What are the major changes introduced in AOC-4 under MCA V3?

The updated AOC-4 includes linked forms for Directors' Report, Auditors' Report, AOC-1, AOC-2, CSR-2, and AOC-4 CFS, auto-population of previous year data, online and offline filing options, mandatory disclosure of secretarial audit qualifications, and support for companies under CIRP or liquidation.

What are the key updates in MGT-7 and MGT-7A?

The revised MGT-7 introduces Excel-based uploads for shareholder and meeting details, mandatory registered office photographs, gender-wise shareholding reporting, beneficial ownership disclosures, integrated MGT-8 filing, online and offline filing modes, and support for companies under CIRP or liquidation.

Can AOC-4 and MGT-7 be filed offline under MCA V3?

Yes. MCA V3 supports both online and offline filing. Users can enter company details online, download the prescribed Excel templates, complete them offline, and upload them to the MCA portal for submission.

Are registered office photographs mandatory for annual ROC filing?

Yes. Under the revised MCA V3 filing process, companies are required to upload interior and exterior photographs of the registered office showing the company's nameboard while filing MGT-7 or MGT-7A.

What are linked forms in the new MCA V3 annual filing process?

Linked forms are integrated web forms submitted together with the primary filing forms. Documents such as AOC-1, AOC-2, CSR-2, AOC-4 CFS, Directors' Report, Auditors' Report, and MGT-8 are now completed through linked workflows instead of being uploaded as separate PDF attachments.

Who should comply with the revised MCA V3 annual filing requirements?

The revised filing requirements apply to companies filing annual ROC forms for FY 2024-25 and subsequent financial years, including Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, One Person Companies (OPCs), Small Companies, and eligible companies undergoing CIRP or liquidation.

Key Updates on Filing of ROC Forms – AOC-4 & MGT-7

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has officially transitioned the final set of 38 forms from Version 2 to Version 3 of the MCA portal, effective from July 14, 2025. Among these, two key annual compliance forms—AOC-4 and MGT-7/MGT-7A—have undergone significant changes. This update is particularly relevant for companies filing for the financial year 2024–25. Below is a detailed summary of the key modifications in these forms and their implications for stakeholders.

Key Changes in Filing of AOC-4

1. Annexures Now Integrated as Linked Forms

Documents such as:

Directors’ Report
Auditors’ Report
AOC-1 (Details of subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures)
AOC-2 (Related party disclosures)

are no longer required to be uploaded as separate PDFs. These are now integrated as linked forms within MCA V3. Post submission, these documents can be accessed as part of the filing workflow.

2. CSR-2 & AOC-4 CFS Become Mandatory Linked Forms

Filing of CSR-2 and AOC-4 CFS is now integrated with AOC-4. These cannot be submitted independently anymore. Companies must complete these linked filings to ensure comprehensive disclosure of CSR activities and consolidated financials.

3. Auto-Population of Previous Year Figures

The new form auto-fills financial data from the previous year with editable fields. However, any changes made require a compulsory justification to be entered in the form.

4. Dual Filing Modes: Online & Offline

Filers now have the flexibility to submit AOC-4 through online or offline modes. The offline process involves entering basic company details online, downloading the Excel template, filling it offline, and re-uploading it.

5. Secretarial Audit Qualifications to be Disclosed

A mandatory section has been introduced to disclose any qualifications reported by the Secretarial Auditor, improving governance transparency.

6. AOC-4 Enabled for CIRP / Liquidation Entities

Companies undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) or liquidation can now file AOC-4 on the MCA portal, a feature previously unavailable.

7. XBRL Taxonomies Remain Unchanged

The form will continue to support existing XBRL taxonomies for structured financial reporting, ensuring consistency with past filings.

Key Changes in Filing of MGT-7 / MGT-7A

1. Excel-Based Shareholder & Debenture Holder List

Details of shareholders and debenture holders are now to be uploaded using a standard Excel template. The file size limit for MGT-7 attachments has been increased to 300 MB (up to 15 files of 20 MB each). This change does not apply to MGT-7A.

The downloadable annual return will not display shareholder details, balancing privacy and statutory compliance.

2. Gender-Wise Shareholding Data Introduced

A new section now captures gender-wise data of shareholders, allowing for enhanced demographic analysis of shareholding patterns.

3. Registered Office Photograph Now Mandatory

Both interior and exterior photos of the registered office (clearly displaying the company nameboard) must be attached.

4. Excel Template for Meeting Details

Board, Members, and Committee meeting details are now to be filled through a downloadable Excel format, streamlining structured disclosures.

5. Year-End Name & Address Snapshot

The company’s name and registered address as of the financial year-end will now be captured in a separate field. This ensures consistency where changes may occur between the year-end and filing date.

6. Beneficial Ownership & Designated Person Details

Companies must now provide the details of individuals linked as beneficial owners and the designated person responsible for liaison with regulatory authorities.

7. MGT-8 Integrated as Linked Form

MGT-8 is no longer required as a separate PDF upload. It will now be generated and submitted as a linked form, easing documentation effort.

8. MGT-7 Enabled for CIRP / Liquidation Entities

Similar to AOC-4, MGT-7 can now be filed by companies under CIRP or liquidation, ensuring they meet compliance timelines.

9. Dual Filing Modes Available

MGT-7 can also be filed through either online or offline modes, with data entry via Excel upload after basic online setup.

Redundant fields from the previous version of MGT-7 have been removed to simplify the overall filing process.

Conclusion

The shift to MCA Version 3 represents a significant step toward digital transformation and improved regulatory compliance. The integration of linked forms, offline options, and standardized templates not only streamlines the process but also enforces consistency and transparency in statutory filings.

Staying ahead of these changes is crucial for ensuring timely and accurate compliance. If your business requires assistance in understanding or managing these new requirements, our team of professionals is here to help you navigate the transition with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are AOC-4 and MGT-7 forms under the MCA V3 portal?

AOC-4 is used to file a company’s financial statements, while MGT-7 is the annual return that captures key company details, shareholding, and governance information. Both forms are mandatory annual ROC filings for eligible companies under the Companies Act.

Who is required to file AOC-4 and MGT-7?

Every company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, must file AOC-4 and the applicable annual return form (MGT-7 or MGT-7A) based on its category. Timely filing helps businesses maintain legal compliance and avoid regulatory penalties.

What are the key changes in AOC-4 and MGT-7 filing under MCA V3?

The MCA V3 portal introduces linked forms, Excel-based data uploads, enhanced validations, auto-populated information, and improved digital filing workflows. These updates streamline annual ROC compliance while improving data accuracy and transparency.

What happens if AOC-4 or MGT-7 is not filed on time?

Delayed filing may result in additional filing fees, penalties, legal notices, and non-compliance under the Companies Act. Regular annual filing also helps companies maintain good legal standing and supports smooth business operations.

What documents are required for AOC-4 and MGT-7 filing?

Businesses generally need audited financial statements, the Board’s Report, Annual General Meeting details, shareholding information, statutory registers, and other supporting compliance documents. Keeping these records updated ensures faster and error-free ROC filings.

Can professional ROC filing services help with MCA V3 compliance?

Yes. Professional compliance experts assist with document preparation, validation, annual return filing, financial statement submission, and MCA V3 requirements. Their support reduces filing errors, ensures timely submissions, and minimizes compliance risks.

How can businesses ensure smooth annual ROC filing every year?

Businesses should maintain updated statutory records, prepare financial statements on time, complete audits before filing deadlines, and regularly monitor MCA compliance requirements. Working with experienced ROC compliance professionals helps ensure accurate AOC-4 and MGT-7 filings year after year.