Last Updated on May 7, 2026
The SPICe+ application streamlines the incorporation of businesses in India by providing a single online solution on the MCA’s website. The MOC has expanded the earlier version SPICe to enable faster and paperless registrations under the Companies Act, 2013.
History of SPICe+
SPICe+ was born from INC-29 in 2016, which merged multiple filings but required multiple steps for them to be completed. SPICe (INC-32) was launched in 2018 to combine all aspects of company registration and reduce processing time.
SPICe+ aligns itself with the 2019 Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules to allow for the allotment of a simultaneous DIN to up to three directors without having to apply for them separately. Through December 2026, it has been used to incorporate more than 2 million companies, according to MCA data.
This further develops the Atmanirbhar Bharat program by reducing the compliance burden on start-ups and MSMEs.
SPICe+ Form – Detailed Structure Breakdown
SPICe+ is a web-based form that operates as a dynamic, interactive form on the MCA website, with features such as auto-save, pre-scrutiny capabilities, and two parts (name reservation and incorporation) that are linked by a unique service request number (SRN).
Part A allows two name proposals with 50% similarity permitted if significant words differ. The system checks against trademarks via integrated tools.
Part B expands to 20+ fields, including subscriber details (up to 200 for private companies), share capital (with series options), and optional services. It auto-generates eMoA (INC-33) and eAoA (INC-34) in Table A-G formats.
Comprehensive Services List
SPICe+ bundles 11 services, making it a one-stop solution:
| Service | Details | Mandatory/Optional | Output |
| Name Reservation | Up to 2 names, 20-day validity | Part A | Approved names |
| DIN Allotment | Max 3 directors (DSC mandatory) | Yes | DIN in CoI |
| Incorporation | eMoA/eAoA filing | Yes | Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) |
| PAN/TAN | Auto-generated | Yes | Embedded in CoI |
| GSTIN | State-wise eligibility check | Optional | Provisional GST number |
| EPFO | UAN generation for directors | Optional | Registration certificate |
| ESIC | Employee coverage, if applicable | Optional | Registration number |
| Bank Account (AGILE-PRO) | Link to 20+ banks | Yes | Account number in CoI |
| Profession Tax | Maharashtra/Gujarat only | Optional | Enrollment certificate |
| Shop & Establishment | State-specific via AGILE-PRO-S | Optional | License |
| Fast-Track Exit | Optional for dormants | N/A | STRIKE-OFF link |
Filing Procedures
Pre-filing Preparation: Register at the MCA V3 Portal and receive a Digital Signature. Complete registration, including validating your email and mobile phone number.
Steps for Part A:
- Under the ‘MCA Services‘ menu, navigate to ‘SPICE+’ and select ‘New Application’
- Select the type of entity you wish to set up (i.e. Section 8, OPC), provide your NIC code (5-digit code) and proposed company names.
- A service will automatically check your names for availability – if this service denies your name, you will need to go through this process again before continuing.
- Pay the fee (Normal fee to be Rs 1,000 ), obtain a Service Request Number (SRN) and continue.
Steps for Part B:
- You must link your SRN from Step 1 above to your main application if you have already registered under Part A ; otherwise, you will need to start a new application.
- Perform KYC for Directors and/or Registered Office address by completing the Director KYC Form using your DoB/Aadhaar (for Indian Nationals ) or Passport (for Foreign Nationals) to match against the authorised Signatories of your Company.
- For Registered Office Address: You must submit either a copy of the lease agreement
- You need to opt in for all services you wish to apply for and upload more than 12 compulsory documents.
- You will also need to download PDF applications AGILE-PRO, eMoA (with subscribers’ e-signatures), and INC-9.
- Your application will be complete and scanned into the e-service system once you have attached all required documents using your Digital Signature and passed the pre-scrutiny, and uploaded it to the MCA V3 Portal within 1 week from the date of applying.
- Fees will have been paid, and at each stage, you will be able to monitor the status of your application on the MCA V3 Portal by tracking the following status changes and expect to receive your Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) via email between 2 and 7 days after your application is approved.
In the event that your application is rejected and you wish to reapply, you will have 120 days from the date of the rejection to submit a new application.
Required Documents
Attachments vary by applicant but include:
- Identity/address proofs.
- NOC for registered office.
- Proof of office ownership/lease.
- Director interests in other entities.
- INC-9/Dir-2.
- eMoA/eAoA subscribers’ details.
Fees and Payment
Fees depend on authorised capital:
| Authorized Capital | Normal (Rs.) | Green Channel (Rs.) |
| NIL/0-1 Lakh | 1,000 | Free |
| 1-5 Lakh | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| 5-10 Lakh | 3,500 | 7,000 |
| 10-50 Lakh | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| >50 Lakh | 10,000+ | 20,000+ |
Benefits
- The SPICe+ method substantially shortens registration timelines, generally taking only 1-3 days compared to several weeks. In addition, a single form reduces potential errors and saves money for all.
- SPICe+ has automatic integration with PAN/TAN/GST, allowing applicants to link their three figures quickly and easily, providing a seamless registration experience. The user interface was created to be user-friendly, specifically helping start-up companies.
- According to statistics, SPICe+ has been used to incorporate over 1 lakh companies monthly since 2023.
Common Issues
- Many applications are denied due to improper names or missing proof. An auto-check feature is available for name checking, while the applicant must ensure proof meets the criteria before submission.
- The timeline to receive an extension for Part A approval is up to 40 days additional from your dashboard.
- Once submitted, no changes can be made; however, if a change is needed, you must submit a new application. You can track your registration status by signing into FO/RO.
Conclusion
The SPICe+ form is a major innovation in the creation of digital forms and has modernised the process for starting companies in India as it incorporates a variety of different types of approvals that would ordinarily be submitted separately and joins them into one unified, online application system, significantly reducing the time, cost and complications involved for an entrepreneur or MSME to create a company in India.
The creation of one form for all approvals has allowed for over 150,000 companies to be formed each year and has assisted the Indian Government in its mission to make it easier to start a business.
The continued expansion of the SPICe+ process through updates such as AGILE-PRO-S and roll-outs across all of the states of India provides greater accessibility for entrepreneurs starting businesses and promotes a vibrant start-up ecosystem by encouraging entrepreneurs and industry professionals to use the various resources available within the application process to launch companies as quickly and accurately as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can SPICe+ be used for Section 8 companies?
Yes, but with additional licenses; Part B includes license approvals.
2. What if more than 3 directors?
Obtain prior DIN via DIR-3; SPICe+ adds max 3.
3. Is a physical signature needed?
No, all electronic via DSC/OTP.
4. Validity of approved name?
20 days; extendable once for 30 days.
5. Post-incorporation steps?
Commence business (INC-20A within 180 days), file annual returns
