Public Limited Company Registration Online in India
Register a public limited company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for a business that needs many shareholders, freely transferable shares, large-scale funding or a future stock market listing. Our CA/CS team handles DSCs for all 7 subscribers, DIN, name approval, MOA, AOA and the SPICe+ filing, and sets up demat shares and board compliance from day one.
- 7 DSCs and 3 DINs included
- Stamp duty shown state-wise
- Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, TAN
- ISIN and demat setup support
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 that is not a private company (Section 2(71)). It needs at least 7 members and 3 directors, has no upper limit on shareholders, its shares are freely transferable, and it can raise money from the public. Its name ends with "Limited".
Like a private company, a public limited company is a separate legal person with limited liability: shareholders only risk the amount they invested, and the company owns assets, signs contracts and borrows in its own name. The difference is scale and openness. A private company must restrict share transfers and cap members at 200, while a public company can have any number of shareholders and can offer shares or debentures to the public through a prospectus.
A public company can be unlisted (shares not traded on a stock exchange) or listed on the BSE or NSE after an IPO that follows SEBI rules. Most businesses register as an unlisted public company first, and list later when they are ready. A private company that is a subsidiary of a public company is also treated as a public company under the Act.
In exchange for this freedom, public companies follow stricter rules: four board meetings a year, mandatory demat shares, limits on managerial pay, and independent directors, an audit committee and a company secretary once they cross certain size limits. Registration is done online through the MCA's SPICe+ form, and the Certificate of Incorporation carries a 21-character CIN with the code PLC.
Benefits of registering a Public Limited Company
Raise capital from the public
Issue shares, debentures and bonds to the public through a prospectus, or list on a stock exchange through an IPO.
Unlimited shareholders
No 200-member cap. Bring in as many investors, employees and partners as your business needs.
Freely transferable shares
Shareholders can sell or transfer their shares without the board's or other members' consent, which makes exits easier.
Limited liability
Shareholders are only liable for the unpaid amount on their shares. Personal assets stay protected.
Highest credibility
Stronger governance and public disclosures build trust with banks, lenders, large customers and government tenders.
Perpetual succession
The company continues regardless of changes in shareholders or directors, and ownership can pass smoothly.
Minimum requirements for Public Limited Company registration
These are the conditions under the Companies Act, 2013 for incorporating a public company with share capital.
- 1At least 3 directorsMaximum 15, or more with a special resolution. Directors must be individuals with a DIN. Directors can also be shareholders.
- 2At least 7 shareholdersNo maximum. Shareholders (subscribers to the MOA) can be individuals, companies, LLPs or other bodies corporate.
- 3One resident directorAt least one director must have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the financial year.
- 4No minimum capitalThere is no minimum paid-up capital since the 2015 amendment. Choose an authorised capital that fits your plans; it decides stamp duty and MCA fees.
- 5A unique name ending with "Limited"It must not be identical or too similar to an existing company, LLP or registered trademark. Check a name free.
- 6Registered office in IndiaA commercial or residential address with a recent utility bill and the owner's No Objection Certificate.
Good to know: the same people can be directors and shareholders, so 7 people in total is enough: for example, 3 directors who are also shareholders, plus 4 more shareholders.
Public Limited Company registration plans
Fixed professional fees. The MCA name fee and state stamp duty are extra and shown separately in the calculator below, with no hidden charges.
Starter
Everything you need to incorporate your public company.
₹9,999₹14,999+ GST, govt. fee & stamp duty
- 7 Class 3 DSCs (directors & shareholders)
- DIN for 3 directors
- Name search & approval (SPICe+ Part A)
- MOA & AOA drafted for a public company
- SPICe+ filing with CA/CS certification
- Certificate of Incorporation with CIN
- Company PAN & TAN
- EPFO & ESIC registration
- Current account opening support
- ISIN & demat setup
- INC-20A commencement filing
Standard
Incorporation plus demat shares and the registrations to start trading.
