Difference Between Businessman and Entrepreneur: Which Path is Right For You?

Mar 27, 2025
Private Limited Company vs. Limited Liability Partnerships

The terms "businessman" and "entrepreneur" are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two. Understanding these differences between entrepreneur and businessman can help you determine which path aligns best with your skills, ambitions, and vision for success. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between a businessman and an entrepreneur, examining their mindset, risk-taking approach, and business goals. While a businessman typically follows an established model, an entrepreneur creates something new and innovative. Let's delve deeper into the difference between entrepreneur and business man to help you make an informed decision about your career path.

Table of Contents

Entrepreneur Vs Businessman: Know the Differences Now!

To clearly understand the difference between entrepreneur and business man, let's compare their key characteristics:

Aspect Entrepreneur Businessman
Definition Starts an enterprise based on a new idea or concept Sets up a business with an existing idea
Innovation Constantly works towards innovation in products, business models, and marketing strategies Focuses on executing known business ideas and models
Risk-taking Willing to take greater risks for higher rewards Takes calculated risks and prefers tested methods
Motivation Driven by the desire to innovate, create, and make an impact Primarily motivated by making money and generating profits
Approach Unconventional; creates new markets and explores uncharted territories Conventional; operates based on existing market conditions
Resources Usually starts with limited resources and arranges them along the way Mostly starts with adequate capital and business skills
Competition Aims to make competition irrelevant by creating new uncontested market spaces Tries to capture market share from existing players
Growth Always looking for rapid and significant growth Satisfied with slow and steady growth as long as the business remains profitable

By examining these key differences, you can begin to understand the distinct mindsets and approaches that define an entrepreneur and a businessman. While entrepreneurs bring innovation and disruption to industries, businessmen excel at optimising existing models for profitability and longevity.

Who is a Businessman?

A businessman is an individual who operates within the confines of an existing market, focusing on profitability and stability. They typically follow proven business models, work with lower risks, and aim for steady growth rather than groundbreaking innovation. Businessmen are skilled at identifying opportunities within established industries and leveraging their expertise to maximise returns.

Qualities of a Businessman

To succeed as a businessman, one must possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to navigate the challenges of running a business effectively. Some of the essential qualities of a successful businessman include:

  • Strong decision-making skills to navigate complex business situations
  • Effective risk management to minimise potential losses
  • Excellent leadership abilities to guide teams towards common goals
  • Financial acumen to optimise budgets and maximise profits
  • Adaptability to changing market conditions and consumer demands

A businessman with these qualities can effectively steer their organisation towards profitability, make sound financial decisions, and lead their team to achieve targets and milestones.

Types of Businessman

Businessmen can be categorised based on their business model and operations. Some common types of businessmen include:

  • Small Business Owners: These individuals own and operate small-scale businesses, often in local markets or niche industries.
  • Traders: Businessmen who engage in buying and selling goods or services for profit, often in wholesale or retail markets.
  • Manufacturers: Those who own and manage manufacturing facilities, producing goods for sale to other businesses or consumers.
  • Franchise Owners: Businessmen who operate a business under a franchising agreement, following established business models and brand guidelines.
  • Corporate Businessmen: High-level executives or managers within large corporations, responsible for overseeing departments or entire business units.

Each type of businessman contributes to the economy in their own way, whether by providing employment opportunities, generating revenue, or contributing to the overall growth of their industry.

Who is an Entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is an individual who identifies a problem or opportunity, takes on the risk of starting a new venture to address it, and comes up with innovative ideas to disrupt the market. Entrepreneurs are driven by a passion for solving problems and creating value, often venturing into uncharted territories to bring their vision to life.

Entrepreneurs focus on building scalable businesses from the ground up, constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve upon existing solutions. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and take bold risks in pursuit of their goals. Some famous examples of entrepreneurs include Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple), Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX), and Jeff Bezos (Amazon), all of whom founded highly innovative companies that revolutionised entire industries.

Qualities of an Entrepreneur

Successful entrepreneurs possess a distinct set of qualities that enable them to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Some of the key qualities of an entrepreneur include:

  • Innovative thinking to come up with original, impactful ideas
  • Comfort with taking risks to bring unproven concepts to market
  • Resilience to overcome the many challenges of starting a business
  • Strong leadership skills to build and inspire talented teams
  • Adaptability to pivot business strategies as needed
  • Creative problem-solving abilities to navigate uncharted territory

These qualities help entrepreneurs blaze new trails and create value in the world.

