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What is a Digital Signature Certificate or DSC?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure and encrypted electronic alternative to a physical signature. It provides greater authenticity and reduces the risk of forgery in online application filings. The Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs certifies a select few agencies to issue DSCs of different classes (Class I, II, & III) and validity periods (1 year, 2 years, 3 years) to both individuals and organizations. DSCs are highly secure and reliable, making them a must-have for online transactions and mandatory corporate filings.A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure and encrypted electronic alternative to a physical signature. It provides greater authenticity and reduces the risk of forgery in online application filings. The Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs certifies a select few agencies to issue DSCs of different classes (Class I, II, & III) and validity periods (1 year, 2 years, 3 years) to both individuals and organizations. DSCs are highly secure and reliable, making them a must-have for online transactions and mandatory corporate filings.

But what is a Class 3 of Digital Signature (DSC)?

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the most secure type of DSC available, thanks to its rigorous verification process. To obtain a Class 3 DSC, the applicant must undergo a high level of identity verification, including physical verification through video recording or biometric details available online on the UIDAI database. Due to its high security level, a Class 3 DSC is commonly used for signing several applications, including company incorporation, obtaining DIN, ROC compliances, income tax returns, GST returns, IEC registration, EPF registration, and e-tendering. If you need to secure your digital identity and ensure the authenticity of your online transactions, a Class 3 DSC is an excellent choice.

Prerequisites to apply Class 3 DSC

GST ReturnList of prerequisites
1. A valid and active mobile number of the applicant
2. A valid and active e-mail address of the applicant
3. If the application is Aadhar-based, the mobile number of the applicant must be linked with Aadhar. There is no such requirement in case of PAN-based application.

Class 3 DSC application procedure

step1

Documentation

Documentation is an essential part of the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) application process. The application is incomplete without proper documents attached to it, and even if all the documents are attached, they might get rejected if they are not in the proper format or are not up to date. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you ensure you possess all the necessary documents beforehand to prevent any hindrance in the later stages of filing. A complete list of all the required documents is available on ourwebsite.

step2

Create Account on Certifying Agency Portal:

Once you have ensured that you possess all the necessary documents, the first step in the application process for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is to create an account on the official website of the Certifying Agency (CA). With Setindiabiz’s expert guidance, you can easily create an account and proceed with the application process without any hassle.

step3

Fill out the application

After creating an account on the Certifying Agency’s (CA) website, you can proceed to fill out the application generated by the CA based on the order you’ve placed. The application can be filled using either the PAN or the Aadhaar of the applicant. Basic details such as name, address, date of birth, PAN number, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email address must be filled in. Remember that at least one of the Aadhaar number or the PAN number must be mandatorily filled. With Setindiabiz’s expert guidance, you can easily fill out the application without any errors and move on to the next step.

step4

Upload Documents

In the previous step, we discussed the two modes of filing a DSC application, via Aadhaar or PAN. The primary difference between the two lies in the documents uploaded. For Aadhaar-based applications, only the Aadhaar XML file downloaded from the UIDAI portal needs to be uploaded. However, for PAN-based applications, a colored passport size photograph of the applicant, along with a scanned copy of the PAN card and address proof, duly attested by the attesting officer, will be required. Once all the necessary documents are uploaded, the application is complete, and the applicant can move on to the necessary verifications. With Setindiabiz’s expert guidance, you can easily upload the documents without any errors and proceed with the application process smoothly.

step5

E-mail & Mobile Number Verification

The identity of the applicant is verified using OTPs sent to the e-mail address and mobile number mentioned in the application. These must be the same as the e-mail addresses and mobile numbers linked with the Aadhaar or PAN as the case may be. Upon receiving the OTPs, the applicant must submit them one by one to authenticate his identity.

step6

Video Verification

Once the email and the mobile number of the applicant is verified, a video link is sent to the applicant’s email address. The applicant will have to open this link and record a live video affirming his name and type of DSC applied for. After being recorded, the video will have to be submitted to the concerned authorities. It will be used to verify the identity of the applicant with utmost accuracy.

step6

Issue of Class 3 DSC

After submitting the DSC application with all the necessary documents and payment of the prescribed application fees, the Certifying Agency will issue the DSC to the applicant. The DSC certificate will contain essential details such as the type of user (individual / organizational), class of DSC, certificate type (sign/encrypted/both), and the validity period, which can be for 1, 2, or 3 years for a Class 3 DSC. With Setindiabiz’s professional assistance, you can obtain your Class 3 DSC promptly and at highly affordable rates. Protect your digital identity and streamline your business processes with Setindiabiz’s Class 3 DSC services.

Documents Required for Class 3 DSC application

Aadhar-based ApplicationPAN-based Application
  • PAN Number
  • Aadhar Number
  • Aadhar XML File downloaded from UIDAI
  • PAN number
  • Passport-size Coloured Photograph (JPG/PNG format only)
  • Scanned copy of PAN card
  • Scanned copy of Address Proof

Benefits of Class 3 DSC

  • Enables online filings

    A Class 3 DSC is used for signing plenty of applications filed by corporations, including those for bidding on tenders.

  • Highly secure & authentic

    A Class 3 DSC is extremely secure with 100% accurate verification of the applicant’s identity via video recording

  • Less chance of forgery

    Not only the DSC is itself encrypted, but the file that it comes in also has an encryption key for double protection against forgery.

  • Saves Time & money

    Digital Signature is quick to upload compared to the scanned copy of your physical signature, and saves a lot of your time and money

How can Setindiabiz Help?

Class 3 DSC can be used by the authorized signatory of a company for several online filings like company / LLP incorporation, ROC compliances, GST & income tax return, PF returns, and a lot more. This is because it is considered as the most secure class of DSC with the highest levels of authentication and verifications.

Considering the huge number of utilities it has, a Class 3 DSC might be the prime need of the hour! But a major challenge emerges when you want to apply for it. This is because the process of application is quite complicated and exhaustive for a layman to comprehend and execute. So, we recommend that you seek professional assistance to avoid any errors and obtain your DSC without any hindrance.

And while you’re at it, who better for this purpose than Setindiabiz?

At Setindiabiz, we have a robust and dedicated team of qualified, skilled and experienced professionals who assist and guide you at every step of the DSC application process. The services provided by our team include,

  • Filing the application for Class 3 DSC
  • Obtaining and verifying supporting documents to be submitted with the application
  • Tracking the status of application till you receive the DSC

So what are you waiting for? Contact us immediately, and get your DSC in no time, and at very minimal costs!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Can a foreigner apply for Class 3 DSC in India?
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2.  What type of Digital Signature is obtained for e-filing on the MCA portal?
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3.  How many DSC can be stored in one token?
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4.  Can DSC be downloaded twice?
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5.  What is the validity of a Class 3 DSC?
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6.  What is the time taken for obtaining a Class 3 DSC?
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7.  What is the government fee for class 3 DSC?
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