Introduction
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Corporate Identification Numbers (CINs), exploring their significance, how to verify them, and other related aspects. The Registrar of Companies (ROC) plays a pivotal role by assigning each Indian-incorporated company a unique identifier known as the Corporate Identification Number (CIN).
Post the issuance of the Registration Certificate, the ROC bestows this distinctive CIN upon companies. This number holds substantial importance as it is mandated for inclusion in all documents submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), including audits and various reports.
What is the CIN Number?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs grants the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), a 21-character alphanumeric code, to businesses established in India after they complete their registration with the ROC in different states nationwide.
All Indian-registered businesses receive a CIN; examples include:
One Person Company (OPC)
Nidhi Company
Limited Liability Company
State-owned enterprises
Companies falling under Section 8, among others
However, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) registered in India do not possess a CIN. Instead, they are assigned a unique 7-digit identifier known as the Limited Liability Partnership Identifying Number (LLPIN) by the ROC.
Understanding the 21-digit CIN
Section 1
The first character of a CIN distinguishes between “Listed” and “Unlisted” companies on the Indian stock exchange. If a company is listed, the CIN begins with “L,” and if it is unlisted, it starts with “U.”
Section 2
The subsequent five numerical digits categorize a company’s economic activity or industry. This classification is based on the nature of the economic activities the company conducts, with specific numbers assigned by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for each category and industry.
Section 3
The following two letters denote the Indian state where the company is registered. For example, “GJ” represents Gujarat, “MH” represents Maharashtra, “KA” represents Karnataka, and so forth, functioning similarly to a vehicle registration number.
Section 4
The next four digits indicate the year of the company’s establishment.
Section 5
The following three letters signify the company’s class, distinguishing between public limited, private limited, foreign subsidiary (indicated by “FTC”), and government-owned entities (indicated by “GOI”).
Section 6
The final six numerical digits correspond to the registration number assigned by the relevant Registrar of Companies (ROC).
The Significance of a CIN
The 21-character CIN holds a unique importance that simplifies the identification of crucial corporate information.
It serves as the key to accessing fundamental data on registered businesses within the nation through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
A company’s CIN is a mandatory inclusion in all dealings with the respective Registrar of Companies (ROC) and acts as a trailblazer, tracing its activities from the ROC’s initial establishment.
CIN numbers are instrumental in identifying and tracking organizations across various tiers of information maintained by the MCA/ROC. They not only provide insights into the Registrar of Companies (ROC) but also offer insights into the company itself.
Obtaining a CIN for Your Company
The process of obtaining a CIN for your company involves several steps:
Acquire a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN).
Complete the new user registration process.
Proceed with the company incorporation process.
Incorporate the Company
Once the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) reviews and approves your application, and all data has been duly verified, the CIN is allocated to your company.
In Conclusion
A Corporate Identification Number (CIN), also referred to as a business registration number, is a unique identifier issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
In essence, the CIN is a special code that encapsulates both the company’s identification and additional details pertaining to its operations.