₹16,999₹24,999+ GST, govt. fee & stamp duty
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- ISIN creation with NSDL & CDSL (depository fees extra)
- Demat credit of subscribers' shares
- INC-20A commencement of business filing
- First auditor appointment (ADT-1) support
- GST registration
- Dedicated CA/CS expert on WhatsApp
Premium
Launch-ready with first-year board compliance and brand protection.
₹29,999₹39,999+ GST, govt. fee & stamp duty
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Statutory registers & minute books setup
- 4 board meetings & first AGM support (year 1)
- PAS-6 filing for the first half-year
- Trademark application, 1 class (govt. fee extra)
- 1-page business website with .in domain
- Priority handling on every step
Prices are for 3 directors and 7 shareholders (7 DSCs in total) with up to ₹15 lakh authorised capital. GST at 18% applies to the professional fee. Government fees, stamp duty and depository (NSDL/CDSL) charges are paid at actuals.
State-wise Public Limited Company registration cost
Stamp duty on the MOA and AOA depends on the state of your registered office and, in many states, on authorised capital. Choose your state, capital, people and plan to see the full cost.
Total estimated cost
₹0 all-inclusive
Assumes directors are among the shareholders. Stamp duty as per current state rates for SPICe+ (INC-32, e-MOA, e-AOA). Rates change by state notification; your final quote confirms the exact amount before you pay.
State-wise stamp duty table for company registration (₹1 lakh authorised capital)
| State / UT | SPICe+ form | e-MOA | e-AOA | Total stamp duty | How AOA duty changes with capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | ₹20 | ₹200 | ₹300 | ₹520 | Fixed |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹20 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,520 | 0.15% of capital, min ₹1,000, max ₹500,000 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | ₹10 | ₹200 | ₹500 | ₹710 | Fixed |
| Assam | ₹15 | ₹200 | ₹310 | ₹525 | Fixed |
| Bihar | ₹20 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,520 | 0.15% of capital, min ₹1,000, max ₹500,000 |
| Chandigarh | ₹3 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,503 | Fixed |
| Chhattisgarh | ₹10 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,510 | 0.15% of capital, min ₹1,000, max ₹500,000 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | ₹20 | ₹150 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,170 | ₹1,000 per ₹5 lakh or part |
| Delhi | ₹10 | ₹200 | ₹150 | ₹360 | 0.15% of capital, max ₹2,500,000 |
| Goa | ₹50 | ₹150 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 | ₹1,000 per ₹5 lakh or part |
| Gujarat | ₹20 | ₹100 | ₹500 | ₹620 | 0.5% of capital, max ₹1,500,000 |
| Haryana | ₹15 | ₹60 | ₹60 | ₹135 | ₹120 above ₹1 lakh |
| Himachal Pradesh | ₹3 | ₹60 | ₹60 | ₹123 | ₹120 above ₹1 lakh |
| Jammu & Kashmir | ₹10 | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹310 | ₹300 above ₹1 lakh |
| Jharkhand | ₹5 | ₹63 | ₹105 | ₹173 | Fixed |
| Karnataka | ₹20 | ₹1,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹6,020 | ₹5,000 per ₹10 lakh or part, max ₹10,000,000 |
| Kerala | ₹25 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹3,025 | ₹2,000 up to ₹10L; ₹5,000 up to ₹25L; 0.5% above |
| Ladakh | ₹10 | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹310 | ₹300 above ₹1 lakh |
| Lakshadweep | ₹25 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,525 | Fixed |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹50 | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 | ₹7,550 | 0.15% of capital, min ₹5,000, max ₹2,500,000 |
| Maharashtra | ₹100 | ₹1,000 | ₹300 | ₹1,400 | 0.3% of capital, max ₹10,000,000 |
| Manipur | ₹10 | ₹100 | ₹150 | ₹260 | Fixed |
| Meghalaya | ₹10 | ₹100 | ₹300 | ₹410 | Fixed |
| Mizoram | ₹10 | ₹100 | ₹150 | ₹260 | Fixed |
| Nagaland | ₹10 | ₹100 | ₹150 | ₹260 | Fixed |
| Odisha | ₹10 | ₹300 | ₹300 | ₹610 | Fixed |
