Alter your Memorandum or Articles of Association under Sections 13 & 14 of the Companies Act, 2013. Expert CA/CS drafting · Special Resolution · MGT-14 & INC-24 Filing · 100% Online Across India
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About
Every company registered in India has two foundational documents the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and the Articles of Association (AOA). Together, these form the legal "constitution" of your company that defines everything from what your business can do to how it must be managed internally.
As businesses evolve entering new markets, raising capital, changing leadership structure, or expanding geographically the MOA and AOA often need to be updated to reflect the new reality. The Companies Act, 2013 provides a structured legal mechanism to do this, but the process involves board approvals, shareholder resolutions, and precise MCA filings.
Any business activity carried out outside the scope of your MOA is legally void and can expose directors to personal liability. This makes timely amendment of your MOA a business-critical action, not just a formality.
These are the most common business situations that legally require MOA or AOA alteration. If any applies to you act now.
Rebranding, trademark conflicts, or MCA direction company name change requires MOA (Name Clause) amendment along with a separate name approval process.
MOA Section 13(2)Expanding into new industries, adding new revenue streams, or dropping old business lines requires alteration of the Object Clause in MOA.
MOA Section 13(1)Before issuing new shares or onboarding investors, authorized capital must be increased through MOA and AOA amendments.
MOA + AOA Section 61Moving a company from one state to another requires MOA alteration, Central Government approval, and compliance with ROC procedures.
MOA Section 13(4)Converting Private Limited to Public Company, OPC to Private Limited, or similar restructuring requires changes in both MOA and AOA.
MOA + AOA Section 14Updating pre-emption rights, drag-along clauses, tag-along rights, or ESOP provisions requires formal amendment of AOA.
AOA Section 14Revising board powers, quorum requirements, committee structures, or management authority requires changes in AOA provisions.
AOA Section 14FEMA and RBI guidelines may require updates to AOA for foreign shareholding restrictions, governance norms, and reporting obligations.
AOA FEMA/RBI ComplianceChanges affecting shareholder liability or company liability structure require amendment of the Liability Clause in MOA.
MOA Section 13(9)Different entity types have different constitutional documents and different processes for amendments. Know exactly where your entity stands.
| Entity Type | Constitutional Document | Governing Act | Amendment Process | Govt Approval Needed? | Filing Required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | MOA + AOA | Companies Act, 2013 | Special Resolution + EGM | ★ For name/state change only | ✔ MGT-14 (mandatory) | Medium-High |
| Public Limited Company | MOA + AOA | Companies Act, 2013 | Special Resolution + EGM + Stock Exchange intimation | ✔ Yes CG approval for name/conversion | ✔ MGT-14 + possible INC-24 | High SEBI regulations apply |
| One Person Company (OPC) | MOA + AOA | Companies Act, 2013 | Resolution by sole member (no EGM needed) | ★ For specific changes only | ✔ MGT-14 within 30 days | Simpler no EGM required |
| LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) | LLP Agreement | LLP Act, 2008 | Partner consent (all or majority as per agreement) | ✘ Not required usually | ✔ Form-3 with MCA (30 days) | Simpler no MOA/AOA concept |
| Partnership Firm | Partnership Deed | Partnership Act, 1932 | All partners' mutual consent + amended deed | ✘ No central government role | ✘ No MCA filing only deed amendment + notarization | Simplest no ROC filing |
| Sole Proprietorship | No formal document | No specific act | Owner's decision no formal process | ✘ Not applicable | ✘ Only update licenses/GST/bank records | Easiest no constitutional documents |
| Section 8 Company (NGO) | MOA + AOA | Companies Act, 2013 | Special Resolution + Central Government approval required for Objects clause change | ✔ Mandatory CG must approve any objects change | ✔ MGT-14 + CG application | Highest CG approval mandatory for most changes |
| Nidhi Company | MOA + AOA | Companies Act + Nidhi Rules 2014 | Special Resolution + MCA filing + Nidhi-specific compliance maintained | ★ For specific changes impacting Nidhi status | ✔ MGT-14 + possible NDH forms | High must not violate Nidhi Rules restrictions |
Complete legal reference with 2024 updates know exactly which law applies to your specific change.
