| Stage | Public Company | Private Company |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Promotion | Required | Required |
| 2. Incorporation | Required | Required |
| 3. Capital Subscription | Required (Public issue) | Not required (Private placement) |
Position: Fiduciary → Must act honestly. Liable for secret profits.
File with Registrar of Companies (ROC) → Get Certificate of Incorporation (Birth Certificate of Company)
| Key Documents | Details |
|---|---|
| Memorandum of Association (MoA) | Name, Office, Objects, Liability, Capital, Association clauses (6 clauses) |
| Articles of Association (AoA) | Internal rules (can adopt Table F) |
| Consent of Directors | Written consent + qualification shares |
| Statutory Declaration | All legal requirements complied (by CA/CS/Advocate) |
| Name Approval Letter + Fee | - |
Min Signatories to MoA: Private → 2 | Public → 7
Effect of Certificate of Incorporation: Company becomes separate legal entity with perpetual succession. Conclusive evidence even if irregularities.
If minimum subscription not received → Refund entire money
Alternative → Private placement (no prospectus needed, file Statement in lieu of Prospectus)
Required for both Public & Private companies (within 180 days)
Without it → Company cannot start business
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who can form? | Only natural person, Indian citizen, resident (182 days in India) |
| Min/Max members | 1 member + 1 nominee |
| Only one OPC | Person can form or be nominee in only ONE OPC |
| Minor | Cannot be member/nominee |
| Conversion | Cannot voluntarily convert before 2 years Compulsory if Paid-up > ₹50 lakh OR Turnover > ₹2 crore |
| Benefits | Limited liability + Separate entity + Perpetual succession + Less compliance |
| 1. What are the main stages of company formation? | ![]() |
| 2. What functions does a promoter perform during the promotion stage? | ![]() |
| 3. What is the significance of the Certificate of Commencement of Business? | ![]() |
| 4. What is a One Person Company (OPC) and what are its features? | ![]() |
| 5. How does capital subscription work for public companies? | ![]() |