| Puducherry | ₹10 | ₹200 | ₹300 | ₹510 | Fixed |
| Punjab | ₹25 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹10,025 | ₹10,000 above ₹1 lakh |
| Rajasthan | ₹10 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹1,010 | 0.5% of capital |
| Sikkim | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹0 | Fixed |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹20 | ₹200 | ₹500 | ₹720 | ₹500 per ₹10 lakh or part, max ₹500,000 |
| Telangana | ₹20 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,520 | 0.15% of capital, min ₹1,000, max ₹500,000 |
| Tripura | ₹10 | ₹100 | ₹150 | ₹260 | Fixed |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹10 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹1,010 | Fixed |
| Uttarakhand | ₹10 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹1,010 | Fixed |
| West Bengal | ₹10 | ₹60 | ₹300 | ₹370 | Fixed |
MCA registration fee is ₹0 for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh. Name reservation (SPICe+ Part A) fee is ₹1,000. Figures are indicative; confirm your state's current rate before filing.
Documents required for Public Limited Company registration
Scanned copies are enough for every director and shareholder. No physical documents or office visits are needed.
Directors & shareholders (Indian)
- PAN card (mandatory, name as per PAN)
- Aadhaar card (for e-KYC and DSC)
- Passport-size photograph
- Address proof: bank statement, electricity, mobile or telephone bill not older than 2 months
- Email ID and mobile number of each person
- Occupation, qualification and shareholding of each person
Registered office
- Latest electricity, water, gas or telephone bill, or property tax receipt (not older than 2 months)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner
- Rent or lease agreement if the premises are rented
- Photos of the office may be asked for by the bank or GST officer later
Corporate shareholders, NRIs & foreigners
- Company or LLP shareholder: certificate of incorporation, board resolution and authorised signatory's ID
- Foreign nationals and NRIs: passport and overseas address proof
- Foreign documents notarised and apostilled (or consularised)
- FDI reporting (FC-GPR) after shares are issued to foreign investors
Tip: with 7 or more people, mismatched details are the biggest cause of delays. Make sure each person's name, date of birth and father's name match on PAN, Aadhaar and address proof before DSCs are applied for.
How to register a Public Limited Company online: step by step
The process runs online on the MCA portal through the SPICe+ form. Every subscriber signs the e-MOA and e-AOA digitally, so each of the 7 needs a DSC.
Consultation & documentsDay 1–2
We confirm the structure, capital and shareholding, check your proposed names and collect documents from all directors and shareholders on WhatsApp or email.
DSCs for all subscribersDay 2–3
Class 3 DSCs are issued for every director and shareholder after a quick online video e-KYC. They are used to sign the SPICe+ forms, e-MOA and e-AOA.
Name approvalDay 3–5
We search MCA and trademark records and file SPICe+ Part A with up to two names ending in "Limited". An approved name is reserved for 20 days.
MOA & AOA draftingDay 5–7
We draft the Memorandum (objects and capital) and Articles of Association for a public company, including board, share and meeting provisions.
SPICe+ filingDay 7–9
We file SPICe+ Part B with director details (DIN for up to 3 new directors), capital, registered office, e-MOA, e-AOA, declarations and AGILE-PRO-S for EPFO, ESIC and a bank account. Stamp duty is paid online.
Certificate of IncorporationDay 10–15
The Central Registration Centre reviews the filing and issues the Certificate of Incorporation with your CIN, along with the company's PAN and TAN.
*Working days. The timeline depends on all subscribers' documents being ready and on MCA processing time. If the Registrar raises a query we respond within 24 hours.
