The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) introduced the MCA 21 portal in 2006 to provide secure and convenient online access to various MCA services for professionals, corporate bodies, and the general public. The portal is designed for smooth interoperability with the National e-Governance Services Delivery Gateway (NSDG), allowing MCA services to be delivered through multiple online channels while offering additional value-added services beyond the standard offerings.
Objectives of the MCA 21 Portal
The main purpose of the MCA 21 portal is to automate and streamline all procedures related to compliance and legal requirements under the Companies Act, 1956, Companies Act, 2013, and the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008. It assists the business community in meeting their statutory and regulatory obligations efficiently.
Benefits of the MCA 21 Portal
The key benefits of the MCA 21 portal include:
- Simplifies and speeds up company registration and statutory filings online.
- Provides easy access to public records and documents digitally.
- Ensures quick resolution of public grievances through an organized process.
- Facilitates registration and verification of charges seamlessly.
- Promotes proactive compliance with corporate governance and applicable laws.
- Enables MCA personnel to deliver high-quality, efficient services.
MCA 21 Services
1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every form or document submitted electronically by a company or LLP on the MCA 21 portal must be digitally signed and authenticated using the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the director, managing director, or any authorized representative. Through the portal, individuals and professionals can easily apply for, obtain, or update their DSCs to ensure the security and authenticity of filings.
2. Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
All existing and proposed directors are required to possess a Director Identification Number (DIN) within the specified timeframe. They can apply for and obtain a DIN through the following methods on the MCA 21 portal:
- SPICe+ Form: Proposed first directors of new companies can apply for a DIN only through this form.
- DIR-3 Form: Individuals seeking to become directors in existing companies can apply for a DIN using this form.
- DIR-6 Form: This form allows directors to update or change details submitted earlier through the SPICe+ or DIR-3 forms.
Additionally, directors can verify their DIN details anytime on the MCA 21 portal.
3. View Master Data of a Company/LLP Registered with ROC
The MCA 21 portal allows public access to the master data of any company or LLP registered with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). This includes vital details such as incorporation date, registration number, company status, registered office address, CIN, ROC code, and company class. Users can also view the register of charges, index of charges, signatory details, companies/directors under prosecution, newly registered companies/LLPs (last 30 days), and directors’ master data.
4. LLP e-Filing
Designated partners can conveniently file all LLP forms online through the MCA 21 portal. The process includes submitting forms like RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name for LLP) and FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of LLP). Other annual and event-based LLP forms can also be filed securely by logging into the portal.
5. LLP Services
Before registering a new LLP, proposed partners can check for similar existing LLP names using the LLP Services feature on the MCA 21 portal. If a name conflict exists, the applicant must select a new name to proceed with registration. Additionally, the general public can verify the status of an LLP or LLPIN through the same service, ensuring transparency and easy access to registered entity details.
Company e-Filing
Authorized directors or signatories of a company can log in to the MCA 21 portal to complete all company-related filings online. They can submit company incorporation forms like the SPICe+ form and other annual compliance forms digitally. The portal also allows users to check the status of annual filings conveniently.
Company Services
Before applying for company registration with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), business owners or proposed directors can verify whether similar company names already exist through the MCA 21 portal. If a similar name is found, a new name must be chosen for registration approval. The general public can also search for a company’s Corporate Identification Number (CIN) using this service.
Raise Complaints
Users can file complaints or raise concerns related to MCA services, investor issues, or serious grievances directly through the MCA 21 portal.
Document Related Services
Anyone can access certified copies of a company’s public documents, such as incorporation certificates or charge documents, by paying the prescribed fee on the MCA 21 portal. Users can also view company-related documents online.
Fee and Payment Services
The portal allows users to enquire about applicable fees, make payments after submitting forms, pay stamp duty charges, and track payment status easily.
Investor Services
Through the MCA 21 portal, companies can upload investor details, and investors can check information regarding unclaimed or unpaid amounts. Investors whose funds have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) can claim a refund by filing the IEPF-5 form.
