How do I incorporate a company in India?

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Quick answer. You register online with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) using a single integrated form. In practice: pick a structure (usually a private limited company), get digital signatures, reserve a name, and file the incorporation form — which also gets you your PAN, TAN and other registrations together. How it works, step by step. Decide the structure (most fundable startups choose a private limited company). Get Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for the directors and Director Identification Numbers (DIN). Reserve a name through the MCA portal. Then file the integrated incorporation form (the SPICe+ form), along with your Memorandum and Articles of Association (your company's rulebook) — this single filing also arranges PAN, TAN, and can bundle GST, EPFO/ESIC and a bank account. Once approved, you get your Certificate of Incorporation. What you'll need. At least two directors and shareholders for a private limited company (one of each can overlap), a registered office address, ID/address proofs, and the DSCs. Many founders do this through a CA or company secretary to avoid errors. Our honest take. The process is mostly online and faster than it used to be, but small mistakes in the forms cause delays. Get it right the first time — ideally with a professional — because your incorporation documents follow you into every future raise.