Documents you receive after incorporation
- Certificate of IncorporationIssued by MCA with your company's CIN
- Company PAN & TANAllotted with the incorporation
- MOA & AOADrafted for a public company
- DSCs & DINsDSC for every subscriber, DIN for directors
- EPFO & ESIC registrationThrough AGILE-PRO-S
- Current bank accountApplication with partner banks
- ISIN & demat setupIn Standard and Premium plans
- Statutory registers & first-year supportIn the Premium plan
Public Limited vs Private Limited vs LLP
A public company gives the most room to grow, but costs more to run. Here's how it compares.
| Feature | Public Limited | Private Limited | LLP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Companies Act, 2013 | Companies Act, 2013 | LLP Act, 2008 |
| Minimum people | 7 shareholders, 3 directors | 2 shareholders, 2 directors | 2 designated partners |
| Maximum members | No limit | 200 | No limit |
| Name ends with | Limited | Private Limited | LLP |
| Share transfer | Freely transferable | Restricted by the AOA | Needs partners' consent |
| Raising money from the public | Yes, prospectus or IPO | No, private placement only | No |
| Stock exchange listing | Possible | Must convert first | No |
| Board meetings | At least 4 a year | 4 a year (2 for small companies) | Not required |
| Demat shares | Mandatory | Mandatory, except small companies | Not applicable |
| Managerial pay limit | Yes, Section 197 | No | No |
| Statutory audit | Every year | Every year | Only above turnover/contribution limits |
| DPIIT startup recognition | Not eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
| Best for | Large-scale funding, many investors, IPO plans | Startups and growing businesses | Professionals and small firms |
Not sure? Most founders start as a Private Limited Company and convert to public later, when they need more than 200 shareholders or plan an IPO. We'll tell you honestly which one fits.
Converting a Private Limited Company into a Public Limited Company
An existing Pvt Ltd company can become public under Section 14 of the Companies Act, 2013, without being wound up. Its CIN changes to show PLC.
- Before you startMeet the minimumsIncrease the board to at least 3 directors and members to at least 7.
- Step 1Board meetingApprove the conversion, the altered AOA and the new name, and call a general meeting.
- Step 2Special resolutionShareholders pass a special resolution to alter the Articles and remove the word "Private" from the name.
- Within 30 daysFile MGT-14File the special resolution with the Registrar.
- Within 15 days of resolutionFile INC-27Apply to the Registrar with the altered MOA and AOA. A fresh Certificate of Incorporation is issued with the new name.
- After approvalUpdate everywhereUpdate PAN, GST, bank, licences, letterheads and contracts, and move to public company compliance.
Compliance checklist for a Public Limited Company
Public companies have no small-company relaxations, so a fixed compliance calendar matters from day one. Ask us about our yearly compliance plans.
- Within 30 daysFirst board meeting & auditorHold the first board meeting and appoint the first statutory auditor (ADT-1).
- Soon after incorporationISIN & demat sharesGet an ISIN from NSDL and CDSL. An unlisted public company must issue and transfer shares only in demat form, and file PAS-6 every half year.
- Within 180 daysINC-20A: commencement of businessShareholders pay for their shares and the declaration is filed before starting business or borrowing.
- At least 4 a yearBoard meetingsHold a board meeting every quarter, with no more than 120 days between two meetings.
- Yearly · by 30 SepAnnual General MeetingThe first AGM is due within 9 months of the end of the first financial year; later AGMs within 6 months of the year end.
- YearlyAOC-4 and MGT-7File financial statements within 30 days and the annual return within 60 days of the AGM.
- Yearly · by 31 OctStatutory audit and ITR-6Audit by a Chartered Accountant every year, followed by the income tax return.
- YearlyDIR-3 KYC, DPT-3 and MBP-1KYC of every director, return of deposits or loans, and directors' disclosure of interest at the first board meeting of the year.
- Monthly / quarterlyGST, TDS and payrollGST returns, TDS returns, and PF/ESIC where applicable.