Independent Director Databank Services
Individuals can log in to the MCA 21 portal to access the independent director databank and manage their registration details.
Track SRN Transaction Status
Anyone who has submitted a company or LLP form can track its progress using the Service Request Number (SRN) on the MCA 21 portal.
MCA 21 Registration Process
Individuals or businesses can easily register on the MCA 21 portal by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official MCA website.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Sign In/Sign Up’ button at the top right corner of the homepage.
Step 3: On the next page, select the ‘Register’ button.
Step 4: Fill in the required details and click ‘Submit.’
Once registration is complete, the user can log in to the MCA 21 portal using their username and password by clicking the ‘Login for V3 Filing’ option.
MCA 21 V3
In FY 2021–22, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) launched MCA 21 Version 3.0 (MCA 21 V3) — an upgraded version of the existing portal. This version introduced advanced features like e-consultation, e-adjudication, and compliance management. Unlike MCA 21 V2, where users had to upload filled forms, V3 allows forms to be completed and submitted online directly.
Key Components of MCA 21 V3 Portal:
- E-scrutiny: A central scrutiny cell examines Straight Through Process (STP) forms filed by companies and flags cases requiring detailed review.
- E-adjudication: This feature digitises the adjudication process handled by ROCs and Regional Directors, ensuring smoother and faster resolution.
- E-consultation: Provides an online platform for users to review and comment on proposed legislative amendments or draft policies.
- Compliance Management System (CMS): Helps MCA identify non-compliant companies or LLPs, issue e-notices, and generate alerts for internal users.
- MCA Lab: A dedicated research lab comprising corporate law experts that evaluates the effectiveness of the CMS, e-consultation, and enforcement systems while suggesting improvements.
The MCA 21 V3 portal significantly enhances user experience through advanced technology, seamless API integration, and simplified compliance management—making business processes more efficient and user-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the MCA 21 Portal?
The MCA 21 Portal is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, to facilitate e-Governance in company affairs. It enables companies, LLPs, and professionals to register businesses, file statutory documents, and access corporate information online in a transparent and efficient manner.
2. What are the key services offered on the MCA 21 Portal?
The MCA 21 portal offers a wide range of services, including:
- Company and LLP Registration (SPICe+ & FiLLiP forms)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) services
- Company and LLP e-Filing of annual returns and forms
- Access to company master data and public documents
- Fee payment, investor services, and SRN tracking
- Independent Director Databank access and complaint submission
3. How can I register on the MCA 21 Portal?
You can register on the MCA 21 portal by visiting the official MCA website, clicking on ‘Sign In/Sign Up’ → ‘Register’, and filling in the required details. After submission, you can log in using your credentials through the ‘Login for V3 Filing’ option.
4. What is MCA 21 Version 3 (MCA V3)?
MCA 21 V3 is the upgraded version of the MCA 21 portal introduced in FY 2021–22. It integrates features like e-scrutiny, e-adjudication, e-consultation, and compliance management to enhance digital governance and user experience. Unlike the earlier version, MCA V3 allows users to fill and submit forms directly online instead of uploading them manually.
5. What is the difference between MCA 21 V2 and V3?
The main difference is that MCA 21 V2 required users to download, fill, and upload forms, while MCA 21 V3 enables online form filing with real-time validation. MCA V3 also includes enhanced modules for compliance monitoring, e-adjudication, and data analytics for better corporate regulation.
6. Can anyone access company information on the MCA 21 portal?
Yes. The general public can view company master data, LLP details, registration information, signatory data, and charge documents through the MCA 21 portal. Certain documents can also be downloaded by paying the applicable fees.
7. How does MCA 21 V3 help businesses?
MCA 21 V3 simplifies compliance and governance by providing digital workflows, faster processing, and data transparency. It reduces manual intervention, ensures timely filings, and helps businesses focus on growth while staying compliant.
