In this detailed article, we have provided comprehensive information about the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which is assigned to companies settled in India by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). We will be discussing what the CIN is, how to check it, and its significance in different business documents submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Define Corporate Identification Number (CIN)?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs provides a 21-digit alphanumeric identifier known as the Corporate Identification Number (CIN) to businesses registered under the ROC in different Indian states.
All types of businesses in India are provided with a CIN, which are:
- One Person Company (OPC)
- Nidhi Company
- Limited Liability Company
- State-owned enterprises
- Companies under Section 8, and others
However, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) registered in India receive a 7-digit identifying number that is LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identifying Number) from the ROC.
Easy Explanation of the CIN’s 21-Digits
The first character within a CIN indicates whether the company is “Listed” or “Unlisted” on the Indian stock exchange. Therefore, it serves to determine the company’s stock market status. A CIN begins with “L” if it’s listed and “U” if it’s not.
The following five numerical digits classify the company’s economic activity or industry affiliation. This classification is based on the specific economic activities carried out by the company. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has assigned unique numbers to each industry category.
The following two letters represent the Indian state where the company is registered. For example, “GJ” represents Gujarat, “MH” represents Maharashtra, and “KA” represents Karnataka, following a pattern akin to vehicle registration numbers.
The next four digits in the CIN indicate the year of the company’s establishment.
The subsequent three letters indicate the company’s type, distinguishing between public limited or private limited status. For instance, “FTC” means the company is a foreign corporation subsidiary, while “Government of India” signifies that the business is owned by the Indian government.
The final six numerals determine the registration number assigned by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
CIN Numbers and Their Importance
The 21-digit CIN holds great importance as it simplifies the identification of critical corporate data. It is used to access fundamental information about registered businesses in India through the MCA.
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A company’s CIN (Corporate Identification Number) must be included in all transactions with the relevant ROC (Registrar of Companies), allowing the tracking of its activities since its establishment by the ROC.
CIN numbers are required to identify and track organizations across various levels of information maintained by MCA/ROC. They provide details about the ROC and the company’s identification.
What is the Process for Obtaining your Company’s CIN number?
Once you’ve categorized your business type, follow these steps to obtain a CIN:
- Acquire a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Secure a Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Complete new user registration
- Proceed with the company incorporation process
- Incorporate the company
After receiving the incorporation documents, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) will review and approve the application. After completing the validation, the CIN is assigned.
Conclusion
CIN, or Corporate Identification Number, is a unique code issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) that combines the company’s identification and operational details.