CIN

The Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a 21-character alphanumeric code issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to every company registered in India. Mandatory on all official correspondence, invoices, letterheads, e-forms, and the company's website.

Structure decoded — using `U72200KA2020PTC123456` as an example:

• Position 1 — Listing status: `U` = unlisted, `L` = listed on a stock exchange.
• Positions 2–6 — Industry code (NIC): `72200` corresponds to software development / IT services. Five-digit National Industrial Classification.
• Positions 7–8 — State code: `KA` = Karnataka. Two-letter ISO-like code (MH, DL, TN, etc.).
• Positions 9–12 — Year of incorporation: `2020`.
• Positions 13–15 — Ownership type:
• - `PTC` = Private Limited Company
• - `PLC` = Public Limited Company
• - `OPC` = One Person Company
• - `FTC` = Foreign-owned subsidiary (Private)
• - `GOI` / `SGC` = Government / State Govt company
• - `NPL` = Not-for-profit (Section 8)
• - `ULL` / `ULT` = Unlimited Liability (private/public)
• Positions 16–21 — Registration number: 6-digit serial unique within the state/year.

Where you need the CIN:

• Every MCA filing (AOC-4, MGT-7, PAS-3, ADT-1, etc.)
• GSTIN registration
• Income tax returns
• Bank account opening (along with PAN)
• Letterhead, invoices, and all 'business letters, billheads, letter papers, notices and other official publications' under Section 12(3)(c) of the Companies Act 2013
• Company website footer

LLP equivalent: The LLP Identification Number (LLPIN) is a separate 7-character code (e.g., `AAA-1234`) for LLPs — not the same as CIN.

Pitfall: A change in the company's listed status, sub-category, or registered office state triggers a fresh CIN issuance. Old CIN must be retired across all systems.