A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique identifier assigned to every company registered in India. It plays a crucial role as companies must mention their CIN in all forms submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), especially during audits, reports, and regulatory filings.
What is a Corporate Identification Number (CIN)?
The CIN is a 21-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the MCA to companies incorporated in India. This number is provided when the ROC issues the company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
CIN is allotted to all types of companies in India, including:
- Private Limited Companies (PLCs)
- One Person Companies (OPCs)
- Government-owned Companies
- State Government Companies
- Not-for-Profit Section 8 Companies
- Nidhi Companies, among others
However, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) do not receive a CIN. Instead, LLPs are issued a LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number), which is a unique 7-digit code identifying the LLP.
Importance of Corporate Identification Number
The CIN helps track all activities and legal compliance of a company from its incorporation onwards. It is required for all interactions with the respective ROC and ensures transparency in corporate operations.
Each part of the 21-digit CIN provides meaningful information about the company, such as:
- Type of company
- State of incorporation
- Year of registration
- Registration number
This makes it easy to access the basic details of any company registered under the MCA. Essentially, the CIN serves as a unique identifier to track companies and their compliance with Indian corporate laws.
Example of a CIN issued by the ROC: L01631KA2010PTC096843
Breaking Down the Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
The 21-digit Corporate Identification Number (CIN) provides detailed information about a company registered in India. It can be divided into six sections, each representing specific company details. Using the example L01631KA2010PTC096843, the breakdown is as follows:
- Section 1: L
- Section 2: 01631
- Section 3: KA
- Section 4: 2010
- Section 5: PTC
- Section 6: 096843
What Each Section Represents
Section 1 – Stock Market Listing Status
The first character indicates whether the company is listed on the stock market:
L= ListedU= Unlisted
Section 2 – Industry Classification
The next five digits categorize the company based on its economic activity or industry. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) assigns a unique code to each type of business activity.
Section 3 – State of Incorporation
The following two letters represent the Indian state where the company is registered:
KA= KarnatakaMH= MaharashtraDL= Delhi
This works similarly to vehicle registration codes.
Section 4 – Year of Incorporation
The next four digits indicate the year the company was incorporated.
Section 5 – Company Type
The next three letters define the company’s type or classification:
PTC= Private Limited CompanyFTC= Subsidiary of a foreign companyGOI= Owned by the Government of India
Section 6 – ROC Registration Number
The last six digits are the unique registration number assigned by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
This structured breakdown allows anyone to understand key information about a company just by analyzing its CIN.
Abbreviations in the CIN (Section 5)
The fifth section of the Corporate Identification Number (CIN) represents the company type using specific abbreviations:
- FLC – Financial Lease Company (Public Limited)
- FTC – Subsidiary of a Foreign Company (Private Limited)
- GAP – General Association (Public)
- GAT – General Association (Private)
- GOI – Companies owned by the Government of India
- NPL – Not-for-Profit License Company (Section 8 Company)
- OPC – One Person Company
- PLC – Public Limited Company
- PTC – Private Limited Company
- SGC – Companies owned by State Government
- ULL – Public Limited Company with Unlimited Liability
- ULT – Private Company with Unlimited Liability
Usage of Corporate Identification Number
Every company registered in India must quote its CIN on various official documents, including:
- Invoices, bills, and receipts
- Notices and memos
- Letterheads
- Annual reports and audits
- All e-form submissions on the MCA portal
- Company publications and official communications
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Failure to mention the CIN on required documents attracts a penalty of INR 1,000 per day for the company and every officer in default. The maximum penalty is capped at INR 1,00,000.
Changing the Corporate Identification Number
A CIN can be updated in certain circumstances, such as:
- Change in the stock market listing status of the company
- Change in the state or location of the company’s registered office
- Change in the company’s industry or sector classification
The Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a vital identification tool for companies in India. Every registered company is assigned a unique 21-digit CIN, allowing the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to track its activities efficiently. It is essential for companies to include their CIN on official documents, notices, memos, letterheads, and other communications to avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CIN (Corporate Identification Number)
1. How can I find my company’s CIN number?
You can easily find your company’s CIN on the MCA website by following these steps:
- Visit the MCA website.
- Click on the ‘MCA Services’ tab on the homepage.
- Select ‘Check CIN’ under ‘Company Services’.
- Choose ‘Search Based on Existing Company / LLP Name’.
- Enter your company name under the ‘Existing Company’ option, type the captcha code, and click ‘Search’.
- The company’s CIN will be displayed along with basic company details.
2. Are CIN and GSTIN the same?
No. CIN (Corporate Identification Number) is a unique number allotted to companies by the Registrar of Companies during incorporation under the Companies Act, 2013.
GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a separate number issued under the GST law for businesses registered for GST. While CIN identifies the company legally, GSTIN is for tax compliance purposes.
3. Is CIN allotted to LLPs?
No. CIN is only for companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013. LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are assigned an LLPIN (LLP Identification Number) by the Registrar of Companies.
4. How is a CIN assigned?
A CIN is automatically generated and allotted to a company at the time of incorporation by the Registrar of Companies. It is mentioned in the company’s Certificate of Incorporation and is unique to every company.
5. Is it mandatory to mention CIN on invoices, bills, and receipts?
Yes. Section 12(3)(c) of the Companies Act requires that a company must include its name, registered office address, and CIN on all official documents, such as business letters, billheads, invoices, receipts, letterheads, and notices.
6. What information can be derived from a company’s CIN?
A CIN is a 21-character alphanumeric code that provides details about the company, including:
- Type of company (Public, Private, Government, Section 8, etc.)
- State of incorporation
- Year of incorporation
- Registration number
This helps in verifying a company’s identity and legal status.
7. Can the CIN of a company change?
No. Once allotted, a company’s CIN remains the same throughout its existence, regardless of changes in the company’s name, address, or ownership.
8. Is CIN required for foreign companies operating in India?
Yes. Any foreign company that registers a branch or liaison office in India is allotted a CIN by the Registrar of Companies in India.
9. Where else is the CIN used apart from official documents?
The CIN is used for multiple purposes, such as:
- Filing annual returns and financial statements with MCA
- Legal identification in contracts and agreements
- Bank account opening and regulatory filings
- Verification on government portals and company databases
10. How can I verify a CIN online?
You can verify a CIN directly on the MCA portal by using the ‘View Company/LLP Master Data’ service. Enter the CIN, and it will display the company’s registration details and compliance status.