Entrepreneurs with these qualities are well-equipped to identify market gaps, develop unique solutions, and persevere through the ups and downs of building a successful venture.

Types of Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs can be classified based on their approach, industry, and level of innovation. Some common types of entrepreneurs include:

  • Small Business Entrepreneurs: These individuals start and run small businesses, often serving local markets or niche industries.
  • Scalable Startup Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs who focus on building high-growth, innovative companies with the potential to scale rapidly and disrupt markets.
  • Social Entrepreneurs: Those who start ventures with the primary goal of creating social or environmental impact, often addressing pressing societal issues.
  • Corporate Entrepreneurs (Intrapreneurs): Entrepreneurs who operate within large corporations, driving innovation and new business development from within.
  • Innovative Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs who consistently push the boundaries of their industries, introducing groundbreaking products, services, or business models.

Each type of entrepreneur brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, contributing to the overall diversity and dynamism of the business world.

Similarities Between Entrepreneurs and Businessmen

Despite their differences, entrepreneurs and businessmen share some common traits and characteristics that contribute to their success. These similarities include:

  1. Leadership skills: Both roles require the ability to lead and motivate teams, set goals, and make critical decisions.
  2. Goal orientation: Entrepreneurs and businessmen are driven by their goals, whether it's building a successful startup or growing an established company.
  3. Financial management: Both must be skilled at managing finances, creating budgets, and making sound financial decisions.
  4. Market understanding: A deep understanding of their target market, customer needs, and industry trends is essential for both entrepreneurs and businessmen.

While their approaches may differ, both entrepreneurs and businessmen play crucial roles in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and generating value for their stakeholders. Recognising these shared traits can help aspiring entrepreneurs and businessmen focus on developing the skills and qualities that are most likely to contribute to their success, regardless of the path they choose.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the path of an entrepreneur or a businessman ultimately depends on your individual goals, risk appetite, and preferred work style. If you thrive on stability, have strong management skills, and prefer working with established business models, the path of a businessman may be right for you. On the other hand, if you're a passionate risk-taker with a drive to solve problems and disrupt industries with innovative ideas, entrepreneurship could be your calling.

Regardless of the path you choose, understanding the difference between a businessman and an entrepreneur is crucial in aligning your skills and passions with your professional goals. By recognising the key differences between entrepreneur and business man, you can make an informed decision about which route best suits your unique strengths and aspirations.

Ultimately, both entrepreneurs and businessmen contribute significantly to the economy, and society needs each type to thrive. The key is to align your career path with your unique strengths, passions, and goals. Whether you choose to be an innovator or an optimiser, the business world offers endless opportunities for growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is bigger-entrepreneur or businessman?

Neither entrepreneurs nor businessmen are inherently "bigger" than the other. The scale and impact of their ventures depend on various factors such as industry, market conditions, and individual success. Some entrepreneurs may build large, disruptive companies, while some businessmen may run highly successful, established corporations.

Is a businessman also called an entrepreneur?

While businessmen and entrepreneurs share some common traits, they are not necessarily the same. A businessman typically operates within established market frameworks, focusing on profitability and stability, while an entrepreneur is driven by innovation and takes risks to create new products, services, or markets.

What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur and a businessman?

Both entrepreneurs and businessmen face challenges in their respective roles. Entrepreneurs often face high risk, uncertainty, and the need to constantly innovate, while businessmen may struggle with adapting to changing market conditions, maintaining profitability, and managing complex operations.

Are businessmen and entrepreneurs equally focused on long-term goals?

Both businessmen and entrepreneurs have long-term goals, but their focus may differ. Entrepreneurs often prioritize building scalable, innovative companies with the potential for high growth, while businessmen may focus on steady, long-term profitability and market share within established industries.

Who is an example of an entrepreneur?

Some well-known examples of entrepreneurs include Steve Jobs (Apple), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook). These individuals founded innovative companies that disrupted industries and created entirely new markets.

Who is an example of a businessman?

Examples of successful businessmen include Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway), Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries), Ratan Tata (Tata Group), and Lakshmi Mittal (ArcelorMittal). These individuals have led and grown large, established companies, focusing on profitability and market dominance within their respective industries.

Eashita Maheshwary

With nearly a decade of building and nurturing strategic connections in D2C space, Eashita is a business growth strategist known for turning networks into revenue, relationships into partnerships, and ideas into actionable growth.

