Incorporation of a Company under SPICe (INC-32): A Complete Guide

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) introduced the SPICe forms (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically) to enable the incorporation of companies within just one day under the Companies Act, 2013.

This was a major step by the MCA, introducing e-Form INC-32 under the SPICe scheme through the MCA’s notification dated October 1, 2016, as part of the Companies (Incorporation) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2016.

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What is the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)?

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is primarily responsible for administering:

• The Companies Act, 2013

• The Companies Act, 1956

• The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008

• Other allied Acts and regulations

The MCA regulates and ensures proper functioning of the corporate sector in accordance with Indian corporate laws.

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Key Forms Introduced under SPICe

The following e-forms are notified by MCA for incorporation:

1. e-Form SPICe (INC-32) – Incorporation of a company

2. e-Form SPICe MOA (INC-33) – e-Memorandum of Association

3. e-Form SPICe AOA (INC-34) – e-Articles of Association

These forms together simplify the entire process, allowing entrepreneurs to start a company through a single-window system.

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Earlier vs. Now: A Major Simplification

Previously, to incorporate a company, one had to separately apply for:

• DIN (Director Identification Number)

• Name Approval

• Appointment of First Director

• Registered Office Address (INC-22)

• PAN and TAN

Now, all these steps can be completed through one integrated form — SPICe (INC-32).

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Purposes Covered under SPICe (INC-32)

The SPICe form can be used for:

• Application of DIN (for up to 3 directors)

• Application for Name Availability

• Appointment of First Director (no separate DIR-12 required)

• Registered Office Address (no separate INC-22 required)

• Application for PAN and TAN

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Types of Companies Covered under SPICe (INC-32)

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Documents Required for Incorporation of a Private Limited Company under SPICe

1. Documents from Directors and Shareholders

Identity Proof

• PAN Card

• Aadhaar Card / Passport / Driving License / Voter ID

Address Proof (any one, not older than 2 months)

• Telephone / Mobile Bill

• Electricity / Water Bill

• Bank Statement / Passbook (with recent transaction)

Passport Size Photographs – 3 Each

All copies of documents must be self-attested by the applicant.
If documents are not in English, they must be translated into English.

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2. Documents to be Signed by Directors

• Consent to Act as Director – Form DIR-2

• Details for Director Identification Number (DIN)

• Declaration of DIN (if already allotted)

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3. Documents to be Signed by Shareholders

• Application for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

• Affidavit by Subscribers & Directors (INC-9)

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4. Documents from Company / LLP / Trademark Owner (if applicable)

• Board Resolution / Authorization for use of Name or Trademark

• Authorization Letter for execution of documents on letterhead

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5. Registered Office Documents

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner

• Proof of Address (in owner’s name):

  • Electricity Bill / Telephone Bill / Gas Bill / Water Bill (not older than 2 months), or

  • Property Tax Receipt / Registered Sale Deed

If the address is from a shared office service provider, then:

• Copy of Electricity Bill / Tax Receipt, and

• Lease Agreement with power to sublease or NOC to use premises

All such documents must be signed by the property owner or office provider.

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Features of SPICe (INC-32) Form

• Maximum number of subscribers: 7

• Maximum number of directors: 20

• Up to 3 directors can apply for DIN in this form

• Name application can be made directly in SPICe form

• Automatic date of signing appears upon applying DSC

• PAN/TAN application is mandatory for all incorporations through SPICe

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Important Notes for Filing

1. The Director must declare that the proposed company name has been checked on the MCA and Trademark websites.

2. Digital Signatures (DSC) of both Director and Professional (CA/CS/CWA) must be affixed.

3. Only one name can be proposed in SPICe — ensure thorough availability check before submission.

4. The MCA21 system automatically generates Forms 49A (PAN) and 49B (TAN) after submission of SPICe.

   • These must be digitally signed and uploaded back to the MCA portal.

5. PAN (from Income Tax Department) will be printed on the Certificate of Incorporation, and TAN will be emailed separately.

6. From February 1, 2017, SPICe incorporation applications are processed only after duly signed 49A and 49B forms are uploaded.

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Conclusion

The introduction of SPICe (INC-32) has revolutionized the company incorporation process in India by providing a single-window, paperless, and time-efficient method. Entrepreneurs can now establish their businesses quickly, eliminating the lengthy multi-step procedures of the past.

This initiative by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs not only promotes ease of doing business but also aligns India’s corporate framework with global digital standards.