Governs all changes to the Memorandum. Requires Special Resolution by shareholders. Specific clauses (like state change) additionally need Central Government approval via Regional Director. Any alteration inconsistent with Act is void.
MOA AlterationAllows companies to alter Articles by passing a Special Resolution at General Meeting. Private Companies converting to Public must additionally obtain CG approval. Altered AOA must not conflict with MOA or Companies Act.
AOA AlterationSpecifies mandatory contents of MOA all 6 clauses. Any alteration must comply with this section's requirements. The 2013 Act standardized MOA formats, replacing the old Table formats. Updated Schedule I defines model MOA structures.
MOA ContentsEvery copy of MOA & AOA issued after the alteration must incorporate the changes. Non-compliance attracts penalty on the company and every officer in default ₹1,000 per copy for each offence under 2024 amended penalty schedule.
Post-Alteration ComplianceHow It Works
Every step handled by our expert CA/CS team — you just sign where needed. No confusion, no back-and-forth.
Our CA/CS expert reviews which clause(s) need change, which laws apply, whether Central Government approval is needed, and gives you a fixed-cost quote. No meter, no surprises.
SSATAX AdvantageOur legal team drafts the altered documents with precise legal language compliant with the latest MCA standards. We also draft the Board Resolution, EGM Notice, and Explanatory Statement.
Drafting StageWe prepare complete Board Meeting minutes where directors approve the alteration and authorize sending EGM notice to all shareholders. Notice period: minimum 21 days (or shorter with 95% shareholder consent).
Board ResolutionEGM is conducted and Special Resolution is passed with 3/4th majority of shareholders present and voting. Minutes are documented precisely.
Special ResolutionWe file the Special Resolution and altered MOA/AOA with MCA. For name changes, INC-24 is filed separately. For capital increase, SH-7 is filed.
MCA FilingFor inter-state registered office shift, we manage Regional Director approval, creditor NOCs, and all related correspondence.
Approval StageOnce approved, you receive updated MOA & AOA, Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable), and all certified MCA documents.
CompletedThe Companies (Amendment) Act 2019 & 2020 significantly increased penalties. Don't let a small delay become an expensive lesson.
For each day of delay in filing Special Resolution after 30-day deadline. No maximum cap — compounds daily until filed.
Any contract or business activity outside MOA's Objects Clause is ultra vires — legally void. Directors face personal liability for any losses.
Under Section 15, issuing copies of MOA/AOA that don't reflect the alteration — ₹1,000 penalty per copy for company and every defaulting officer.
Repeated non-compliance with MCA filing requirements can trigger director disqualification, prohibiting that person from being a director in any company for 5 years.
Documents Required
Have these ready before you begin. Our team will guide you through the collection process via WhatsApp.
Over 100,000 businesses trust SSATAX because we combine legal expertise, transparent pricing, and end-to-end compliance support. Here's what makes us different.
Our Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries specialize in corporate law and ROC compliance. We understand the legal drafting requirements and MCA approval standards required for successful alterations.
Every document is carefully reviewed and drafted in accordance with the latest MCA requirements before filing. If any technical resubmission is required, we handle it at no additional cost.
We closely monitor statutory timelines, including the 30-day filing requirement for MGT-14, ensuring your company remains fully compliant and avoids unnecessary penalties.
No hidden charges, surprise fees, or last-minute additions. Our pricing is clearly communicated upfront, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Complete your MOA or AOA alteration from anywhere in India. Document sharing, review, approvals, and filings are managed digitally through email and secure communication channels.
We guide you on updating related registrations and records, including bank details, GST registrations, licenses, and other statutory records after approval.
For matters requiring Regional Director or Central Government approval, such as inter-state registered office shifts, our team manages the complete process from documentation to final approval.
Even after your alteration is completed, our experts remain available to assist with future compliance questions, MCA notices, and regulatory updates whenever required.
FAQ
Get clear answers to the most common questions about MOA and AOA alteration in India.