A three-time founder across gender diversity, investing, and real estate-hospitality sectors, Eashita Maheshwary brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial empathy and ecosystem expertise. Now focused on helping startups and businesses scale, she specializes in enabling growth through partnerships with a proven track record of working across geographies like India and the Middle East.

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Related Posts

 LLP Registration Fees: How much does an LLP cost in India?

LLP Registration Fees: How much does an LLP cost in India?

Starting a business in India is an exciting journey, but it begins with one crucial decision—choosing the right business structure. For entrepreneurs, particularly those leading small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) has emerged as a favoured choice. 

This is due to its unique combination of the operational flexibility of a traditional partnership and the protective shield of limited liability that separates personal assets from business obligations.

An LLP is governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act of 2008, which provides a robust legal framework and ensures a balance between flexibility and compliance. This structure is ideal for businesses looking to scale steadily while enjoying benefits like simplified compliance procedures and protection against unlimited liability.

In this blog, we’ll explain the various expenses associated with LLP registration online in India, including mandatory fees, additional charges, and professional costs. 

Table of Contents

How Much Does an LLP Cost in India?

The cost of LLP registration in India depends on multiple factors, including government fees, professional assistance, and other associated charges. Here’s a detailed breakdown of LLP registration fees:

1. LLP Registration Fees

The government fees for LLP registration are based on the contribution amount:

  • For a contribution of up to ₹1 lakh: ₹500
  • For a contribution between ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakhs: ₹2,000
  • For a contribution between ₹5 lakhs and ₹10 lakhs: ₹4,000
  • For a contribution above ₹10 lakhs: ₹5,000

2. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Fees

At least one designated partner must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign and file documents online. Depending on the certifying authority, the cost of a DSC typically ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per partner.

3. Professional Fees

While registering an LLP can be done independently, most entrepreneurs prefer to consult professionals (legal advisors or company secretaries) to ensure compliance. These fees can vary widely depending on the platform.

4. Stamp Duty Fees

Stamp duty is state-specific and varies based on the LLP’s contribution amount and the location of its registered office. On average, stamp duty can range from ₹500 to ₹5,000.

5. Name Reservation Fees

Reserving a unique name for your LLP costs ₹200 per application. This step ensures your chosen name complies with MCA guidelines.

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Other Costs Involved in Registering an LLP in India

Apart from the mandatory registration fees, here are additional LLP registration charges to consider:

1. LLP Agreement Drafting Charges

Drafting the LLP agreement, which outlines the rights, duties, and profit-sharing ratios of the partners, typically costs between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000, depending on complexity and professional assistance.

2. Notarisation Charges

Once the LLP agreement is drafted, it needs to be notarised. The charges for notarisation depend on the contribution amount and the state in which the LLP is registered, averaging ₹500 to ₹2,000.

3. Late Filing Penalties

Timely filing of required forms is crucial to avoid penalties. For instance, the late filing fee for Form 3 (LLP Agreement) is ₹100 per day of delay. Budgeting for timely compliance ensures you avoid these avoidable costs.

Professional Legal Charges Involved in Registering an LLP in India

When setting up a business, time is of the essence, and navigating the registration process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. While the government fees for LLP registration are standardised, the professional fees for legal and compliance services can vary depending on your required scope of assistance.

Engaging a qualified professional may feel like an added expense initially, but it can save you significant time, stress, and potential errors in the long run.

Here’s why hiring a professional for your LLP registration is worth the investment:

  • Drafting the LLP Agreement: The LLP agreement is more than just a legal document—it’s the backbone of your business operations. It defines the roles, responsibilities, profit-sharing ratios, and decision-making processes among partners. 
  • Name Reservation Assistance: Choosing the right name for your LLP can be tricky. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has stringent guidelines to ensure uniqueness and avoid duplication.
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory for designated partners to sign and file documents electronically during the registration process. Professionals assist in obtaining the DSC efficiently, ensuring you meet this requirement without delays.

At Razorpay Rize, we simplify the registration process by offering end-to-end support, covering everything from drafting agreements and obtaining DSCs to securing name reservations. 

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Our LLP package includes:

  • Company Name Registration
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) tokens
  • DSC shipping & support
  • Designated Partner’s Identification Numbers (DPIN)
  • Certificate of Incorporation(COI)
  • LLP Agreement
  • Company PAN & TAN

With our team of experts managing the legalities, you can focus on building and growing your business confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Register your Business starting at just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

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Register your Limited Liability Partnership in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Will It Cost for LLP Registration?

LLP registration fees in India range from ₹7,000 to ₹25,000 or more, including government fees, DSC, professional assistance, and stamp duty. The exact cost depends on the contribution amount and location.

What is the Stamp Duty for LLP?

Stamp duty varies by state and contribution amount. It generally ranges from ₹500 to ₹5,000 or 0.1%–0.2% of the total contribution, depending on state regulations.

Mukesh Goyal

Mukesh Goyal is a startup enthusiast and problem-solver, currently leading the Rize Company Registration Charter at Razorpay, where he’s helping simplify the way early-stage founders start and scale their businesses. With a deep understanding of the regulatory and operational hurdles that startups face, Mukesh is at the forefront of building founder-first experiences within India’s growing startup ecosystem.

An alumnus of FMS Delhi, Mukesh cracked CAT 2016 with a perfect 100 percentile- a milestone that opened new doors and laid the foundation for a career rooted in impact, scale, and community.

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Difference Between Trust, Society & Section 8 Company: Which One to Choose?

Difference Between Trust, Society & Section 8 Company: Which One to Choose?

When you're starting a non-profit organisation in India, one of the first and most important decisions you'll make is how to structure it. Should you register a Trust, a Society, or a Section 8 Company?

Each of these legal forms has its own advantages, legal requirements, and use cases. Choosing the right one depends on your objectives, the nature of your activities, the scale, and how you want to govern the organisation. 

In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences and help you decide which structure best suits your non-profit mission.

Table of Contents

What is a Society?

A society is a non-profit organisation formed by a group of individuals who come together for charitable, literary, scientific, cultural, or educational purposes. Societies in India are governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860, although many states have their own versions of the Act (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc.).

A society must have:

  • A minimum of seven members to register at the state level
  • An elected governing body or managing committee
  • A constitution or memorandum outlining its objectives and rules

Societies are known for their democratic structure, where members have voting rights and leadership is elected periodically.

When to Consider Forming a Society?

Forming a society may be your best option if:

  • You prefer a democratically run organisation with an elected management committee
  • Members may change frequently or seek easy exit options
  • You want a relatively simple dissolution process
  • You're operating within a state jurisdiction (or planning to expand nationally with additional registrations)

Societies are particularly suited for community-driven or volunteer-based initiatives, like resident welfare associations, cultural organisations, and grassroots education or health programs.

Meaning of Trusts

A trust is a legal arrangement under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (or relevant state-specific Public Trusts Acts) in which a settlor (or author) transfers property or assets to one or more trustees, who hold and manage them for the benefit of specific beneficiaries.

Key roles in a trust:

  • Author of the trust: The person who creates the trust and donates property
  • Trustee: The person(s) responsible for managing the trust and fulfilling its objectives
  • Beneficiary: The individual(s) or group for whom the trust is created

The central concept is the "beneficial interest"- the trustee has legal control of the asset, but the benefit goes to the beneficiaries. Trusts are often used in both private and public charitable contexts.

Want to register your organisation? Get expert help with Company registration — start your journey today with Razorpay Rize.

When and Why You Might Need a Trust?

You might choose a trust if:

  • You want to retain long-term control without democratic elections or rotating leadership
  • Your non-profit involves family members or a small, stable group of trustees
  • You need privacy, minimal external regulation, or flexible distribution of benefits
  • You plan to manage property, assets, or legacy donations

Trusts are ideal for schools, hospitals, orphanages, and religious institutions, especially when the focus is on asset management and continuity over generations.

Meaning of Section 8 Companies

A Section 8 Company is a special form of non-profit company registered under the Companies Act, 2013. It is incorporated to promote commerce, art, science, research, education, social welfare, religion, or charity.

Key features:

  • It must apply for a license from the Central Government
  • Its profits or income cannot be distributed as dividends
  • All income must be used to promote the organisation’s objectives
  • The name does not include “Limited” or “Private Limited”

Section 8 Companies are highly structured, professionally governed, and seen as credible entities both by donors and government bodies.

Reasons for Forming a Section 8 Company

You should consider registering for Section 8 Company if:

  • You're looking for a formal and transparent governance model
  • You want to build long-term partnerships with government bodies, corporates, or international NGOs
  • You're applying for CSR funds, grants, or FCRA registration
  • You want to project credibility and professionalism in your operations

Section 8 Companies are ideal for large-scale non-profits, social enterprises, or organisations planning to operate across India or internationally.

Difference Between Society, Trust, and Section 8 Company

All three structures, Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies, are eligible for tax exemptions under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act. They also meet the definition of "charitable purpose" under Section 2(15).

But beyond this, they vary significantly in formation, governance, compliance, and scalability. Here’s a comparison at a glance:

Feature Trust Society Section 8 Company
Governing Law Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or State Trusts Acts Societies Registration Act, 1860 Companies Act, 2013
Minimum members 2 Trustees 7 Members 2 Directors
Legal Status Not a separate legal entity Not a separate legal entity A separate legal entity
Management Trustees (no elections) Governing Body (elected) Board of Directors
Jurisdiction State-level State or national (dual registration needed) Nationwide
Compliance requirements Low Moderate High
Ease of Formation Easy Moderate Requires licensing
Ideal for Asset holding, religious charities, long-term control Community organisations, associations Large-scale NGOs, CSR projects, international collaborations

Each structure, Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, has its own strengths. The right choice depends on your mission, governance preferences, funding goals, and long-term vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Register your business
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Register your Private Limited Company in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
rize image

Register your One Person Company in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
rize image

Register your Business starting at just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
rize image

Register your Limited Liability Partnership in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one should you choose: a Society, a Trust, or a Section 8 Company?

Choose a Trust for simplicity and long-term control, a Society for community-driven work with flexible membership, and a Section 8 Company for structured governance, high credibility, and large-scale funding opportunities.

Can a Section 8 Company be a Trust?

No, a Section 8 Company cannot be a Trust, and vice versa—they are legally distinct entities governed by different acts:

  • A Trust is formed under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (or the relevant state act).
  • A Section 8 Company is registered under the Companies Act, 2013.

Is a Trust better than a Company?

A Trust is better for small, asset-focused initiatives that don’t require external validation or heavy fundraising.

A Section 8 Company is better if you want visibility, growth, funding, and governance discipline.

Akash Goel

Akash Goel is an experienced Company Secretary specializing in startup compliance and advisory across India. He has worked with numerous early and growth-stage startups, supporting them through critical funding rounds involving top VCs like Matrix Partners, India Quotient, Shunwei, KStart, VH Capital, SAIF Partners, and Pravega Ventures.

His expertise spans Secretarial compliance, IPR, FEMA, valuation, and due diligence, helping founders understand how startups operate and the complexities of legal regulations.

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How to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) in India

How to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) in India

The Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identification number assigned to an individual who is appointed as a director of a company in India. It is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the provisions of the Companies Act 2013.

The DIN is mandatory for all existing and aspiring directors, and it serves as a way to track the activities and roles of directors across different companies to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.

In the blog, we'll explore the intricacies of the Director Identification Number (DIN) system in India and its crucial role in corporate governance.

Table of Contents

Importance of a Director Identification Number (DIN)

Importance of a Director Identification Number & its application process

The Director Identification Number (DIN) is of significant importance in India's corporate governance framework. Here are some key reasons why DIN is crucial:

•  Unique Identification

  • DIN provides a unique identification number to each director, ensuring there is clarity among individuals holding directorial positions in various companies.

•  Transparency and Accountability

  • DIN enhances transparency by making director-related information publicly available.
    Stakeholders, including shareholders, regulators, and investors, can access the DIN database to verify the credentials and track the activities of directors across different companies.

•  Regulatory Compliance

  • Obtaining a DIN is a mandatory requirement for individuals aspiring to become directors of Indian companies. The DIN system in India was implemented through Sections 266A to 266G of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006.

•  Ease of Business Operations

  • DIN streamlines administrative processes related to director appointments and changes.
    By having a standardized identification system for directors, companies can efficiently manage their board compositions, update regulatory filings, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

•  Investor Confidence

  • The existence of a robust director identification system like DIN instills confidence among investors, both domestic and international.

Format of a Director Identification Number

The DIN is an 8-digit identifier issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the regulatory authority overseeing corporate affairs in India.

Each DIN is unique to the individual director and remains valid for their lifetime unless surrendered or revoked by the MCA due to non-compliance or other regulatory reasons.

Example of a DIN: 002345678

Documents required for obtaining a Director Identification Number

For SPICe+:

  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of Address
  • NOC or Rental Agreement

For DIR 3:

  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of Residence
  • NOC or Rental Agreement
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
    Note: The identity proof and Address proof must be attested by the Company Secretary, a CA or, any professional. ,

How to apply for a Director Identification Number?

Obtaining a Director Identification Number (DIN) is mandatory before being appointed as a director of an existing company in India.

While the DIN for directors of a new company is allotted during the company's incorporation through an integrated SPICe+ Form, if you’re seeking directorship in existing companies or LLPs, you must apply for a DIN separately. The application process, known as DIR-3, can be completed online through the official website of the Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Application for DIN Through SPICE+

If you don’t have a Director Identification Number (DIN) and intend to serve as the first director in a new company, you must submit an application using the eForm SPICe+.

  • Obtain the Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for the proposed Directors,
  • Log in to the MCA portal with valid credentials.
  • Navigate to the 'SPICe+' application from the application history on the user dashboard.
  • Submit the SPICe+ Part A application.
  • Click on the 'Proceed for incorporation' button.
  • Access the SRN dashboard by clicking on the relevant SRN/SPICe+ application with the status as 'Draft.'
  • Click on "Form No. SPICe + Part B”.
  • Complete and Submit the SPICe+ Part B application along with the linked forms.
  • Upload the DSC-affixed PDF document(s).
  • Pay the fees.
  • An intimation mail, along with the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, TAN, etc., will be generated upon processing the web form.
  • If the forms are uploaded successfully and the payment is made, the Approved DIN will be generated if there are no indications of potential duplication. However, if the details are flagged as potentially duplicate, a Provisional DIN will be generated instead.

Note: A provisional DIN will remain valid for a period of 60 days from the date on which it was generated.

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Application for DIN Through DIR 3

If you intend to become a Director in an existing company, you must submit an application using eForm DIR-3 and adhere to the process outlined below.

  • Visit the official MCA website.
  • Register as a new user if you haven't already done so, or log in using valid credentials.
  • Select the "e-Forms" tab and click on the "e-Form upload" link to access the e-Form DIR-3.
  • Complete the DIR-3 form with accurate details.
  • Scan and upload the necessary supporting documents (attested) as per the requirements specified in the DIR-3 form.
  • Form DIR-3 must be signed by you and digitally verified by a Company Secretary employed full-time by the company or by the Managing Director, Director, CEO, or CFO of the existing company where you intend to be appointed as a director.
  • Pay the prescribed fee for processing.
  • Once the verification process is completed and the application is found to be in order, you will be allotted a DIN.
  • However, if the details are flagged as potentially duplicate, a Provisional DIN will be generated by the MCA.

As a director, you must notify all companies where you hold a directorship about the DIN within one month of receiving it from the central government. Subsequently, the company must inform the Registrar of Companies (RoC) within 15 days from the date when the director notifies them of their DIN. Failure to do so can incur penalties.

Common Causes of Rejection of a DIN

Here are some common mistakes that lead to the rejection of the DIN application:

  • Failure to submit supporting documents
  • Submission of invalid application or supporting documents
  • Lack of attestation on documents
  • Absence of a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for DIR3 applications

Validity of the Director Identification Number

In India, the Director Identification Number (DIN) remains valid for the lifetime of the individual director unless surrendered or revoked by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) due to non-compliance, disqualification, or other regulatory reasons.

Fees for the Director Identification Number in India

If you are applying for a DIN through SPICe+, there are no additional charges as it is included in the fees of the SPICe+ application.

However, if you are applying through DIR-3, a fee of Rs 500 will be associated with it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any difference between a Director Identification Number(DIN) and a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN)?

DIN is for individuals holding or intending to hold directorial positions in companies under the Companies Act, while DPIN is for designated partners in Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) under the Limited Liability Partnership Act. However, in terms of functionality, both serve the same purpose.

Can I use my DIN for multiple companies?

Yes, a single DIN can be used to hold directorship positions in multiple companies. However, each company must separately intimate the Registrar of Companies (RoC) about the director's DIN.

Can I hold multiple DINs?

No, you can hold only one DIN at any point in time. It is illegal to possess multiple DINs, and individuals found to have more than one may face penalties and other legal consequences.

How can I change the details provided for my DIN in the future?

In case of any modifications to the particulars provided in form DIR-3/SPICe concerning directors, you can submit e-form DIR-6. For example, if there is an address change, you must notify this change by submitting an e-form DIR-6 along with the necessary attested document.

What happens if my DIN application is rejected?

If your DIN application is rejected, you will receive a communication from the MCA specifying the reasons for rejection. You may have the option to rectify the errors and reapply.

Can I transfer my DIN to someone else?

No, a DIN is non-transferable and is associated only with the individual director to whom it is assigned.

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