Changes in Various ROC Forms Post-Migration to MCA21 V3 Portal

Changes in ROC forms

Changes in ROC forms

With the launch of the MCA21 V3 portal on July 14, 2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is rolling out 38 revamped e-forms, including 13 annual filing forms and 6 audit/cost audit forms. This migration is not only digitizes and streamlines the compliance process but also introduces new and modified information requirements across key ROC forms. Below is a form-wise breakdown of the major changes, additional disclosures, and new data points required post-migration:

1. Form AOC-4 (Filing of Financial Statements)

• Web-Based Filing: AOC-4 is now entirely web-based, eliminating PDF uploads and manual paperwork. All data must be entered directly on the portal, enabling real-time validation and reducing errors.

• Consolidation of Linked Forms: Extracts of Auditor Report (Standalone/Consolidated), Extract of Board Report, AOC-1 (subsidiary disclosures), and AOC-2 (related party transactions) are now linked to AOC-4, streamlining the process and reducing the number of separate filings.

• Prefilled and Auto-Linked Data: Information from previous filings is auto-filled and linked across related forms, ensuring consistency and saving time.

• Enhanced Validation: New validation checks ensure all mandatory fields are completed accurately before submission.

• Additional Attachments: Enhanced requirements for supporting documents, including board and auditor reports, and detailed disclosures for NBFCs and companies under CSR scrutiny.

2. Form MGT-7/MGT-7A (Annual Return)

• Detailed Shareholding & Governance Reporting: The updated form requires more granular information on shareholding patterns, changes in the board, and governance structures, providing deeper regulatory insight.

• Prefilled Data: Key company information is auto-populated from previous filings, reducing manual entry and errors.

• Updated Digital Signature Process: The process for affixing and verifying digital signatures has been upgraded for enhanced security.

• Additional Disclosures: More fields for directorships, KMP changes, and compliance status.

  
  

3. Statutory Auditor Forms (ADT-1, ADT-3, ADT-4)

• ADT-1 (Auditor Appointment): Revised to capture additional auditor details and compliance confirmations.

• ADT-3 (Auditor Resignation): Now requires more information on the reason for resignation and related disclosures.

• ADT-4 (Reporting of Auditor’s Fraud): Newly introduced, this form mandates detailed reporting of any frauds detected by auditors, as per Companies (Audit and Auditors) rules.

4. Cost Auditor Forms (CRA-2, CRA-4)

• CRA-2 (Appointment of Cost Auditor):

  • New Field: Must specify if the appointment is due to amalgamation, demerger, casual vacancy, or addition of products/services.

  • Linkage Feature: Now allows linking of CRA-2 filings between transferor and transferee companies in cases of amalgamation/demerger, eliminating the need for duplicate filings.

• CRA-4 (Cost Audit Report): Enhanced reporting requirements and validation checks for cost audit submissions

5. Other Notable Changes Across Forms

• Centralized Dashboard: All filings, deadlines, and compliance status are now visible on a single dashboard, improving tracking and management.

• AI/ML Compliance Checks: The portal uses artificial intelligence to flag inconsistencies and potential compliance issues in real time.

• Prefilled Data and Cross-Form Linkages: Data entered in one form is auto-populated in related forms, reducing duplication and improving accuracy.

• Mandatory Online Payments: All payments must be made online; offline/pay-later options have been discontinued.

• Enhanced Grievance Redressal: Upgraded helpdesk and ticketing system for faster resolution of issues.

Conclusion

The migration to MCA21 V3 portal represents a significant step toward digital-first, transparent, and efficient corporate compliance in India. Companies must familiarize themselves with the new and modified information requirements in each form, ensure accurate and timely filings, and leverage the portal’s enhanced features for seamless compliance management. Early adoption and thorough preparation will be key to avoiding penalties and maintaining a strong compliance record in the new era of MCA filings.