What are the different Classes of DSCs?

Under the guidelines of the IT Act and the rules issued by the Controller of Certifying Authorities, a Certifying Authority can issue 3 classes of certificates. Each class of DSC is associated with a specific purpose and has a different level of security authentication.

Class 1: This is issued to both businesses and private individuals. The DSC is used to confirm the information of a person, such as name, email and contact details, so that it is in-line with the details in the certifying authority’s database. This provides a basic level of identity assurance and can be used in places where risks of any data compromises are not very significant, such as the signing of letters, etc.

Class 2: This class of certificate is issued to the authorized signatories of a business, like the directors, for the purpose of e-filing with the MCA / ROC or income tax department. It can also be issued to sole proprietors for the purpose of signing e-tax returns, etc. Company secretaries and chartered accountants can also use this class of DSC for filing company related e-forms. The level of security is slightly higher here because it used for transactions that involve moderate monetary value and risk of fraud.

Class 3: These certificates can be issued to both individuals and organizations, and are primarily used for the purpose of participating in online tenders and auctions. While class 1 and class 2 DSCs can be issued through an online process, class 3 DSCs are issued only upon the physical presence of the person before the certifying authority. This is because the class 3 DSC is used in high-security situations, which either involve high-value or high-risk transactions, or both.

What type of DSC is required for imports and exports?

Class 3 DGFT Digital Signature Certificate is required to be procured by importers and exporters.

What class of DSC is required for e-filing with the RoC / MCA and Income Tax?

Class 2 DSC registered with the respective department will be required.

Can I have more than one DSC?

A person can have more than one DSC. However, to use the same, the DSC must be registered with the appropriate authority.

For how long is a DSC valid?

Digital Signature certificates can be issued with a validity of either 1 year or 2 years, and can easily be renewed. In case your DSC has expired, you can re-register your new DSC with the authority with which you want to use it.