Company Incorporation Stuck on the MCA Portal?

A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to SPICe+ Incorporation

Incorporating a company on the MCA portal can be overwhelming due to multiple forms, validations, attachments, and frequent errors.
The good news? The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically) system was designed to make incorporation faster and smoother if you understand the flow correctly.

This guide breaks down the SPICe+ incorporation process step by step, so you know exactly what to file, when to file it, and how everything fits together.

For a broader overview of the steps involved, see our guide to online company registration.

What Is SPICe+ and Why It Matters

SPICe+ is a web-based, single-window incorporation system introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiative.

What SPICe+ Does

It allows you to apply for multiple registrations through one integrated process, including:

• Company incorporation
• Director Identification Number (DIN)
• PAN and TAN
• GST (optional)
• EPFO and ESIC registrations
• Bank account opening
• Professional Tax (Maharashtra only)

Authorities Integrated with SPICe+

SPICe+ connects services from:

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
• Ministry of Labour
• Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance)
• State Government of Maharashtra (for Professional Tax)

This integration eliminates the need for separate applications after incorporation.

SPICE+ Company Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: SPICE+ Part A: Name Reservation (New Companies Only)

• Select “New Application > SPICE+ Part A.”
• Fill: Company type/class/category/sub-category, main industrial activity, description, and 2 proposed names.
• Attach supporting docs (e.g., object clause, trademark certificate, board resolution).
• Enable auto-check, save, and submit.
• CRC emails approval, rejection, or resubmission requests to your registered ID.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our article on the detailed steps for company name application.

Step 2: SPICE+ Part B: Company Incorporation (Post Name Approval).

• Go to “Existing Applications,” filter by date, and select your application number > “FILL” button.
• Enter: Company structure, address, subscriber/director details (use ADD/EDIT), stamp duty, PAN/TAN info.
• Upload attachments, check declarations (by directors/subscribers and professional—CA/CS/CMA).
• Run pre-scrutiny and submit.

Step 3: SPICE+ MOA (Memorandum of Association)

• Select “FILL” > Choose applicable table.
• Prefilled: Company name, registered office.
• Add: Main objects, furtherance matters, share capital, declaration, subscriber details.
• Check the form, save, and submit (sign digitally in front of a professional).

It’s crucial to get this foundational document right, so ensure you have a solid understanding of the Memorandum of Association (MoA) before completing this step.

Step 4: SPICE+ AOA (Articles of Association)

• Select “FILL” > Choose table.
• Prefilled: Company name.
• Add: Subscriber details (signed digitally before professional).
• Check form, save, and submit.
• Note: Attach MOA/AOA as PDFs if >7 subscribers.

Ensure you have a solid understanding of the Articles of Association (AoA) before completing this step.

Step 5: AGILE-PRO (Mandatory for All)

• Select “FILL.”
• Prefilled: Company name.
• Add: Business address proof, authorised signatory details/attachments, declarations.
• Run pre-scrutiny and submit.

Step 6: INC-9 (Declaration Form)

• INC-9 is auto-generated
• Download the PDF
• Affix the DSC of the directors and subscribers
• Upload it as a linked form

Step 7: Upload Sequence & Final Validation

Step 8: Validations You Should Expect

Web-Form Level

• Check Form
• Pre-scrutiny validations

Upload Level

• DSC validation
• MCA system checks

Errors at this stage usually relate to:

• Mismatch in names
• Incorrect attachments
• DSC issues

Step 9: Approval & Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved by CRC:

• Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is issued
• PAN and TAN are printed on the certificate
• COI is sent to the registered email ID

Required Attachments

Tailor based on company type (Private Ltd, OPC, Section 8, Foreign Subsidiary). Common ones:

For AGILE-PRO:

• Proof of principal business place.
• Authorization for GSTIN/bank/EPFO (e.g., LoA, BOD resolution, acceptance letter).
• ID/address/proof of authorized signatory; specimen signature.

Optional: Part A attachments (e.g., trademark proofs).

Why Incorporation Still Gets “Stuck” on MCA

Most delays happen due to:

• Incorrect attachments
• Mismatch in names or addresses
• Improper object clauses
• DSC issues
• Incomplete AGILE-PRO details

Understanding the exact sequence and dependencies avoids these issues.

Conclusion

The MCA’s SPICe+ system has dramatically simplified company incorporation by integrating multiple approvals into a single workflow. When followed correctly, incorporation can be completed smoothly and quickly.

The key is not speed, but accuracy, sequencing, and documentation.

With proper preparation and professional certification, SPICe+ delivers on its promise of faster, paperless, and seamless company incorporation in India.