Public Limited Company Registration in India – Complete Guide

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is often seen as the next level for ambitious businesses. Unlike a private company, a PLC can raise funds from the public through shares, making it a natural choice for enterprises planning large-scale growth.

If you’re wondering what is a public limited company, think of names like Reliance Industries, Infosys, or Tata Motors. These are public limited company examples of big businesses that are listed on stock exchanges and owned by thousands of shareholders.

The official public limited company definition under Indian law is that it’s a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with limited liability, separate legal identity, and the ability to invite the public to buy shares.

At rocfilings.in, we help founders move from vision to incorporation. If your business plan requires scale, credibility, and public investment, a PLC may be the right structure for you.

Key Characteristics of a Public Limited Company

• Separate legal entity – the company is distinct from its shareholders.
• Limited liability – shareholders are only liable to the extent of their shareholding.
• Transferability of shares – shares can be freely traded, subject to listing rules.
• Minimum members – at least seven shareholders and three directors are required.
• Public fundraising – the ability to issue shares or debentures to raise capital.
• Transparency – higher regulatory scrutiny and disclosure norms compared to private companies.

In short, a public limited company in India offers the credibility of corporate governance and the financial muscle of public investment.

Types of Public Limited Company

1. Listed PLCs – Companies listed on stock exchanges that raise money directly from public investors.
2. Unlisted PLCs – Registered as public limited but not listed; raise funds privately but still follow PLC norms.
3. Government PLCs – Majority shareholding is owned by the Government of India or State Governments. Examples: ONGC, Coal India.
4. Private-to-Public Conversion – Many private companies convert to public status to expand and tap into capital markets.

Requirements for Registration of a Public Limited Company

• Minimum seven shareholders.
• Minimum three directors.
• At least one director must be an Indian resident.
• A registered office in India.
• Minimum paid-up share capital of ₹5 lakh (though relaxed under the Companies Act amendments, many PLCs still maintain this as baseline).
• Approval of name under the MCA’s RUN service.

Advantages of Public Limited Company Registration

1. Access to capital markets – ability to raise funds from the public and institutional investors.
2. Enhanced credibility – stricter governance and disclosure norms build trust with lenders, vendors, and customers.
3. Growth potential – ideal for scaling businesses with national or global ambitions.
4. Liquidity for shareholders – shares can be sold or transferred easily.
5. Brand recognition – being a PLC signals maturity, stability, and ambition.

Pro tip: PLCs carry higher compliance, but the trade-off is unmatched fundraising power and visibility.

Documents Required for Public Limited Company Registration

• PAN cards of all directors and shareholders.
• Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID for identity proof.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Proof of registered office (rent agreement/utility bill/NOC from owner).
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of all directors.
• Director Identification Number (DIN).
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA).

Public Limited Company Registration Procedure

1. Digital Signatures – Obtain DSCs for all directors.
2. DIN Application – Directors must apply for DIN through the MCA portal.
3. Name Approval – Apply through RUN service with unique names.
4. Draft MoA & AoA – Outline the objectives, governance, and shareholding structure.
5. File SPICe+ Form – This integrated form covers incorporation, PAN, TAN, and other registrations.
6. Certificate of Incorporation – Once approved, ROC issues the certificate along with CIN.
7. Apply for Commencement of Business – File INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation.

On average, this process takes 15–25 working days if documents are correct.

Post-Incorporation Compliance Requirements

• Hold the first Board Meeting within 30 days of incorporation.
• Appoint statutory auditors.
• Hold at least four board meetings every year.
• File annual return (MGT-7) and financial statements (AOC-4).
• Hold Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months of year-end.
• Comply with SEBI norms if listed.

Non-compliance attracts heavy penalties and loss of credibility. At ROC Filings, we not only help with registration but also track ongoing compliance so you stay penalty-free.

Why Choose ROC Filings for Public Limited Company Registration?

• End-to-end support – from DSCs and DINs to MoA/AoA drafting and filing.
• Custom guidance – PLCs require detailed structuring; we ensure the right governance is in place.
• Compliance management – we monitor ROC deadlines and help with AGM, board resolutions, and filings.
• Transparent pricing – government fees and professional charges clearly separated.

For founders ready to scale, we make public limited company registration in India a smooth, predictable journey.