CIN or Corporate Identity Number and GST number are two distinct numbers. CIN is given to companies registered with ROC, such as private limited company whereas GSTIN is given to companies registered under the GST statute
What is CIN Number? How to get CIN for Company | Guide[2025]
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Corporate identification number (CINs) is a unique identification number given to companies registered in India. The MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) introduced CIN as a way to identify and track companies incorporated in India. Registrar of Companies, which functions as a registry of records, issues CIN to businesses while allotting Registration Certificates to them. CIN is also called Corporate Identity Number or Company Identification Number.
CIN is essential for any business operating in India. It plays an important role in various legal and regulatory purposes like financial reporting, tax filings and compliance with company law. It is very important that all companies have to include their CIN in all forms they must submit to MCA, notably in the audit reports.
In this article, we will explore what CIN is, why is it so significant for businesses in India, and how can you obtain CIN. Whether you are an owner of a business or just curious about CIN, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this important concept in finance.
What is CIN number?
A corporate Identification Number (CIN) or CIN number is a 21-digit alphanumeric code that contains important company’s information, such as the date of incorporation, the state of incorporation, and the type of company.
CIN number consists of important details, such as:
- Date of Incorporation
- State of incorporation
- Type of Company
- Listing status
The CIN number has all the basic information of the registered company under the Registrar of companies. The CIN helps in identifying and distinguishing between different companies in India, which is important for investors, creditors, and other stakeholders.
The CIN number is provided to the following companies:
- Companies owned by the Government of India
- Private Limited Companies
- Not for Profit Section 8 Company
- Nidhi Companies
- One Person Companies
- State Government Companies, etc.
However, one thing you should note is that Limited liability partnerships registered in India are given a unique 7-digit identification number called LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number) by the Registrar of companies instead of CIN.
A Miracle Number
Companies are required to obtain a CIN number at the time of registration, and the same number is used throughout the life of the company. CIN helps in identifying and tracking companies, which is important for various legal and regulatory purposes.
This unique 12-digit number is crucial for any registered company in India. All of these 21 characters can be easily translated and is useful to find information about any company registered with ROC (registrar of companies) within India.
CIN is useful for tracking the activities of a firm for information that ROC holds. It contains additional information related to the registered company.
Example of CIN number – L17110DL2003PLC016343
Importance of Corporate Identification Number
CIN number will track all the aspects of their business from their formation by the ROC and should be incorporated in all the transactions relating to this entity. It consists of 22 characters that are easily translated and are useful when looking up information of a firm.
The CIN represents the unique number used by the ROC and MCA to identify a company or to track its activity. The CIN provides the organization’s identity and details for registered companies as defined in the registrar of companies (ROC).
CIN, Corporate Identification Number also helps in maintaining transparency and accountability in the corporate sector. Companies are required to disclose their CIN in various documents and filings, which helps in ensuring that the information provided by the company is accurate and up-to-date.
Decoding Corporate Identification Number
As we know that the unique 21-digit CIN gives information about the company, but how could those 21 digits encompass so many details? Let’s see what every character tell you about the company.
Here we take an example of CIN, i.e. L 17110 DL 2003 PLC 016343
L– Listing Status
17110– Registrar of Companies (ROC) Industry code
DL– State of Registration
2003– Incorporation Number
PLC– Registration type
016343– Registration Number
A typical CIN number is divided into six sections. Every section reveals different information.
Section 1: Listing Status: A company could be listed or unlisted on the Indian stock market. The first letter tells you about the Listing Status of the company, where ‘L’ means listed and ‘U’ means unlisted on the stock market.
Section 2: Economic Activity: This section is a set of five numerics that tells you about the economic activity of the company. MCA has categorised different industries in this regard. It is a ROC industry code. This categorisation is connected to the National Industrial Classification-2004 (NIC-2004).
Section 3: State of Registration: The next two letters tell you about the state where the company is registered. For example, here, ‘DL’ denotes Delhi.
Section 4: Incorporation Year: The next section is a set of four numeric digits that tells you about the incorporation year of the company. In the above example, the year of incorporation is 2003.
Section 5: Company Classification: This part of CIN is a set of three letters that signifies the company classification. These three letters will tell you about the registration type of the company. In the above example, ‘PLC‘ denotes a Public Limited Company.
