Fundamental Glossary / Indian Stock Market-Specific Fundamentals
CIN (Corporate Identification Number)
The unique 21-character number assigned to a company registered in India.
Formula
It encodes the listing status, industry code, state, year of incorporation, and a registration number. It is printed on letterheads and on MCA records.
What it means
CIN is how you are sure two filings belong to the same legal entity. Names change. The CIN of that company does not, except when the status digit changes between listed and unlisted.
A subsidiary has its own CIN. The parent's CIN does not cover the group.
How to read it
Use the CIN when you pull MCA documents so you do not open a similarly named company in another state.
What to watch
A wrong CIN in a data vendor's record will attach another company's charges or cases. Check the name and the registered office beside the number.
This note explains the term. It is not a research recommendation, a target price, or a comment on any security. Ratios and regulatory thresholds change; use the latest filing or circular for a live figure.