WHAT IS CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (CIN) IN INDIA

INTRODUCTION

In India, companies are governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and one of the key components of corporate compliance is the Corporate Identification Number (CIN). This number is essential for establishing a company’s identity in the eyes of regulatory authorities, financial institutions, stakeholders, and the government.

This article covers everything you need to know about CIN in India, from what it is, how to apply for it, where to find it, and how it differs from other identification numbers like LLPIN.

WHAT IS CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER?

A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique 21-character alphanumeric code that is assigned by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to every company registered in India. It serves as the company’s unique ID and is issued at the time of incorporation by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

The CIN is required for all types of companies, including:

• Private Limited Companies (PLCs)
• One Person Companies (OPCs)
• Government-owned companies
• State government companies
• Section 8 companies (non-profits)
• Non-banking financial company (NBFC)

However, CIN is not issued to Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). Instead, LLPs receive a separate identification number called LLPIN.

CIN NUMBER IN INDIA

The CIN number in India is not just a formality; it’s a mandatory identifier that must appear on all key company documents, including invoices, letterheads, annual returns, and official correspondence. The primary purpose of CIN is to help regulators and the public track all relevant information about the company, such as its location, nature of business, year of incorporation, and more.

Every company operating in India, once incorporated by the ROC, receives this number as part of its Certificate of Incorporation.

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IMPORTANCE OF CIN IN INDIA

The Corporate Identification Number is more than just a tracking number. It serves several purposes:

• It enables regulatory bodies to track company activity.
• It’s mandatory on all legal documents, including invoices, contracts, and reports.
• It helps in distinguishing one company from another, especially those with similar names.

HOW TO APPLY CIN NUMBER IN INDIA

You don’t need to file a separate application to get a CIN. The CIN is allotted automatically by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) once the company registration process is completed through the MCA portal.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

• Step 1: Choose a company name using the MCA’s RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service.
• Step 2: Obtain Digital Signatures (DSC) and Director Identification Numbers (DIN) for the proposed directors.
• Step 3: File the SPICe+ form with supporting documents like Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and address proof.
• Step 4: Upon approval, the ROC issues a Certificate of Incorporation that includes the company’s unique CIN.

The CIN acts as the official stamp of registration and legal identity of the business.

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CIN NUMBER FORMAT

The CIN number format is standardized and structured to convey specific information about a company. It is a 21-character alphanumeric code, and each section of the code reveals important information:

Let’s break it down:

• Section 1: First character – Company listing status (L for listed, U for unlisted)
• Section 2: Next 5 digits – Industry code (based on business activity)
• Section 3: Next 2 letters – State code where ROC is located (e.g., DL for Delhi, KA for Karnataka)
• Section 4: Next 4 digits – Year of incorporation
• Section 5: Next 3 characters – Type of company (e.g., PTC for Private Limited Company)
• Section 6: Last 6 digits – Unique registration number issued by ROC

This structured format helps in identifying the company at various levels, from jurisdiction to business type.

CIN NUMBER EXAMPLE

Here is a CIN number example and how it is decoded:

Example: L01631KA2010PTC096843

Breakdown:

• L – Listed company
• 01631 – Industry code
• KA – Karnataka (state where ROC is located)
• 2010 – Year of incorporation
• PTC – Private Limited Company
• 096843 – ROC-assigned registration number

Each section of the CIN gives clear information about the company’s nature and registration details.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CIN AND LLPIN

Although both CIN and LLPIN serve as unique identifiers, they apply to different types of legal entities.

Identifier	Applies To	Format	Issued By
CIN	Companies (Private, Public, Section 8, etc.)	21-character alphanumeric	ROC / MCA
LLPIN	Limited Liability Partnerships	7-character alphanumeric	ROC / MCA

The difference between CIN and LLPIN lies mainly in the structure and the type of organization they represent. LLPIN is applicable only to LLPs, while CIN is applicable only to companies registered under the Companies Act.

CIN NUMBER CHECK ONLINE

Anyone can do a CIN number check online using the MCA portal. This feature is helpful for due diligence, verifying company credentials, or even just to confirm your own company’s registration status.

You can search by entering the full or partial name of the company along with the ROC region. Once located, the MCA portal will display the CIN, company name, registration number, date of incorporation, and company status (active/inactive).

MCA CIN SEARCH

The MCA CIN search is part of the broader suite of online tools provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This feature not only shows the CIN but also allows access to detailed company information, such as:

• The company’s directors
• Annual filings
• Financial reports
• Compliance status

This makes the MCA portal a powerful resource for investors, regulators, vendors, and even customers who wish to assess the legitimacy and standing of a company.

HOW TO FIND CIN NUMBER

If you want to check or verify a company’s CIN number, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs provides a convenient online tool. You can find CIN numbers through the official MCA portal using a simple search feature.

Steps to follow:

1. Go to the MCA website: https://www.mca.gov.in
2. Click on the ‘MCA Services’ tab.
3. Under “Company Services,” select ‘Find CIN’.
4. Enter the company’s name, ROC state, and the CAPTCHA code.
5. Click Search to retrieve the CIN and other basic company details.

This makes it easy for anyone to verify if a company is legally registered in India.

UPDATING OR CORRECTING CIN

Although the CIN is permanent, certain changes in the company’s structure or jurisdiction can lead to a change in the CIN. These include:

• Change in company type (e.g., from private to public)
• Change in company name
• Shifting of registered office to another state

Depending on the type of change, the company must file forms such as INC-24, INC-27, or INC-23, after which the updated CIN will be issued by the ROC.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY CIN

As per Section 12(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, companies must mention their CIN on:

• All invoices and receipts
• Letterheads and official communications
• Emails and e-signatures
• Company website and notices

Failure to comply can lead to penalties and may affect the company’s credibility.

CONCLUSION

The Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a vital component of a company’s legal identity in India. Assigned by the Registrar of Companies upon incorporation, it helps track and verify a company’s registration, structure, and compliance status. From legal documents to official communication, mentioning the CIN is not just mandatory but essential for transparency and credibility. Understanding how CIN works and how to access it through the MCA portal empowers businesses and stakeholders to make informed decisions in the corporate landscape.

With tools and expert services offered by TMWala, managing and staying compliant with your company’s CIN requirements becomes seamless and stress-free.

FAQS

1. What is a CIN in India?
   Ans. A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a 21-character unique alphanumeric code assigned by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to every registered company in India.
2. Who issues the CIN, and when is it allotted?
   The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), through the ROC, issues the CIN automatically at the time of company incorporation.
3. Is CIN required for LLPs?
   No, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) do not get a CIN. Instead, they are issued an LLP Identification Number (LLPIN).
4. Where should a company display its CIN?
   As per the Companies Act, 2013, the CIN must be displayed on invoices, letterheads, company websites, emails, and all official communications.
5. How can TMWala help with CIN-related services?
   TMWala assists in company registration, CIN issuance, updates, and compliance, making it easier to manage all company identity requirements in one place.