A Public Limited Company in India is one of the most credible business structures for large-scale enterprises looking to raise capital from the public. It offers high legal protection to shareholders, facilitates easy share transferability, and enables listing on stock exchanges.
This guide covers the features, advantages, registration process, and differences between a public company and Pvt. Ltd. company registration in India.
What is a Public Limited Company?
A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, that can offer shares to the public. It starts with a minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors. It is a separate legal entity and has perpetual succession, making it a robust structure for businesses with large capital requirements.
Key Features of a Public Limited Company in India
- Minimum Persons: At least 7 shareholders and 3 directors.
- No Minimum Capital: There’s no minimum paid-up capital requirement.
- Separate Legal Entity: The company exists independently from its owners.
- Limited Liability: Shareholders’ liability is limited to their share capital.
- Ease of Share Transferability: Shares can be freely transferred, unlike in a private company.
- Public IPOs: Eligible to raise funds through IPOs and issue debentures.
Benefits of Registering a Public Limited Company
1. Access to Public Capital
PLCs can raise capital through public offerings, making it easier to fund expansions, acquisitions, and innovations.
2. Limited Liability Protection
Like an LLP registration in India, shareholders are not personally liable for company debts.
3. Enhanced Credibility
Public companies enjoy more trust from banks, financial institutions, and the general public.
4. Easy Transfer of Ownership
Shareholders can easily transfer their shares without disrupting the company’s operations.
5. Business Continuity
Even if shareholders change or exit, the company continues to exist, ensuring long-term stability.
Public Limited Company Registration Process in India
Step 1: Obtain DSC and DIN
All directors must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN).
Step 2: Name Approval
Apply for a unique company name via the SPICe+ Part A form on the MCA portal.
Step 3: File Incorporation Forms
Fill SPICe+ Part B and attach documents including MoA, AoA, PAN, TAN, and AGILE-PRO forms.
Step 4: Certificate of Incorporation
Upon successful document verification, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) will issue the Certificate of Incorporation.
Mandatory Documents for Registration
- Identity and address proof of directors and shareholders
- Registered office proof
- Digital signatures and DIN
- MOA and AOA
- Utility bill and NOC from property owner
Great for Large-Scale Startups and Enterprises
A Public Limited Company in India is best suited for businesses with high growth potential, such as manufacturing units, fintech startups, real estate developers, and companies aiming to get listed on the stock exchange.
Startups registered under Startup India Registration can also evolve into public companies to attract major investments, issue shares, and expand rapidly.
Grow Your Public Company with Expert Support
Once incorporated, a public limited company must navigate strict regulatory compliance, listing requirements, investor obligations, and financial disclosures. The Startup Lab provides tailored services to help you at every stage:
📌 How to List a Public Ltd Company in India
Step-by-step guidance on listing your company on recognized stock exchanges like BSE or NSE. We assist with drafting DRHP, meeting SEBI norms, and applying for listing approval.
📌 Demat of Shares & ISIN Allocation
Get expert help in dematerializing shares through NSDL/CDSL and applying for your company’s ISIN (International Securities Identification Number) for stock market transactions.
📌 IPO Planning & SEBI Compliance
From preparing your Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to coordinating with SEBI, we support your Initial Public Offering (IPO) process, ensuring legal and procedural accuracy.
📌 Valuation by SEBI-Registered Merchant Banker
We connect you with SEBI-authorized merchant bankers for company valuation, mandatory for IPOs, rights issues, or preferential share allotments.
📌 RoC & SEBI Compliances for Public Companies
Get help filing annual returns (MGT-7, AOC-4), conducting board/general meetings, maintaining statutory registers, and complying with SEBI LODR Regulations.
📌 Investor & Board Reporting Support
Ensure accurate disclosures to investors and regulatory bodies through quarterly/annual reports, CSR filings, and board-level reporting.
📌 Corporate Governance & Risk Advisory
Establish systems for transparency, stakeholder engagement, and audit committee setup as per SEBI-mandated corporate governance norms.
Why Choose The Startup Lab for Public Limited Company Services?
Whether you’re looking to incorporate a Public Limited Company in India, convert your existing Private Limited or LLP into a public entity, or maintain ongoing statutory and financial compliance, The Startup Lab provides full-spectrum support with expert precision.
Our consultants ensure your company is structured for investor-readiness, transparency, and regulatory success — whether you’re staying private or planning for future listing.
We focus on high-impact services aligned with corporate growth, governance, and fundraising readiness. Here’s what we offer
🔹 Company Incorporation & Legal Setup
- Name reservation (RUN/SPICe+ Part A)
- DIN & DSC for all directors
- MOA & AOA drafting tailored for public structure
- PAN, TAN, GST via AGILE PRO
- Certificate of Incorporation from MCA
🔹 Post-Incorporation Compliance
- Opening of current account
- First board meeting resolutions
- Share certificate issuance & stamping
- Statutory registers & company minutes
- Auditor appointment (ADT-1 filing)
🔹 Annual ROC Filings & Secretarial Compliance
- MGT-7, AOC-4, PAS-3, DIR-3 KYC filings
- Board & shareholder meeting documentation
- Compliance calendar & legal templates
- Annual return and financial statement filing
🔹 Conversion to Public Limited Company
- From Private Ltd., LLP, or Partnership Firm
- Revised AOA drafting, shareholder resolutions
- MCA filings and process handholding
🔹 Share Capital Advisory
- Increase in authorized/paid-up capital
- Bonus/right issues and private placement support
- Valuation report assistance with CA partners
🔹 Corporate Governance Setup
- Board committee formation (Audit/NRC/Stakeholder)
- Independent Director appointment process
- SEBI-governed compliance documentation
🔹 IPO & Listing Readiness (Optional Advisory)
- SEBI & MCA compliance checklist
- Drafting of Prospectus/Information Memorandum
- Merchant banker & RTA coordination support
🔹 Virtual CFO & Financial Systems
- Monthly MIS & investor-ready reports
- Financial forecasting & modeling
- Internal audit setup and advisory
FAQs on Public Limited Company in India
Yes, a Private Limited Company can be transferred into a Public Limited Company by altering its Articles of Association and fulfilling regulatory requirements.
No, listing is optional. However, if you want to raise public funds, listing becomes necessary.
There is no minimum capital. However, SEBI has minimum criteria if you plan to list.
Yes, statutory audit by a registered Chartered Accountant is mandatory for all public companies.
Testimonials
Our Happy Customers
I want to thank the entire team at StartupLab, especially their incredible founder, Ms. Shruti Aggarwal, for the fantastic job they did in completing our international company registration. The process had its challenges, but their constant support in all aspects of company registration and operations made it so much smoother.If you're looking to register a company in India from abroad, I highly recommend reaching out to StartupLab for their company registration services, consultancy, and accounting support. Choosing them was one of the best decisions we made!
The internship was very fun... We got to learn lot of things and most importantly the instructors were very supportive.
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My llp registration was completed by them, and a buddy suggested them because he had registered a corporation with them... it was a pleasant process. Everything was spot on... and there was excellent time management.
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Final Thoughts
A Public Limited Company in India is a robust business structure that offers unmatched opportunities for growth, credibility, and public investment. Whether you’re a startup ready to scale or a growing company exploring IPOs, forming a public company gives you the foundation to lead and expand.
The Startup Lab helps you register, comply, and grow — with tailored solutions including Business Valuation Services, CFO Support, and Company SEBI Compliance Services. Start your journey today with confidence and expert guidance.