Digital Signature Mandatory for New Section 8 Registrants

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has made it mandatory for all new applicants seeking Section 8 company registration to obtain a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), reinforcing the government’s commitment to a fully digital and secure incorporation process. This move aligns with the broader push toward e-governance and paperless compliance, especially in the non-profit sector.

According to the revised directive, every proposed director and subscriber to the memorandum and articles of the Section 8 company must possess an active DSC before initiating the incorporation application. The DSC serves as a digital equivalent of a handwritten signature, ensuring authenticity, data integrity, and non-repudiation of documents submitted online. Authorities believe this requirement will curb fraudulent filings and enhance the legal accountability of charitable entities.

The digital signature is now compulsory for uploading critical incorporation documents such as the SPICe+ form, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and declarations by directors. The DSC must be obtained through licensed certifying agencies recognized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) in India.

Government officials clarified that this change is not intended to complicate the registration process but to standardize and secure it, given the growing number of online applications and the sensitivity of non-profit operations. The mandate will also help improve processing speed, reduce human error, and ensure compliance with IT security protocols.

Stakeholders in the non-profit sector have largely welcomed the decision, viewing it as a progressive step toward strengthening transparency and operational efficiency. As digital transformation accelerates across India’s corporate governance landscape, this measure marks a critical checkpoint for new Section 8 registrants aiming to build trust and credibility from the very outset.