If you want to learn more about Digital Signature Certificates and how they can help you get into the MCA21 programme, read this blog.
DSC Required for MCA – For internet access or local machine usage, while a third party needs to be given permission or access, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is used to ensure statutory security. Nowadays, digital signatures have become the accepted norm. It is being given equal status at par with handwritten signatures. An electronically signed document is treated just like any other hand-signed paper document.
However, it must be noted that a digitally signed document and a scanned copy of a physical written signature are not the same. A physical written signature cannot be authenticated legally. On the other hand, a digital signature has the requisite legal backing. Let us learn about DSC Basics and Which Class of DSC Required for MCA in this blog.
What is a Digital Signature Certificate? (DSC)
DSC is a legally accepted technique used to sign any document electronically. This process is being followed to ensure security for anyone signing documents on paper. Different government agencies are using digital signatures. It is considered a statutory requirement for any digital application.
DSC uses methods of asymmetric cryptography to stimulate this feature. Using two algorithms, viz., secret or private key and also the user’s public key, DSC signature schemes complete the actual signing and the verification process. And the output of these two combined algorithms is the digital signature.
Different Uses of DSCs Required for MCA
- Sign
The Sign DSC is used only to sign documents. These types of DSCs are used for including signatures in PDF files for filing tax returns, and for giving corporates and other professionals, and even citizens of India, easy and secured access to the services of the Ministry of Company Affairs.
DSC signing guarantees the integrity of the signers. It also ensures safe and secure data handling. Thus, it authenticates that the data is untampered and unaltered.
- Encrypt
Encrypt DSC ensures security by converting the information or data into code. This is done mainly to stop unauthorised access to data. This DSC is used by the tender portal, where the confidential data is first encrypted and then uploaded.
Mainly for legal documentation or e-commerce documents that handle high security and confidential information, encrypted DSC is used.
- Encrypt and Sign
Sign and encrypt DSC serves both the purposes of signing and encrypting. Thus, these certificates authenticate and ensure a high level of confidentiality to stop unauthorised information sharing. These certificates are used mainly for filling up government application forms.
Different Classes of DSC Required for MCA
There are mainly three basic types of DSC, and each serves unique purposes.
- Certificate No. 1
Class 1 certificates are used for private subscribers or individual users. These certificates validate users’ identities like their name (or alias), addresses, pin codes, country, respective e-mail addresses, etc. Finally, they are tallied with the database of the certifying authorities.
- Certificate Level 2
Class 2 certificates are used by business personnel and also by private individuals. These certificates will check the subscriber information as per the application. It will check for any contradictions in this information when tallied with other well-known consumer databases.
- Certificate Level 3:
The Class 3 Certificate is used by individuals and also by organisations. This certificate uses asymmetric cryptography to ensure the highest security properties of a handwritten signature on paper. These are treated as high-assurance certificates. These certificates are mainly used for e-commerce applications.
These certificates are believed to be the most secure and safest forms of digital certificates. For that reason, these are used when the process requires the highest level of security, as in the case of online trading, online financial transactions, e-filing, etc. Normally, these kinds of transactions involve high-value or financial obligations. Therefore, to ensure the highest form of security that contains confidential information, a Class 3 Certificate is issued.
Purpose of DSCs Required for MCA
DSCs are used by individual users, corporate entities, legal professionals, governmental organisations, traders, foreign individuals, foreign organisations, etc. The purpose of the usage is also varied.
- GST application filing
- e-Tendering
- e-Procurement
- e-Bidding
- e-Auction
- Income Tax e-filing
- Patent and Trademark e-filing
- MCA e-filing
- LLP registration
- Customs e-filing
Thus, for various MCA services in a safe and secure manner, DSCs are extensively used. This has brought in a great deal of efficiency and user satisfaction without sacrificing safety and confidential protocol.
MCA21 DSCs are helping to implement MCA21 programmes more efficiently. They are making their MCA21 programmes more accessible and secure. It uses the method of electronic signing and incorporates encryption facilities that ensure the maximum level of confidentiality.
What is MCA21?
The Ministry of Company Affairs (MCA) has taken up several e-governance initiatives to permit the citizens of India and various corporate bodies to avail easy and secured access to various MCA services. The MCA21 application is one such instrument used to validate the user’s identity for availing of such services. Such validation automatically enforces compliance with statutory requirements as per the Companies Act, 2013.
Thus, the MCA21 application works as a single point of contact. It serves multiple purposes.
- It allows businesses easy and quick registration facilities and helps them file statutory documents.
- makes public documents accessible.
- Public grievances can be addressed much faster and more effectively.
- brings transparency through proactive and effective compliance concerning pertinent laws and regulations of corporate governance.
- It helps the MCA employees deliver the best quality services.
Are Class 2 and Class 3 DSCs valid for accessing the MCA21 program?
According to the Information Technology Act of 2000, you can use DSC during the electronic submission of any document. This ensures your authenticity and also guarantees security.
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) is an essential requirement for MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) filings.
- MCA mandates the use of Class 2 or Class 3 DSC for all online transactions and filings.
- A Class 2 DSC is issued to individuals and authorized signatories for business transactions and e-filing with the MCA.
- A Class 3 DSC is a more secure option that provides a higher level of security and is issued to individuals and organizations for online transactions.
- To obtain a DSC for MCA filings, one needs to submit the required documents and complete the verification process with a Certifying Authority (CA).
- The DSC serves as a digital equivalent of a handwritten signature and ensures the authenticity and integrity of the documents filed with the MCA.
- DSC Required for MCA filings includes registration of a new company, filing of annual returns, and various other forms and applications.
- The use of DSC required for MCA filings is mandatory for all companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
- The DSC is valid for a specific period, and the user needs to renew it before its expiration date to continue using it for MCA filings.
- With the use of DSC required for MCA filings, the entire process has become faster, efficient, and secure, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and manual signatures.
The MCA21 application requires self-registration. Such registration allows you to file eForms and view various public documents.
To start your registration process, you have to create a profile, and you will be given a USER ID and password. You also have the option of using your Digital Signature Certificate. If you are a company director or professional user, it is mandatory to provide your DSC.
You need to attach your valid DSC in the place mentioned for the digital certificate field.
You will be asked to choose a ‘hind question’ to ensure maximum security. You have to remember your answer to this history question. If you forget your password, this hidden question option will be used as a backup option to check your authenticity.
The person authorised to sign these documents on behalf of your company or LLP is allowed to use DSCs under the provisions of MCA21 e-Governance Programmes.
The steps to be followed for attaching DSCs are:
Step 1: Goto MCA Portal
Step 2: Choose the MCA Services tab. The dropdown will show the list of MCA services available.
Step 3: From the DSC Service menu, choose the Associate DSC menu. It will display the associated DSC page. Opt for the relevant option from the “role” drop-down list.
To Sum Up – Which Class of DSC Required for MCA ?
In short, DSC has enabled the authentication process to access various MCA21 programmes by validating personal information details. Not only that, previously, application through the submission of hard copy documents used to be time-consuming, which made the process slow and costly. Including digital signatures in PDF files has made the process more efficient. In addition to that, it ensures data integrity and safety. Hope this blog which class of DSC Required for MCA is helpful. In case of queries contact Vakilsearch.
Read more:
