Infromal Blog13 October 2026Growthora
What the master data page shows
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Company or LLP name and CIN or LLPIN | Confirms the exact legal identity, since many companies have similar names |
| Date of incorporation and ROC | Shows how old the entity is and which Registrar holds its file |
| Company status | Active, strike off, under liquidation or similar status tells you whether it is legally operating |
| Class, category and sub category | Shows whether it is private, public, OPC, Section 8 and whether it is limited by shares or guarantee |
| Authorised and paid up capital | Indicates the scale of the equity base, though it does not equal turnover |
| Registered address and email | Used to check that the address on a contract matches the official record |
| Last AGM and balance sheet dates | Signals whether the company is keeping up with annual filings |
| Directors and signatories | Shows who controls the entity and their DIN numbers |
| Index of charges | Lists loans secured on company assets, which helps lenders judge existing debt |
Key Takeaways
- Company and LLP master data on the MCA21 V3 portal is public and can be viewed without a login, using a CIN, LLPIN, FCRN, FLLPIN or the entity's name.
- The master data page works like a one page profile, covering the legal name, class and category, incorporation date, ROC, status, capital, registered address, listing status and the last AGM and balance sheet dates.
- Directors and signatories, and the index of charges showing secured loans registered against the company, can be viewed alongside the master data.
- Viewing master data is free, while downloading certain public documents such as filed forms and financial statements carries a fee.
- Master data depends on what the company has filed, so it can lag behind reality, and it should be one input in your due diligence and not the only one.
- Checking a counterparty on MCA before signing an NDA or a supply contract helps you confirm that you are dealing with a real, active entity.
What MCA Master Data V3 is
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs maintains the register of every company and LLP in India on its MCA21 portal. The master data service is the public window into that register. It displays the basic identity and standing of the entity as recorded by the Registrar of Companies, so that lenders, vendors, customers, investors and the general public can verify it.
- The V3 version of MCA21 is the current platform. Its master data search is a public page, so you do not need to create an account or log in for basic searches.
How to find a company or LLP record step by step
- Open the official MCA portal at mca.gov.in.
- Go to MCA Services and select Company Services, then click View Company/LLP Master Data.
- Enter the CIN for a company, or the LLPIN for an LLP, if you have it. Foreign entities use FCRN or FLLPIN.
- If you only know the name, type the company or LLP name and use the search icon to pick the correct entity from the list.
- Complete the captcha if asked and click Search.
- Review the master data page, and open the tabs for directors and index of charges if you need them
How to read the status field
- Company status is the field most people check first. An active status means the company is on the register and not struck off, but it does not guarantee that it is filing returns regularly. A status such as strike off, amalgamated or under liquidation is a warning that the entity may not be able to enter into valid dealings. Always compare the last AGM and balance sheet dates with the current date, because a company that has not filed for several years may be active on paper but inactive in practice.
Common uses of MCA master data
- Vendor and customer verification before placing large orders or giving credit
- Checking a counterparty before signing an NDA, MoU or service agreement
- Lender and investor due diligence on borrowers and investee companies
- Confirming director details and checking if a person is associated with other companies
- Verifying that the name, address and CIN on an invoice or letterhead match the official record
Limitations and good practice
- Master data reflects what the company has filed, so recent changes may take time to appear.
- Names can be similar, so always confirm the CIN or LLPIN rather than relying on the name alone.
- Master data does not show profit, turnover quality, litigation or tax compliance, so add checks on GST, income tax, court records and credit reports.
- Download the filed financial statements and charge documents when the transaction is large, accepting the small document fee.
- Record the date and time of your search, since the data can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MCA Master Data V3 free to use?
Yes, viewing company and LLP master data on the MCA portal is free and does not require a login, while downloading some public documents carries a fee.
How can I search for a company without its CIN?
You can search by company or LLP name on the View Company/LLP Master Data page and select the right entity from the list, which then fills in its CIN or LLPIN.
Can I view LLP records on the same page?
Yes, LLP master data is available on the same service using the LLPIN or the LLP name.
What does company status active mean?
It means the company is on the register and not struck off, but you should still check the last AGM and balance sheet dates to see whether it files regularly.
Can I see a company's directors and charges?
Yes, the master data includes directors and signatories, and the index of charges shows secured loans registered against the company.
Is MCA master data enough for full due diligence?
No, it confirms identity and filing status but not financial health, litigation or tax compliance, so combine it with GST, income tax, court and credit checks.
Need a proper background check on a company or LLP?
A quick master data search is only the first step. Book a free consultation with Growthora and we will run a complete verification, from MCA records and charges to compliance status, before you sign or invest.
Next step
Apply this to your business.
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