Certifying Authority Licensed DSC — New Delhi
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) — Class 3 eToken
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic equivalent of a physical signature — a legally recognised, cryptographically secure credential that verifies the identity of the signer and ensures that the signed document has not been tampered with. Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, a DSC issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) is legally valid and equivalent to a handwritten signature for all purposes.
DSCs are mandatory for a wide range of government filings — MCA (company filings), GST, Income Tax, DGFT, Customs, e-Tendering, Patent & Trademark filings, and more. At Gupta Chandan & Associates, we issue Class 3 DSCs on eToken hardware — the only format currently accepted by government portals — for individuals, directors, partners, and authorised signatories across all entity types.
Sign DSC
For document signing & authentication
Encrypt DSC
For tender portals & confidential docs
Sign & Encrypt
For government forms & applications
eToken Hardware
Mandatory from 1st January 2021
1 / 2 / 3 Year
Choose validity as per your need
What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) — authorised by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India — that electronically authenticates the identity of the holder.
It is based on asymmetric cryptography (Public Key Infrastructure — PKI): the signer uses their private key (stored securely on an eToken) to create the digital signature, and anyone can verify it using the corresponding public key contained in the DSC. This provides two critical guarantees: authentication (the document was signed by the claimed person) and integrity (the document has not been altered since signing).
Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT (Amendment) Act, 2008, a valid digital signature has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature — making it admissible as evidence in courts and binding for all contractual and statutory purposes.
Key Properties of a DSC
🔐 Authentication
Confirms the identity of the signer — only the person holding the eToken with the private key can create the signature. The Certifying Authority has already verified the signer's identity before issuing the DSC.
📋 Integrity
Any alteration to the document after it has been digitally signed invalidates the signature — giving the recipient certainty that the document they received is identical to the one that was signed.
⛔ Non-Repudiation
The signer cannot later deny having signed the document — the DSC creates an irrefutable cryptographic record of the signature linked to the signer's verified identity.
🔒 Confidentiality (Encrypt DSC)
When used for encryption, a DSC ensures that only the intended recipient can decrypt and read the document — protecting sensitive information transmitted over networks or uploaded to portals.
eToken — The Only Valid Storage Format
❌ Discontinued (before Jan 2021)
PFX / Soft Token File
DSC was earlier issued as a password-protected PFX file stored on a computer. This was vulnerable to theft, copying, and unauthorised use — weakening the security of the digital signature. This format is no longer accepted on any government portal.
✓ Current Standard (from 1 Jan 2021)
Hardware eToken
DSC is now mandatorily stored on a USB hardware eToken (FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified). The private key never leaves the token — it cannot be copied or exported. The token is protected by a PIN, ensuring that even if the token is lost, the DSC cannot be misused without the PIN.
How Digital Signing Works
Insert eToken & Enter PIN
The signer inserts the hardware eToken into a USB port and enters the token PIN to unlock access to the private key stored inside the token.
Document Hash is Created
The signing software creates a unique cryptographic hash (a fixed-length fingerprint) of the document content. Even a single character change in the document produces a completely different hash.
Hash is Signed with Private Key
The private key inside the eToken encrypts the document hash — creating the digital signature. The private key never leaves the secure hardware token during this process.
Signature Appended to Document
The digital signature (encrypted hash) along with the signer's public certificate is embedded in the document — creating a signed file (PDF, XML, or portal submission).
Recipient Verifies Signature
The recipient (or government portal) uses the signer's public key to decrypt the hash, recalculates the hash of the received document, and confirms they match — verifying authenticity and integrity.
The eToken hardware is typically a small USB device similar in size to a pen drive — plugged into any computer for signing. It works across Windows, Mac, and Linux with the appropriate token driver software installed. We assist with driver setup and first-use configuration for all DSCs we issue.
Types of Digital Signature Certificate
All DSCs issued in India are now Class 3. Within Class 3, there are three functional types — each suited to a different use case. Choose based on what you need the DSC for:
🖌 Sign DSC
A Sign DSC is used exclusively for digitally signing documents and online submissions. It authenticates the identity of the signer and guarantees that the document has not been altered after signing.
This is the most commonly used DSC type — suitable for the majority of government portal filings where a digital signature of an individual or authorised signatory is required.