Governance requirements as your public company grows
Some rules apply only once an unlisted public company crosses size limits based on its latest audited financial statements. Listed companies must follow them all, along with SEBI rules.
| Requirement | Applies to unlisted public companies with |
|---|---|
| At least 2 independent directors | Paid-up capital ₹10 crore or more, turnover ₹100 crore or more, or loans, debentures and deposits above ₹50 crore (joint ventures, wholly owned subsidiaries and dormant companies are exempt) |
| Audit committee and nomination & remuneration committee | Same limits as independent directors |
| At least 1 woman director | Paid-up capital ₹100 crore or more, or turnover ₹300 crore or more |
| Whole-time KMP (MD/CEO or manager, company secretary, CFO) | Paid-up capital ₹10 crore or more |
| Secretarial audit (MR-3) | Paid-up capital ₹50 crore or more, turnover ₹250 crore or more, or loans and borrowings ₹100 crore or more |
| Rotation of auditors | Paid-up capital ₹10 crore or more, or public borrowings from banks and financial institutions or public deposits of ₹50 crore or more (an individual auditor serves one 5-year term, a firm two 5-year terms) |
| Internal audit | Paid-up capital ₹50 crore or more, turnover ₹200 crore or more, or loans above ₹100 crore or deposits above ₹25 crore |
| CSR committee and 2% CSR spend | Net worth ₹500 crore or more, turnover ₹1,000 crore or more, or net profit ₹5 crore or more (applies to all companies) |
Thresholds as per the Companies Act, 2013 and its rules as of 2026. They are checked against the last audited figures; we'll flag them for you every year.
Income tax rates for Public Limited Companies
Public and private companies are taxed the same way as domestic companies. Add the applicable surcharge and 4% health & education cess.
Concessional regime
Effective rate about 25.17%. No MAT, but most exemptions and deductions are given up. Once chosen, it can't be withdrawn.
Regular regime (small & mid)
For companies with turnover up to ₹400 crore in the relevant earlier year, with deductions allowed and MAT applicable.
Regular regime (large)
For companies above the ₹400 crore turnover limit that don't opt for the concessional regime.
Dividends are taxed in the hands of shareholders. Tax rules change with each Finance Act; talk to our CA team for advice on your case.
More than registration: Start, Build and Grow with one team
Most firms stop at the certificate. We set up your demat shares and compliance calendar, then help you go online and win customers.
Register & stay compliant
CA/CS experts for incorporation, demat, board meetings, GST, trademark and yearly ROC filings, all at fixed prices.
ROC annual filingGet your business online
Professional website, .in domain, business email and Google Business Profile, so customers and investors can find and trust you.
Website plansReach more customers
WhatsApp Business API, bulk SMS, cloud telephony, SEO and ads to grow sales from day one.
WhatsApp APIPublic Limited Company registration: frequently asked questions
What is a public limited company?+
A public limited company is a company under the Companies Act, 2013 that is not a private company. It needs at least 7 shareholders and 3 directors, has no maximum number of shareholders, its shares are freely transferable, and it can raise money from the public by issuing shares or debentures. Its name ends with Limited.
What are the minimum requirements to register a public limited company?+
At least 3 directors (one of them resident in India), at least 7 shareholders, a unique name ending with Limited, a registered office in India, and DSCs for all subscribers. The same people can be both directors and shareholders, so 7 people in total is enough.
What is the cost of public limited company registration in India?+
The total has four parts: our professional fee (from ₹9,999 + GST, including 7 DSCs and 3 DINs), the MCA name reservation fee of ₹1,000, state stamp duty on the MOA and AOA, and the MCA registration fee, which is nil for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh. Use the state-wise calculator on this page to see your exact total.
How long does it take to register a public limited company?+
Usually 10 to 15 working days, if all subscribers' documents are ready and the Registrar doesn't raise a query. DSCs take 1 to 2 days, name approval 2 to 3 days, and the SPICe+ approval with the Certificate of Incorporation another 3 to 5 days.
