Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India: Class 3, Uses & How to Get One
What a DSC is, why Class 3 is now mandatory for MCA/GST/IT filings, validity, cost (₹2000 onwards) and the fastest way to get one with video KYC.
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the legal, electronic equivalent of your handwritten signature. Issued by Certifying Authorities (CAs) licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the IT Act, 2000, a DSC lets you sign documents, e-tender bids, GST returns, ITRs, MCA forms and bank applications with full legal validity.
Class 3 — the only class that still exists
Since January 2021, CCA discontinued Class 2 DSCs. Today, only Class 3 DSC is issued, and it covers both individual and organisational use cases — including MCA21, GST, Income Tax, Trademark, ICEGATE, EPFO, e-Tendering and IRCTC vendor registration.
Common uses
- MCA filings: DIR-3 KYC, AOC-4, MGT-7, SPICe+ incorporation
- GST: GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and GSTR-9 sign-off (mandatory for companies & LLPs)
- Income Tax: ITR-3/5/6/7, audit reports, TDS returns
- e-Tenders: GeM, IRCTC, CPPP, state procurement portals
- Trademark / IPR, EPFO and DGFT (IEC) filings
Cost and validity
A standard Class 3 individual DSC with 2-year validity starts at ₹2000 (inclusive of crypto token). Organisation DSCs and 3-year variants cost more. Tax Easy India issues DSCs with paperless video KYC — typical turnaround is 1–2 working days.
Documents required
- PAN, Aadhaar (with mobile linked for OTP)
- Passport-size photo, email, mobile number
- For organisations: GST certificate, board resolution / authorisation letter
Need a DSC for your next MCA, GST or tender filing? Order your Class 3 DSC or talk to our team — issued in 1–2 days with full video KYC support.
Need help filing?
Tax Easy India files your ITR & GST returns starting at ₹299 — AI-prepared, expert-reviewed.