Public Limited Company Registration in India — Requirements and Process 2025

A Public Limited Company is the most prestigious corporate structure in India, allowing businesses to raise capital from the general public by issuing shares. While most startups and small businesses choose a Private Limited Company or LLP, a Public Limited Company is the right choice when you plan to list on a stock exchange or raise equity from a large number of investors. This guide covers all requirements and the registration process for 2025.

What is a Public Limited Company?

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company whose shares can be freely transferred and offered to the public. It must have "Limited" at the end of its name. Unlike a private limited company, there is no restriction on the number of shareholders, and shares can be listed on BSE or NSE. Public companies are subject to significantly more regulatory oversight under the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI regulations.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 7 shareholders (members)
• Minimum 3 directors
• At least 1 director must be a resident of India
• Minimum paid-up capital: No statutory minimum (removed in 2015), but practical considerations apply
• Company name must end with "Limited"
• Registered office must be established within 30 days of incorporation

Documents Required

• PAN and Aadhaar of all 7 promoters and 3 directors
• Address proof and identity proof for all directors and subscribers
• DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for all directors
• DIN (Director Identification Number) for all directors
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Registered office address proof with NOC

Registration Process

Step 1 — DSC and DIN: All directors obtain Class 3 DSC and DIN through the MCA portal.

Step 2 — Name Approval: Apply for company name via the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form or through SPICe+ Part A. The name must end with "Limited".

Step 3 — Draft MOA and AOA: The Memorandum of Association defines the company's objectives. The Articles of Association define internal governance rules. These are critical documents that must be drafted carefully.

Step 4 — File SPICe+ Form: File the integrated SPICe+ form on MCA V3 with all attachments. This single form handles name reservation, incorporation, PAN, TAN and other registrations simultaneously.

Step 5 — Certificate of Incorporation: The ROC issues a Certificate of Incorporation with a CIN once the application is approved.

Additional Compliance for Public Companies

Public companies face significantly more compliance requirements than private companies. They must hold a mandatory Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 6 months of the financial year end. Board meetings must be held at least 4 times a year with a maximum gap of 120 days between two meetings.

Audited financial statements must be filed with ROC in Form AOC-4, and the Annual Return in Form MGT-7. Listed public companies must also comply with SEBI (LODR) Regulations 2015, including quarterly financial disclosures, related party transaction reporting and corporate governance requirements.

Prospectus Requirements for Capital Raising

Before issuing shares to the public, a public limited company must file a Prospectus or Red Herring Prospectus with SEBI and the ROC. The prospectus must disclose all material information about the company, its financials, promoters and use of funds. This is a highly regulated process that requires merchant bankers and legal advisors.

Conclusion

Registering a Public Limited Company in India is a complex process that requires careful planning, the right advisors and a clear understanding of ongoing compliance obligations. SPOTON Business Solutions provides end-to-end support for company incorporation, compliance and statutory filings across Kerala. Contact us today for expert guidance.