The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal is widely used for company incorporation, annual filings, director-related services, and compliance submissions. To guarantee authenticity and security, MCA requires users to sign forms using a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
However, many professionals face issues like DSC not detected in MCA, emSigner utility not working, error while signing, or browser incompatibility. If you are struggling with DSC settings for MCA v3 portal, this detailed guide will help you configure everything properly.
Table of Contents
Why is DSC Required for MCA Portal?
- Mandatory for filing forms like DIR-3 KYC, INC-32 (SPICe+), MGT-7, AOC-4, etc.
- Provides secure, legally valid authentication for electronic filings.
- Prevents tampering and ensures documents are digitally verified.
Step 1: Install Java (32-bit Recommended)
MCA v3 portal still requires Java for DSC integration.
👉 Steps:
- Download Java 32-bit from here: Download Java for MCA
- Install Java on your system.
- Restart your computer to apply settings.
💡 Tip: Even if your system is 64-bit, MCA works better with 32-bit Java.
Step 2: Download and Install emBridge (Signer Utility)
The MCA portal does not work without a signer utility. For MCA v3, you need emBridge by eMudhra.
👉 Steps:
- Download from official site: emBridge Utility
- Install the setup file on your computer.
- Run emBridge as Administrator (especially if it’s your first time).
- Once installed, you’ll see an icon in your system tray.
Step 3: Install Your DSC Token Driver
Your USB token (ProxKey, Watchdata, ePass, etc.) will not work unless its driver is installed.
👉 Steps:
- Insert your DSC token into the USB port.
- If not detected, download the driver from DSC Drivers Download Page.
- Install the driver.
- Restart your system and reinsert the token.
Now your system will recognize your DSC.
Step 4: Open MCA Portal and Register DSC
Once Java, emBridge, and token drivers are installed, you can proceed with DSC registration.
👉 Steps:
- Open Google Chrome (recommended for MCA).
- Go to MCA Portal.
- Log in using your User ID and Password.
- Navigate to MCA Services → Associate DSC.
- Select your role (Director/Manager/Professional).
- Enter required details (like PAN or DIN).
- Choose your DSC from the list of certificates.
- Click Register/Sign.
✅ Done – Your DSC is now registered on MCA v3 portal.
Step 5: Update or Change DSC on MCA Portal
If your old DSC has expired, you can update it easily.
👉 Steps:
- Log in to MCA portal.
- Go to MCA Services → Update DSC.
- Insert your new DSC token.
- Select new certificate from the list.
- Click Update/Replace.
Troubleshooting – Common Issues and Fixes
1. DSC Setting for MCA Portal Not Working
- Make sure Java 32-bit is installed.
- Run emBridge as Administrator.
- Reinsert DSC token after restarting the system.
2. DSC Not Detected in MCA Portal
- Check if USB token driver is installed.
- Try different USB ports.
- Disable antivirus temporarily (sometimes blocks signer utility).
3. Error While Signing with DSC on MCA Website
- Make sure you are using Class 3 DSC.
- Verify certificate validity (not expired).
- Clear Chrome cache and retry.
4. How to Fix DSC Utility Not Working in MCA Portal
- Close emBridge and restart it.
- Reinstall emBridge if still not working.
- Check system tray → emBridge should be running.
Compatible Browsers for MCA DSC Setting
- ✅ Google Chrome (Recommended)
- ✅ Mozilla Firefox (Older versions)
- ❌ Microsoft Edge (Not stable for MCA DSC signing)
Final Thoughts
The DSC setting for MCA portal (v3) requires proper installation of Java, emBridge signer utility, and DSC token drivers. If any of these are missing, you’ll face issues like DSC not detected or error while signing.
To summarize, you need to:
- Install Java 32-bit.
- Download and run emBridge signer.
- Install USB token driver.
- Register or update DSC on the MCA portal.
With these steps, you’ll be able to smoothly use your Class 3 DSC for MCA filings without errors.
Add comment