MCA Seeks Public Feedback to Simplify Corporate Filings Under Companies Act, 2013 — Deadline May 15

The MCA has unveiled a lifecycle-based review to simplify the Companies Act and automate corporate filings through MCA21 Version 3. Stakeholders are invited to submit evidence-based feedback to the IICA by May 15, 2026.

India’s central government has initiated a public consultation process to review the existing Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, and to streamline the broader compliance framework under the Companies Act, 2013.

As per the April 17, 2026, announcement, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), is undertaking a consultation to rationalize the filing and compliance requirements under the Companies Act, 2013. A concept note detailing the proposed approach has been published on the websites of both the MCA and IICA for industry consideration.

Stakeholders may provide their inputs through an online submission form hosted by the IICA by May 15, 2026.

This exercise seeks to evaluate compliance obligations across the entire corporate lifecycle, including incorporation (entry), ongoing operations, and exit or closure.

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Key objectives of the consultation

The consultation focuses on key modifications, including consolidation of forms, expansion of Straight Through Processing (STP), and the introduction of an interaction-based, pre-filled filing interface under MCA21 Version 3.

Its primary objectives include:

1. Identifying opportunities to simplify compliance from incorporation to exit
2. Leveraging practitioner insights to strengthen and future-proof regulatory processes
3. Enhancing automation through system integration, pre-filled data, and reuse of registry information
4. Advancing a technology-driven compliance ecosystem aligned with global benchmarks
5. Ensuring reforms are inclusive, evidence-based, and reflective of stakeholder experience

Scope of the consultation across corporate lifecycle

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The consultation adopts a lifecycle-based approach, covering three key stages of a company’s existence:

1. Entry and incorporation: Includes company formation, securities issuance, share capital structuring, and registration of charges.

2. Operational and ongoing compliance: Covers routine filings such as annual returns, corporate governance requirements, financial reporting, audits, and director-related compliances.

3. Exit and closure: Encompasses processes such as strike-off, winding up, mergers, and restructuring.

Comprehensive review of filing framework

A central component of the consultation is a detailed, chapter-wise review of statutory forms and e-forms prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013, across multiple regulatory areas:

This review aims to streamline filing requirements, reduce duplication, and improve user experience.

Submission process and timeline

Stakeholders are invited to submit their responses through an online questionnaire. The deadline for submission of comments and questionnaire answers is May 15, 2026. Click here to access the consultation concept note: www.mca.gov.in/bin/dms.

Inputs should be specific and evidence-based and may distinguish between short-term and long-term recommendations. Participants are also encouraged to highlight any potential risks or unintended consequences.

Overview of questionnaire structure

The consultation questionnaire is designed to capture stakeholder inputs at three levels, i.e., policy preferences, practical feasibility, and expert recommendations.

Section A: Policy preferences and system design

This section functions as a structured, multiple-choice survey aimed at identifying stakeholder priorities. It focuses on:

1. Automation: Identifying filings that could be processed instantly through system-based approvals without manual intervention
2. Data sharing: Assessing the extent to which data should be exchanged between regulatory bodies such as the MCA and tax authorities
3. Simplification: Highlighting forms that are duplicative or similar in nature and could be merged to reduce compliance burden

Section B: Feasibility assessment of key reforms

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This section evaluates the practicality of specific reform proposals. Stakeholders assess whether changes are implementable or pose challenges across five areas:

1. Company incorporation
2. Director management
3. Annual compliance filings
4. Reporting of charges (loans)
5. Exit and closure

Section C: Detailed expert inputs and recommendations

This is an open-ended section intended for in-depth, experience-based feedback from stakeholders. 

Key areas of input include the following:

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1. Risk identification: Highlighting potential legal, regulatory, or technological risks that may not have been fully considered
2. Implementation challenges: Identifying practical difficulties, particularly for smaller businesses or those in less digitally advanced regions
3. Phased reform timeline: Suggesting which reforms should be prioritized immediately and which can be implemented over the medium to long term
4. Global best practices: Recommending successful compliance models or systems from other jurisdictions that India could adopt

Stakeholder participation

The consultation is open to a broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in corporate compliance and governance. 

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Key takeaways for businesses and stakeholders

The MCA’s consultation marks a shift toward a more streamlined, digitally driven compliance framework under the Companies Act, 2013. The proposed reforms emphasize moving from form-heavy processes to a data-centric system, with greater use of pre-filled filings, system integration, and STP.

For businesses, this could mean faster approvals, reduced duplication, and lower compliance burden across incorporation, ongoing filings, and exit processes. At the same time, increased data sharing across regulators may enhance transparency and regulatory oversight.

Importantly, the consultation is a stakeholder-driven exercise, giving businesses and professionals an opportunity to influence the design and implementation of future compliance reforms. With the deadline set for May 15, 2026, timely participation will be key to shaping India’s evolving corporate compliance landscape.

Setting up a business in India requires navigating company registration, local approvals, and work permit processes. We help FDI companies by preparing and submitting documentation, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring compliance, so they can start operations smoothly and focus on growth.

Parul Sharma

Manager

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