FreeComplianceCertificate of Incorporation and CIN: how to read them
When SPICe+ is approved, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation (COI). It is conclusive evidence that your company exists. The most important number on it is the Corporate Identification Number (CIN).
What the certificate shows
- Company name
- CIN
- Date of incorporation
- Type of company (private, limited by shares)
- PAN and TAN of the company
- Registrar's digital signature
Reading the CIN
A CIN is 21 characters long. For example, a CIN like U72900KA2026PTC123456 breaks down as:
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U | Listing status: U = unlisted, L = listed |
| 2–6 | 72900 | Industry code (NIC) of main activity |
| 7–8 | KA | State of registration |
| 9–12 | 2026 | Year of incorporation |
| 13–15 | PTC | Type: PTC = private, PLC = public, OPC = one person, NPL = Section 8 |
| 16–21 | 123456 | Registration number |
The CIN changes if listing status, state or company type changes, but the registration number stays the same.
Where to use it
The CIN must appear on letterheads, invoices, website and official documents. See Section 12 display rules.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government fees and procedures change; confirm current figures before you file.
- Company name board, letterhead and invoice rules under Section 12
What a company must display on its office name board, letterheads, invoices and website under Section 12(3) of the Companies Act.
- How to register a private limited company in India: the complete process
Step-by-step guide to registering a private limited company in India through SPICe+: eligibility, documents, forms, timelines and costs.
- Post-incorporation compliance checklist for private limited companies
Everything a new private limited company must do in its first 180 days: board meeting, auditor, share certificates, INC-20A and more.