◈Definition
A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a 21-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Registrar of Companies to every Indian company at incorporation. The CIN encodes listing status, industry (NIC code), state, year of incorporation, ownership type, and a sequential registration number. It is the immutable canonical identifier for a company across its legal lifetime — company names, addresses, and capital can change, but the CIN never does. Under Section 12 of the Companies Act 2013, every company must display its CIN on letterhead, invoices, and all official communications.
◆Example
U72200KA2014PTC075612 — an unlisted Private Limited Company incorporated in Karnataka in 2014 in the computer programming and consultancy industry.
◉See also
Director Identification Number(DIN)
The 8-digit unique identifier assigned to every individual who serves as a director of an Indian company.
Registrar of Companies(ROC)
The statutory authority for company registration and filings under the Companies Act 2013.
Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number(LLPIN)
The identifier assigned to every Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) at registration.
Foreign Company Registration Number(FCRN)
The identifier assigned to a foreign company that has established a place of business in India.
National Industrial Classification(NIC)
India's 5-digit hierarchical classification of economic activities, maintained by MoSPI.
⬢Related guide
Team CorpIntel
Editorial & Research Desk
The CorpIntel team — editors, researchers, and Company Secretaries working across Indian corporate intelligence, incorporations, and compliance.