).
• Auditor Appointment: Public limited companies are required to appoint an auditor within 30 days of incorporation for their annual audits.

8. Additional Key Requirements

• Income Tax Registration (PAN): The company must apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the Income Tax Department for tax purposes.
• Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN): The company must also apply for a TAN for tax deductions at source (TDS).
• Filing of Annual Returns: After incorporation, a public limited company is required to file annual returns and financial statements with the RoC to ensure continued compliance.

Steps-By-Step Process For A Public Limited Company Registration In India

Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The first step in registering a public limited company is to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all proposed directors of the company. This is required for signing documents and forms electronically. You can apply for a DSC through licensed certifying authorities like eMudhra.

Step 2: Get Director Identification Number (DIN)

The next step is getting a Director Identification Number (DIN) for the proposed directors. This is mandatory for all individuals intending to become a director in a company. DIN is applied online through the MCA portal, where the director's details will be submitted for approval.

Step 3: Name Approval for a Public Limited Company

Before proceeding with the registration, you need to choose a name for your company. The name should be unique, and not similar to any existing company or trademark. You can check for the availability of the name through the MCA’s Name Availability Search.

In India, one has to get approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for a company name before registration or renaming. The process ensures the name is 'Unique', carries legal guidelines, and has no trademark or government-sensitive terms attached to it. Therefore, upon approval, it is reserved for a lapse of 20 days, if it is for a new company, or 60 days, if it is for an existing one undergoing a change of name.

• Using the RUN Service

RUN stands for Reserve Unique Name. The RUN is an MCA online facility where registered users can make submissions of either one or two names by paying a fee of ₹1,000 and optionally provide supporting information such as the business objectives for the names or an NOC for words that require one. The MCA handles the process and, in 2 to 3 working days, sends an email either approving or rejecting the name. Once the name is approved, it will be held for the period permitted to complete the incorporation or change of name.

• Naming Guidelines & Tips for Approval

Unique & Distinct: Choose a name that is uniquely different from any existing entity or trademark, ends with “Limited”, doesn’t include restricted words (e.g., “Bank,” “Commission,” or anything suggesting government association without approval), isn’t misleading or offensive, and reflects your business activity, then verify its availability through MCA’s RUN service before applying to avoid conflicts and ease the approval process

Step 4: Draft and file Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

• MoA (Memorandum of Association): Defines the company's objectives, scope, and capital structure. In general, a Memorandum of Association (MoA) is a document that is drafted and filed containing the company name, the object, the registered office, the share structure, and the details of the members of that company. It establishes the relationship of the company with the external world and has to be submitted by the company to the RoC at the time of incorporation.
• AoA (Articles of Association): Contains rules regarding the management and internal operations of the company. The Articles of Association (AoA) are the internal working regulations of the company, which govern the management of the company, including the powers of directors, the conduct of meetings, the transfer of shares, voting, and dividend distributions. Like the MoA, the AoA is submitted to the RoC upon company incorporation.

These documents must be signed by all directors and subscribers. A notary or professional (CA, CS, or lawyer) may be required to verify the documents.

Step 5: Submission of Incorporation Application

This is where you officially apply to register your company after getting name approval. You submit the SPICe+ form with all required details and attachments—it kicks off the process with the Registrar of Companies.

Required Forms (SPICe+)

• SPICe+ Part A – for reserving your company name.
• SPICe+ Part B – where you fill in details like company structure, share capital, registered office, directors, and tax registrations (PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, GST, bank account).
• Linked forms that auto-generate when filling Part B:
• • e-MOA (Memorandum of Association)
  • e-AOA (Articles of Association)
  • INC‑9 (Declarations by directors/subscribers)
  • AGILE‑PRO (for PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC)
  • URC‑1 (for bank account registration)

Supporting Documents Checklist

Make sure you upload:

• MoA & AoA (company constitution documents)
• Director and subscriber declarations (INC‑9)
• Proof of registered office (utility bill + NOC from the owner)
• Identity and address proof for directors/subscribers (PAN, Aadhaar, passport, DL, etc.)
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for signing forms

Once you complete the forms and upload everything, you’ll run a portal pre-check to catch errors, sign digitally, pay the fees and stamp duty, and receive a Service Request Number (SRN) confirming your submission. This moves your incorporation request forward for approval.

Step 6: Verification and Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

• ROC Verification:
  After you file the incorporation application (like SPICe+ Part B), the Registrar performs a dreary check of all the submitted details, including the form details, digital signatures, M&A, director IDs, proof of address of the office, and of course, that the correct fees were paid. It also acts on a suspect that your registered office may be physically inspected.
• Certificate of Incorporation (COI) Issuance
  Once the RoC is satisfied, they issue the Certificate of Incorporation- your company’s official “Birth Certificate.' It includes key information like your company name, Corporate Identity Number (CIN), date of incorporation, registered address, and often your PAN and TAN too. The COI is digitally signed and sealed, confirming your company now exists as a legal entity.

7. Apply for PAN and TAN

Open a Company Bank Account

Within about 30 days of getting your Certificate of Incorporation, visit a bank to open a current account in your company’s name.

You’ll need:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN card or PAN acknowledgment
• Board resolution authorizing the account
• Copy of MoA/AoA
• Proof of address for your office

Get PAN & TAN

• PAN (Permanent Account Number): Needed for income tax and banking. Apply online right after the incorporation and use the acknowledgement to open your bank account.
• TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number): Required if your company will deduct tax at source (TDS). TAN is usually issued along with PAN.

