MCA Form Guide
INC-34 — Articles of Association
Quick answer: AoA defines the internal governance rules of the company — board powers, shareholder meetings, dividend policy, and director appointment procedures. Filed simultaneously with INC-32 at incorporation. One-time. Not applicable at incorporation — post-incorporation AoA amendments require MGT-14.
Quick answer
This filing is tied to a defined statutory trigger. The safest approach is to confirm the trigger first, then assemble the evidence before you log into the portal. All companies at the time of incorporation. Filed with INC-32 and INC-33. For most founders, the fastest way to stay compliant is to map the filing trigger, gather the documents once, and then submit with the correct digital sign-off.
Who must file
All companies at the time of incorporation. Filed with INC-32 and INC-33.
When to file
Filed simultaneously with INC-32 at incorporation. One-time.
Penalty note
Not applicable at incorporation — post-incorporation AoA amendments require MGT-14.
Filing portal
MCA portal at the official government filing system.
Evidence checklist
The exact record set depends on the filing event, but the portal submission usually needs clear source documentation.
How to file
- 1
Confirm whether INC-34 is the correct filing for the event you are handling and that it matches the compliance filing trigger.
- 2
Collect the supporting records that match INC-34: The exact record set depends on the filing event, but the portal submission usually needs clear source documentation.
- 3
Prepare the form in the MCA portal, validate the entries against the company records, and make any final corrections before signing.
- 4
Upload the signed form, pay the applicable fee, and save the SRN and acknowledgement for audit tracking.
- 5
Store the filing evidence with your statutory records so the next cycle is faster and easier to review.
What this form is used for
AoA defines the internal governance rules of the company — board powers, shareholder meetings, dividend policy, and director appointment procedures. This filing is tied to a defined statutory trigger. The safest approach is to confirm the trigger first, then assemble the evidence before you log into the portal. The purpose is usually either annual disclosure, a one-off event filing, or a statutory update tied to corporate records or regulatory reporting.
FAQ and compliance context
Who usually files INC-34?
All companies at the time of incorporation. Filed with INC-32 and INC-33.
What is the deadline for INC-34?
Filed simultaneously with INC-32 at incorporation. One-time.
What happens if INC-34 is filed late?
Not applicable at incorporation — post-incorporation AoA amendments require MGT-14.
Can the filing be tracked after submission?
Yes. Keep the SRN, acknowledgement, and final uploaded PDF in your records for audit and ROC follow-up.
Is INC-34 a one-time or recurring filing?
This is a one-time filing tied to a specific corporate event. Once the event has occurred and the form is filed, it does not need to be refiled each year.
Which law or rule requires INC-34?
Section 5, Companies Act 2013
Why this one matters
Use this guide as a starting point, then map the filing to the exact company event so you do not file the wrong form.
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