Here is the abbreviation list of the different registration types of a company:
- FLC is Financial Lease Company as Public Limited company ptc
- FTC is a Foreign Company as Private Limited Company
- GAP is General Association Public
- GAT is General Association Private
- GOI are Companies owned by the Government of India
- NPL is a Not-for-Profit License Company
- SGC are Companies owned by State Government
- ULL is a Public Limited Company with Unlimited Liability
- ULT is a Private Company with Unlimited Liability
Section 6: Registration Number: The last section of the CIN denotes the registration no. of the company. This registration number is given by the ROC.
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Use of CIN number
CIN numbers are used to track the whole life cycle of any business registered at the date of incorporation. This number/code is commonly used in audit and report submissions and any forms submitted to MCA. CINs must be printed on the following documents:
- Invoices
- e-forms on the MCA website
- Letterhead
- Note, notices & bills
- Company’s other official publications
Alternatively, this data is useful to track and identify companies that are already registered with ROC or MCA.
Penalty for Non-compliance of Mentioning CIN
If any of the above-mentioned requirements or conditions are not fulfilled, the default company and all officers in defaulting company shall pay INR 1000 per day, till such default continues. This default has a maximum penalty of INR 1,00,000.
CIN Change
CIN can be changed in the following cases if:
- Change in Company’s listing status.
- Change in location of the company’s registered office (only if the state code changes).
- Change in ownership of the company.
- Change in Registrar of Companies.
- Change in the nature of an industry that the company has dealt with since the beginning.
How to obtain CIN for a Company?
In order to get a CIN, the respective company should be registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India. The process of obtaining a CIN is relatively simple and straight-forward. CIN number registration can be done online through the MCA portal.
Step 1: Register the company with the MCA
This can be done online through the MCA portal by submitting the necessary documents and providing the necessary information.
Step 2: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required for all company directors and shareholders to sign and submit documents online. You can obtain DSC from any government-approved agency.
Step 3: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
You can get DIN from the MCA; This can be done online through the MCA portal by submitting the necessary documents and information.
Step 4: Apply for CIN
Once your company is registered with MCA and the shareholders have obtained their DSC and DIN, you can apply for a CIN. This can be done online through the MCA portal by submitting the necessary documents and information.
Step 5: Verification
Once your application is submitted, MCA will verify the documents. After verification, the unique number is assigned by MCA to your company.
Conclusion
Company’s CIN is mandatory for all companies in India, irrespective of their nature, they could be private limited companies, one person company, a foreign company as private limited company, public limited company, state government-owned, not-for-profit company or could be government-owned. CIN ensures that a company operating in India is registered and monitored. CIN promotes transparency and accountability.
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FAQs
What is CIN full form?
CIN is an abbreviation for Corporate Identification Number.
Is the CIN required to be included in the bills, invoices, and receipts of the business?
A company must provide its name, headquarters and corporate identification number in all its official documents, including all its business letters, letterhead, notices and all the other published reports. Corporations are obliged to include their CIN in all invoices, statement vouchers and emails that are delivered through third parties.
How do I find my Company’s CIN number?
Go to the MCA site. Click on the MCAS services section on the homepage. Select the Search CIN from the menu under the “Service” option. Check if there exist any firm or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) names. Type your company name under the existing company, enter captcha and click search. Your CIN will be displayed. That’s how you can check Cin Number.
Is CIN and registration number the same?
Yes, CIN and registration number are one and the same.
Is CIN number and GST number the same?
How do I print my Company’s CIN registration certificate?
To print CIN certificate, you need a User ID and a Password. All you have to do is visit the MCA portal and click on “Get Certified Copies” under “MCA services”. Just type CIN or Name of your company and select company details.
Does bank have CIN number?
Not really, CIN is only allotted to companies registered with the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act.
What is CIN number in GST?
In GST, CIN is Challan Identification Numbers. This CIN contains 17 digits; the first 14 characters and last 3 characters represent GST-authorized bank codes, which provide GST approval to governments.
What is CIN in ITR filing?
CIN stands for Challan Identification Number. This consists of three parts, 7 digit BSR code for the banks where taxes can be paid. It is a unique identifier for tax receipt issuance, which will be engraved on your confirmation.
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