- Income Tax e-filing (ITR and audit reports)
- MCA / ROC filings (company incorporation, annual returns)
- GST registration and return signing
- IEC / DGFT portal applications
- Patent and trademark e-filing (IP India portal)
- EPFO / ESIC digital filings
- PDF document signing
- LLP incorporation and annual filings
- E-stamping and property registration
🔒 Encrypt DSC
An Encrypt DSC is used exclusively for encrypting documents and data — ensuring that only the intended recipient can decrypt and access the content. It does not perform signing.
Commonly required on e-procurement and e-tender portals where bidders must encrypt their financial bids before upload — ensuring confidentiality of tender documents until the opening date.
- Government e-tender and e-procurement portals (GeM, CPPP, state portals)
- Encryption of confidential bid documents before upload
- Sending classified or sensitive information securely
- Legal documentation requiring encryption
- E-commerce platforms with encrypted document exchange
- Secure sharing of financial or personal data
📄 Sign & Encrypt DSC
A Sign & Encrypt DSC combines the functionality of both Sign and Encrypt DSCs in a single certificate — making it the most versatile option for users who need to both authenticate their identity and maintain document confidentiality.
This is the recommended type for businesses and professionals who regularly use government portals and tender systems — it eliminates the need to maintain two separate DSCs.
- All applications of Sign DSC (government portal filings)
- All applications of Encrypt DSC (e-tendering, bid encryption)
- Customs e-filing (ICEGATE) — requires both signing and encryption
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) filings
- SEBI / stock exchange filings
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs — company and LLP filings
- e-Bidding and e-auction portals
Not sure which type you need? In most cases, the Sign & Encrypt DSC is the safest choice — it covers all use cases and avoids the need to obtain a separate DSC later. Contact us and we will confirm the exact DSC type required for your specific portal or filing. Ask us →
Class 3 DSC — The Only Valid Class from January 2021
With effect from 1st January 2021, the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) discontinued issuance of Class 1 and Class 2 DSCs. All new DSCs issued in India are now Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates — the highest level of assurance — which require in-person or video-based identity verification before issuance.
Class 3 DSC — Portal-Wise Usage Reference
| Portal / Use Case | DSC Required | Type Required | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCA / ROC — Company Filing | ✓ Yes | Sign | Directors, signatories |
| MCA — Company Incorporation (SPICe+) | ✓ Yes | Sign | All proposed directors |
| Income Tax e-Filing (ITR / Audit Report) | ✓ Yes (Companies & LLPs) | Sign | Directors, Partners, CAs |
| GST Registration & Returns | ✓ Companies & LLPs | Sign | Authorised signatory |
| DGFT / IEC Portal | ✓ Companies & LLPs | Sign | Authorised signatory |
| Customs e-Filing (ICEGATE) | ✓ Yes | Sign & Encrypt | CHA, importers/exporters |
| e-Tendering (GeM, CPPP, State Portals) | ✓ Yes | Sign & Encrypt | Bidders, contractors |
| e-Auction / e-Bidding Portals | ✓ Yes | Sign & Encrypt | Bidders |
| IP India — Patent Filing | ✓ Yes | Sign | Applicant / Patent Agent |
| IP India — Trademark e-Filing | ✓ Yes | Sign | Applicant / TM Agent |
| EPFO Digital Filing | ✓ Yes | Sign | Employer authorised signatory |
| LLP Incorporation & Annual Filing | ✓ Yes | Sign | Designated Partners |
| SEBI / Stock Exchange Filings | ✓ Yes | Sign | Compliance officers |
| MEA & Apostille Applications | ✓ Yes | Sign | Applicant / CA |
| PDF Document Signing (General) | ✓ Yes | Sign | Any individual |
Validity Periods — Choose What Suits You
📅 1 Year Validity
Suitable for first-time users or one-time filings. Lower upfront cost but requires renewal annually. Best for those testing whether they need a DSC regularly.
📅 2 Year Validity
The most popular option — balances cost and convenience. Ideal for professionals and businesses that use DSC regularly for government filings throughout the year.
📅 3 Year Validity — Best Value
Lowest annual cost. Recommended for companies, directors, and professionals who know they will need a DSC on an ongoing basis. Reduces the administrative burden of frequent renewals.
A DSC cannot be extended or renewed after expiry — a fresh DSC must be obtained. We proactively remind clients before their DSC expiry and arrange the renewal in advance to prevent any filing disruption. Contact us for renewal →
How to Get a Class 3 DSC — Process & Documents
Obtaining a Class 3 DSC requires identity verification by the Certifying Authority (CA). The process involves document submission and either a video-based verification (VKYC) or Aadhaar OTP-based verification — making the process quick and fully online in most cases.
