Starting a company in India is exciting. But the part most founders underestimate?
ROC compliances in the first 30–180 days.
Most penalties are not because founders intentionally ignore the law; they simply don’t know the deadlines.
Just one missed form can cost a company ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 in penalties, delayed operations, banking restrictions, and credibility loss. So in this blog, we are breaking down in the simplest possible way the exact compliances every newly incorporated company must complete, and by when.
Whether you incorporated an OPC, a Private Limited, or a Public Limited company, this guide will tell you the exact dates you must not miss.
1. Auditor Appointment (Form ADT-1)
Applicability: Private Limited & Public Limited companies
Deadline: Within 30 days of incorporation
Under the Companies Act, you must appoint your first statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation, and the appointment must be reported to the ROC using Form ADT-1.
Why is this critical?
- Banks ask for auditor appointment for loans or current account activation
- Non-filing leads to penalties
- Your company cannot file annual returns without an auditor
Note: OPCs are exempted from filing Form ADT-1
2. Register of Members (Form MGT-1)
Applicability: OPC, Private Limited, Public Limited
Deadline: Within 7 days of incorporation
MGT-1 captures:
- Shareholder details
- Shares allotted
- Beneficial ownership
This register is not optional — it’s mandatory under Section 88 of the Companies Act. Even though this is an internal register and not filed on the MCA portal, not maintaining it can cause issues during:
- Fundraising
- Due diligence
- Share transfers
- Valuation or ESOP planning
3. Declaration of Commencement of Business (Form INC-20A)
Applicability: All companies (OPC / Pvt / Public)
Deadline: Within 180 days of incorporation
Without INC-20A, your company is technically not allowed to:
- Start business
- Raise funds
- Issue invoices
- Take loans
- Introduce capital visibly
The ROC can even strike off a company for non-filing.
To file INC-20A, the company must first:
- Open its current account
- Deposit paid-up capital
- Obtain commencement confirmation from a director
4. First Board Meeting
Applicability: Only Private & Public companies
Deadline: Within 30 days of incorporation
OPCs do not require a Board Meeting. One of the operational advantages of the OPC structure.
In this meeting, the following must be recorded:
- Appointment of first auditor
- Disclosure of interest by directors
- Adoption of common seal (if any)
- Confirmation of registered office
- Approval of preliminary expenses
Why These Dates Matter More Than Ever in 2025
In 2024–25, notices issued by MCA and ROC increased significantly. AI-based compliance tracking under MCA 3.0 automatically flags:
- Late ADT-1
- Non-filing of INC-20A
- Missing registers
- Unverified registered office
- Lack of first auditor appointment
Even a small delay could trigger:
- Penalties
- Director disqualification risk
- Company strike-off notices
- Problems during bank KYC
- Issues during GST registration or loan processing
If you registered your business recently this is the best time to start on the right foot.
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