Register for GST (if necessary)

If your annual sales cross ₹20–40 lakh (depending on your business type and location), register for GST within 30 days so you can legally charge and file GST.

Follow Statutory Requirements

• First Board Meeting: Hold it within 30 days of incorporation. Approve the bank account, auditor appointment, and other essential matters.
• Appoint an Auditor: Within 30–90 days, officially name your company’s first auditor.
• Maintain Documents: Keep track of registers (like directors and shareholders), display company information in the office and website, and update official documents.
• File Returns: Every year, submit mandatory returns – ROC filings (like MGT-7 and AOC-4), TDS returns, GST returns, and income tax/audit reports.

In short, After setting up your company, you must open a bank account, apply for PAN and TAN, register for GST if needed, hold a board meeting, appoint an auditor, keep proper records, and file all legal and tax paperwork on time. That’s how you keep your company running legally and smoothly.

Public Limited Company Registration Fees In India

Here’s a clear explanation of each cost component for registering a Public Limited Company in India:

1. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Directors need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign all legal documents online securely. For a two-year DSC, the cost ranges from ₹1,000–1,500, though premium options may go up to ₹2,000. Providers like eMudhra typically charge around ₹1,500 for individuals. You only need this once per director.

2. Director Identification Number (DIN)

Each director must obtain a DIN, which uniquely identifies them. This is filed via the SPICe+ form and carries a straightforward fee of ₹500 per director (included in the form filing).

3. Name Reservation (RUN / SPICe+ Part A)

Before incorporating, you must reserve a unique company name using RUN or SPICe+ Part A. The government charges a flat fee of ₹1,000 for name reservations.

4. SPICe+ Incorporation Filing Fee

Filing the incorporation form (SPICe+ Part B) is free if your authorized capital is up to ₹15 lakh. For higher capital, a small fee of ₹500 applies.

5. Stamp Duty (MoA / AoA / SPICe+)

Stamp duty varies by state and capital amount. Typically, it ranges from ₹500 to ₹10,000+ and is paid to the state government based on your company’s capital.

6. Form INC‑22 (Office Address Declaration)

If your registered office is different from your correspondence address, you must file Form INC-22, which costs approximately ₹300–600.

7. Professional Service Fees

Hiring a professional—such as a CA, CS, or legal advisor—to handle the paperwork can cost between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000, depending on how much help you need

8. Post-Incorporation Form Fees (e.g., INC‑20A)

After incorporation, forms like INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement of Business) cost around ₹500–1,000 each.

Also Read : Cost Of Registering A Company In India

Documents Required For Public Limited Company Registration

1. Identity & Address Proof for Directors & Shareholders

You need clear, valid IDs (like PAN, Aadhaar, or Passport) and address proof (such as utility bills or driver's licenses) for each director and shareholder. This confirms who’s running and owning the company.

2. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Every director must have a DSC to electronically sign the official MCA forms. Think of it like a secure digital stamp ensuring authenticity.

3. Memorandum of Association (MOA)

This is the core company charter, which states your legal name, registered office, share capital, objectives, and the commitments of initial subscribers. It defines what your company can legally do.

4. Articles of Association (AOA)

These are the internal rulebooks, covering director duties, meeting rules, share rules, voting, dividends, and other internal processes. It keeps operations in check.

5. Registered Office Proof

Submit a recent (within 30 days) utility bill, lease or rent agreement, and landlord NOC showing your official business location. These establish your company's legal address.

6. PAN & TAN Documents

You’ll apply for a company PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction/Collection Account Number) as part of filing, used for tax and financial transactions.

7. Other Statutory Forms

• DIR-12: Provides details of your board of directors (appointments or changes)
• INC-7: The main application to incorporate the company
• INC-22: Confirms your registered office address when submitting your application or within 30

Also Read : Documents Required For Company Registration In India (2025 Updated Guide)

Advantages Of Registering A Public Limited Company

Registering a Public Limited Company offers key benefits like limited liability, stronger credibility, wider access to funding, and easy share trading.

1. Limited Liability Protection

Your financial risk is limited to what you invest. If the company gets into debt or faces legal trouble, your personal assets—such as your home, savings, or car—are safe. Shareholders don’t have to pay out of pocket beyond their share amount.

2. Enhanced Credibility and Trust

Publicly listed companies follow strict rules—they publish regular financial reports, go through audits, and are more transparent. That builds trust with investors, banks, suppliers, and customers, making them more likely to do business with you.

3. Ability to Raise Capital from the Public

By issuing shares or debentures through an IPO or stock exchange listing, you can access large pools of money—from individual investors, mutual funds, or foreign investors—to fund expansion, research, or debt repayment.

4. Easy Transferability of Shares

Shares of a Public Limited Company can be freely bought and sold on stock exchanges. This gives investors flexibility—they can exit or enter anytime. That liquidity makes your company more appealing to investors.

Conclusion

If you're exploring how to register a Public Limited Company in India, here's what you need to know: A PLC is a legal entity that lets you sell shares to the public, giving you the power to raise funds and grow your business. To start, you’ll need 7 shareholders, 3 directors, a name ending in “Limited,” and official steps like getting DSCs, DINs, and filing SPICe+ (INC-32) along with documents like MOA, AOA, and office proof. This structure provides limited liability, public credibility, and easy share trading- exactly what successful companies like Meesho Limited chose before their big IPO moves.