Step-by-Step Process
Select DSC Type & Validity
Choose between Sign, Encrypt, or Sign & Encrypt, and select the validity period — 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years. Confirm the entity type (individual, company director, partner, etc.).
Submit Documents & Application Form
Fill the DSC application form with personal / entity details. Submit identity proof, address proof, and PAN — either physically or by uploading scanned copies depending on the Certifying Authority's process.
Identity Verification — VKYC or Aadhaar OTP
Class 3 DSC requires verified identity. Verification is done via: (a) Aadhaar OTP — applicant's Aadhaar is linked to mobile and OTP is entered during the online process; or (b) Video KYC (VKYC) — a short video call with the Certifying Authority's RA where the applicant shows their original ID documents.
Payment
DSC fee is paid online. The fee varies by type (Sign / Encrypt / Sign & Encrypt) and validity (1/2/3 years). Fee includes the eToken hardware, DSC certificate, and our professional charges. Contact us for current pricing.
DSC Issued on eToken
On successful verification, the Certifying Authority issues the DSC and it is loaded onto the eToken hardware. The eToken along with its PIN mailer is delivered to the applicant's registered address or collected in person from our Delhi office.
Driver Installation & Setup
We assist with installing the eToken driver software on your computer (Windows / Mac) and configuring the DSC for use on the required portals — including DGFT, MCA, Income Tax, and e-Tender portals.
Documents Required
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card (for OTP verification) or Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence
- Proof of address (if different from Aadhaar)
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP)
- Email ID
- PAN Card of the individual applicant (director / partner)
- Aadhaar Card of the individual (for OTP) or valid photo ID
- Proof of address of the individual
- Certificate of Incorporation / LLP Agreement
- Board Resolution authorising the signatory (for companies)
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile and email ID
- Passport (mandatory — primary ID document)
- Visa / OCI Card (as applicable)
- Overseas address proof
- PAN Card (if applicable)
- Apostilled or embassy-attested copies may be required
- Passport-size photograph
- Active mobile number for OTP
Turnaround Time
Aadhaar OTP Route
Same Day
DSC issued on the day of application upon successful Aadhaar OTP verification
Video KYC Route
1–2 Days
DSC issued within 1–2 working days after the video verification call is completed
Physical Document Route
2–3 Days
For applicants not using Aadhaar OTP — processing takes 2–3 working days after document submission
eToken Delivery
2–5 Days
Courier delivery of the physical eToken to your registered address after DSC issuance
If you need the DSC urgently — for a filing deadline or immediate e-tender submission — let us know and we will prioritise same-day processing and arrange for express eToken delivery or in-person collection. Contact us for urgent DSC →
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Digital Signature Certificates, eTokens, and DSC usage:
Have a specific question about DSC for your portal or filing? Contact us — we respond within one business day.
Why Get Your DSC from Gupta Chandan & Associates?
We are a New Delhi-based Chartered Accountancy firm that issues Class 3 DSCs as an authorised Registration Authority (RA) — providing fast, hassle-free, fully guided DSC issuance for individuals, directors, partners, and organisations.
Same-Day Issuance
For applicants using Aadhaar OTP verification, DSC can be issued on the same day. We process applications immediately upon receiving complete documents.
eToken Included
The FIPS-certified hardware eToken is included — you receive a complete, ready-to-use DSC kit. No need to separately purchase or manage the token hardware.
Setup & Configuration Support
We assist with eToken driver installation, portal configuration, and first signing — ensuring your DSC works on all required government portals from day one.
Renewal Reminders
We track DSC expiry dates and proactively remind clients before expiry — so you are never caught with an expired DSC on a critical filing day.
NRI & Foreign Nationals
We handle DSC applications for NRI directors of Indian companies and foreign nationals — including VKYC coordination and apostille document guidance.
Transparent Pricing
Clear pricing based on DSC type and validity — no hidden charges. Contact us for a quote and we will confirm the exact fee before you proceed.
Get Your Class 3 DSC — Fast & Hassle-Free
Whether you need a DSC for MCA filings, GST, Income Tax, e-Tendering, Customs, or any other government portal — we issue and configure your Class 3 eToken DSC quickly. Contact us today.
