SPICe vs SPICe+: Key Differences in Company Incorporation Forms

Nowadays, starting your business in India is no longer a maze of paperwork and repeated visits to government offices. Over the last few years, the MCA has moved the incorporation process online, making it far more straightforward for new companies.

Two forms drive this system. SPICe, introduced in 2017, brought multiple registrations into one application. SPICe+, launched in 2020, expanded this into a fully integrated, end-to-end digital process.

Today, SPICe is no longer used for new incorporations. It exists only as a legacy framework for applications filed under the earlier system. Anyone planning a company registration now must follow the SPICe+ route.

We will explain how SPICe and SPICe+ work, what sets them apart, and which one applies today when you register a company.

What is SPICe Form?

SPICe stands for Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Companies Electronically. It marked the first shift away from physical company registration in India. Although it is no longer in practice, understanding its framework helps explain how India’s incorporation process evolved and why the current SPICe+ system is structured the way it is today.

SPICe allows you to handle several early-stage tasks in one form. A few notable features are:

• One form covers name approval, director identification (DIN), incorporation, PAN and TAN.
• You still need to upload separate PDFs and supporting documents.
• Registrations such as GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC and bank account opening sit outside this process.
• Good for straightforward private limited companies and similar structures.

SPICe helped reduce paperwork, though it never became a fully digital, end-to-end experience.

What is SPICe+ Form?

SPICe+ is the upgraded, web-based version of the earlier form. It is more flexible, better organised, and far more integrated with other government systems.

The SPICe+ Form is in the following two parts:

Part A: Name Reservation

You enter one or two names, run the availability search, and reserve the chosen option.

Part B: Incorporation and All Linked Services

This single workflow covers incorporation along with PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, Profession Tax where applicable, bank account opening through AGILE-PRO, and optional state registrations such as Shops and Establishments. Based on your inputs, the system automatically generates linked forms like eMoA, eAoA, and INC-9.

What SPICe+ Covers

SPICe+ supports the following:

• Two-step name reservation and incorporation
• DIN, PAN, TAN, and GSTIN
• EPFO, ESIC and Profession Tax (where applicable)
• Digital signatures
• Bank account creation through partner banks
• Optional state licences, such as Shops and Establishments registration

Since its launch, SPICe+ has become mandatory for new company incorporation because of its one-stop solution.

For a step-by-step explanation of how to file the SPICe+ form, refer to this detailed guide: Process for Filing the SPICe+ Form for Company Incorporation

SPICe+ is designed to keep the registration process simple and efficient. You enter details once, and the system carries them across all linked registrations. This cuts repeat work and reduces errors.

Key Differences Between SPICe and SPICe+ Form

The practical comparison of SPICe vs SPICe+ matters because they affect time, cost, and rework.

Aspect	SPICe	SPICe+
Platform	PDF-based form that must be downloaded and uploaded	Fully web-based system with online entry and validation
Name Reservation	Included within the same form	Done separately in Part A or combined with Part B
Company Incorporation	Yes	Yes (with expanded services)
PAN/TAN	Included	Included
DIN Allotment	Included	Included
GST Registration	Not available	Included as an optional service
EPFO/ESIC Registration	Not available	Included automatically where required
Profession Tax	Not covered for most states	Covered for applicable states
Bank Account Opening	Not part of the form	Mandatory through AGILE-PRO
Document Handling	Manual drafting and manual uploads	Auto-generated MoA, AoA and declarations
Real-Time Validation	Not supported	Fully supported with instant error checks
Save and Resume	Not available	Available, with background autosave
Dashboard Tracking	Limited visibility	Comprehensive tracking, resubmission and status updates
Best Use Case	Smaller, simple businesses with fewer linked registrations	All company types, especially those needing integrated services

SPICe+: The Present-Day Route for Company Registration

If you plan to register a company today, the process runs entirely through SPICe+. It is the single incorporation framework used by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for all new companies.

Every company type starts on the same SPICe+ base form, even though the details and supporting requirements vary by structure. Private limited companies, OPCs, Section 8 organisations, producer companies, public companies, and Nidhis all follow this common route.

For example, during private limited company registration, the filing begins with SPICe+ Part A for name approval and continues through Part B for incorporation and linked registrations. Other company types follow the same flow, with structure-specific declarations and attachments added along the way.

For a clear, step-by-step explanation of the company registration process in India, including documents, timelines, and MCA filings, you can refer to this detailed guide: How to Register a Company in India: Step-by-Step Guide

Conclusion

India’s company-registration system has changed for the better. SPICe made the first move toward digitisation, but SPICe+ is the version that truly modernised the process. It connects name reservation, incorporation, tax registrations, labour registrations and bank account setup into one clean web portal. Most founders finish the work in far fewer steps than before.

If you want help navigating the form, matching the right registrations, or preventing avoidable rejections, our team at LegalWiz.in can guide you through the entire process. You focus on building the business while we handle the filings.