Is there a minimum capital for a public limited company?+
No. The earlier minimum paid-up capital of ₹5 lakh was removed by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015. You can choose any authorised capital; it affects the MCA fee and stamp duty.
What is the difference between a public and a private limited company?+
A public company needs 7 shareholders and 3 directors, has no cap on members, has freely transferable shares and can raise money from the public. A private company needs only 2 shareholders and 2 directors, can have up to 200 members, restricts share transfers and can't invite the public to invest. Public companies also have stricter compliance.
Can a public limited company be unlisted?+
Yes. Most public companies are unlisted, meaning their shares are not traded on a stock exchange. They can list later through an IPO that follows SEBI's rules. A listed company must also follow SEBI's listing regulations.
Is it mandatory to list a public limited company on the stock exchange?+
No. Listing is optional. A company lists only when it makes a public issue of shares through an IPO and meets the stock exchange's eligibility conditions.
Do shares of an unlisted public company have to be in demat form?+
Yes. Under Rule 9A of the Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, an unlisted public company must issue securities only in demat form, its shareholders must hold shares in demat before transferring them, and the company must file Form PAS-6 every half year. This needs an ISIN from NSDL and CDSL.
Can a public limited company have a corporate shareholder?+
Yes. Companies, LLPs and other bodies corporate can be shareholders through an authorised representative. A private company that is a subsidiary of a public company is itself treated as a public company.
Can NRIs and foreign nationals be directors or shareholders?+
Yes. NRIs and foreign nationals can be directors and shareholders, and FDI is allowed under the automatic route in most sectors. At least one director must be resident in India. Investors from countries sharing a land border with India need government approval.
Do all 7 shareholders need a DSC?+
Yes. Every subscriber signs the e-MOA and e-AOA digitally, so each director and shareholder needs a Class 3 DSC. Our plans include 7 DSCs; each extra shareholder costs ₹1,500 + GST.
How many board meetings must a public company hold?+
At least 4 board meetings every year, with a gap of not more than 120 days between two meetings. The first board meeting must be held within 30 days of incorporation.
Does a public limited company need independent directors?+
Listed public companies must have independent directors. An unlisted public company needs at least 2 independent directors only when its paid-up capital is ₹10 crore or more, turnover is ₹100 crore or more, or loans, debentures and deposits exceed ₹50 crore. Joint ventures, wholly owned subsidiaries and dormant companies are exempt.
Is a company secretary mandatory for a public limited company?+
A whole-time company secretary, along with an MD/CEO or manager and a CFO, is mandatory for listed companies and for public companies with paid-up capital of ₹10 crore or more. Smaller unlisted public companies don't need one, though a CS often helps with compliance.
Can a public limited company get Startup India (DPIIT) recognition?+
No. DPIIT recognises private limited companies, LLPs, registered partnership firms and cooperative societies. If startup benefits matter, consider a private limited company and convert to public later.
Can a private limited company be converted into a public limited company?+
Yes. Under Section 14, the company increases to at least 3 directors and 7 members, passes a special resolution to alter its Articles and name, files MGT-14 within 30 days and INC-27 within 15 days of the resolution. The Registrar then issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation.
What annual compliance does a public limited company have?+
Four board meetings, an AGM, statutory audit, AOC-4 within 30 days and MGT-7 within 60 days of the AGM, ITR-6, DIR-3 KYC, DPT-3, MBP-1 disclosures and half-yearly PAS-6, plus GST and TDS returns if registered. Larger companies also need independent directors, committees, secretarial audit and CSR.
Ready to register your Public Limited Company?
Talk to a CA/CS expert today. Get your exact cost on WhatsApp in minutes, with no obligation.
Disclaimer: IBACT Digital (IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd) is a private consultancy, not a government body. Government fees, stamp duty and depository charges are paid to the authorities at actuals. Information on this page is for general guidance and is based on the Companies Act, 2013 and MCA rules as of October 2026. Public issues and listing are governed by SEBI regulations.