Establishing a business in India assumes the proper legal basis. One such is what is called a Public Limited Company (PLC). A business deciding to raise capital from the general public and have a wider base of ownership would consider this one of their best options. If you want to take your work public or want to raise large-scale investment into the organization, Public Limited Company Registration is likely your best option.
In this article, we aim to explain a Public Limited Company, its types, advantages, its registration process, and how Diligence Certification can assist you in making a smooth start.
What Is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company is a company where the shares are offered to the general public with limited liability. The company is mainly governed by the Companies Act, 2013, along with all relevant rules and regulations prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Securities and Exchange Board of India (in the case of listed companies).
A minimum of three directors and seven shareholders are required to constitute a PLC; however, there is no limit to the maximum number of shareholders. It can be listed or unlisted on a stock exchange.
Types of Public Limited Companies in India
- Listed Public Companies : Truly public companies list their shares on stock exchanges like the NSE or BSE and may issue shares to the public through an IPO.
- Unlisted Public Companies : These are not listed on stock exchanges but uphold the compliance framework for public companies.
- Government-Owned Public Companies: Comprising governmental ownership of over 51% of its shareholding.
- Converted Public Companies: Private companies which have converted into public companies to obtain public capital.
Public Limited Company vs Private Limited Company
| Feature | Public Limited Company | Private Limited Company |
| Minimum Members | 7 | 2 |
| Maximum Members | No limit | 200 |
| Share Transferability | Freely transferable | Restricted |
| Capital Raising | Public issue, IPO | Private funding only |
| Compliance | High | Moderate |
Choosing between the two depends on your business goals, funding requirements, and readiness to handle higher compliance.
Benefits of Registering a Public Limited Company
- Capital Availability: Funds may be raised from the public by way of shares or debentures.
- Enhanced Credibility: It is viewed as a more transparent and stable form of business organization.
- Perpetual Succession: An independent legal identity continues with the change of ownership.
- Limited Liability: Shareholders are liable only to the extent of their shareholding.
- Easily Transferable: Shares can be traded freely on stock exchanges (if listed).
Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration
- PAN and Aadhaar of all directors and shareholders
- Passport-size photographs
- Address proof of directors (Electricity Bill/Bank Statement)
- Registered Office Proof – Rent agreement, utility bill, NOC from the owner
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of all proposed directors
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
Step-by-Step Procedure for Public Limited Company Registration
- Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Required for filing forms electronically with MCA.
- Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN) – Unique ID issued to proposed directors.
- Name Approval – Apply for name reservation using the RUN or SPICe+ Part A form.
- File Incorporation Documents – Submit MOA, AOA, and other required forms via SPICe+.
- Receive Certificate of Incorporation – Issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
- Apply for PAN and TAN – Needed for taxation purposes.
- Open a Bank Account In the name of the company to start operations.
Post-Incorporation Compliances for Public Limited Companies
- Appoint an auditor within 30 days
- Conduct board meetings and Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
- File annual returns (Form MGT-7) and financial statements (Form AOC-4)
- Maintain statutory registers and records
- Adhere to SEBI and listing regulations if listed
How Diligence Certification Helps You
At Diligence Certification, we simplify the Public Limited Company registration process through:
- Expert consultation on business structure and compliance
- End-to-end assistance with DSC, DIN, and ROC filings
- Drafting MOA and AOA tailored to your business
- PAN/TAN application and bank account setup
- Post-incorporation compliance support
With a client-first approach and deep regulatory knowledge, we ensure your business is registered correctly and compliantly.
Conclusion
On behalf of the entrepreneur, Public Limited Company Registration in India is one of their major strategic decisions and aims for high performance, credibility, and capital access. It provides substantial corporate structures under which transparency, compliance, and investor trust are standard features. Public Limited Company Registration becomes much easier and gratifying if done under the right guidance and documentation.
Diligence Certification manages the entire process – DSC, DIN, name approval, documentation, ROC filing, and post-incorporation compliance, all items attached to setting up a company in India. Our consultants are experienced and well-informed in ensuring that the registration of your public limited company is not only fast and efficient but also 100% compliant with Indian regulatory frameworks.
Call now if you’re all “fired up” to begin venturing forth into building your next great venture entirely as a Public Limited Company with our expert advice and end-to-end support. Diligence Certification: Your trusted partner for corporate compliance and registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many members are required to form a public limited company?
At least 7 members and 3 directors are required.
2. Is it possible to convert a private company into a public limited company?
Yes, by passing a special resolution and completing ROC proceedings.
3. Is it compulsory that a public limited company should list itself on the stock exchange?
No, unlisted public companies are also allowed.
4. What is the validity of DIN and DSC?
DIN shall be issued for a lifetime, while DSC is valid for a period of 1-2 years and is subject to renewal.
5. What is the registration process?
It normally takes between 10–15 working days, as on the readiness of the documents.
6. Can NRIs or foreigners become directors in a public limited company?
Yes, but at least one must be a resident director of India.
7. What is the government fee for PLC registration?
It depends on the authorized capital. A Diligence Certification gives a complete fee structure
8. Does the registration of a public limited company require a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
Yes. It is a requirement for digitally signing incorporation papers.
9. What does a Director Identification Number (DIN) mean and what is its utility?
DIN is an exclusive identity for directors given by MCA. It is mandatory to serve as a director in any company.
10. What data are needed to set up a public limited company in India?
Identity proof, address proof, registered office proof, DSC, DIN, MOA, and AOA.
11. Is Diligence Certification helpful in Private Limited Company Registration in India?
Yes, we provide end-to-end support for the registration of private limited and public limited companies.
