DIR-3 KYC moved to a three-year cycle from 31 March 2026. Founder checklist for DIN holders, directors and startup boards.
Bhavya Sharma
Company Secretary and corporate compliance advisor
Bhavya Sharma works with Indian companies and founders on MCA, ROC, board and director compliance.
What changed from 31 March 2026
The MCA’s amended director KYC framework moved DIR-3 KYC Web from a routine annual exercise to a once-in-three-consecutive-financial-years cycle for DIN holders, with 30 June as the relevant due date in the applicable year. It also standardises references around Form DIR-3 KYC Web.
This is useful relief for founders, but it does not mean director KYC can be ignored. Any change in key director particulars should still be captured quickly and the company’s compliance calendar should track each director’s next applicable KYC year.
Who should check DIR-3 KYC status now?
| Person | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Founder-directors | Inactive DIN can delay filings, appointments and corporate actions. | Check DIN status and last KYC filing year. |
| Designated partners with DIN | LLP and company roles can overlap for founders. | Review both LLP and company compliance calendars. |
| Independent/advisor directors | Many startup boards add external directors before funding. | Collect consent, KYC and DIN status before appointment. |
| Companies preparing funding | Investor diligence checks director and ROC records. | Keep a director master file with KYC proofs and filings. |
Founder checklist before 30 June 2026
- List every DIN holder connected to the company and note the last DIR-3 KYC filing year.
- Check whether any director changed mobile number, email ID, address, PAN/passport details or role information.
- Confirm MCA portal access and DSC readiness for directors who may need filing support.
- Update board records and statutory registers where director details have changed.
- Keep proof of filing, SRN and acknowledgement in the investor data room.
Sources used
FAQs
Is DIR-3 KYC still annual in 2026?
Under the amended framework effective 31 March 2026, DIR-3 KYC Web is generally required once every third consecutive financial year for DIN holders, subject to event-based updates.
What if a director changes email, mobile number or residential address?
The changed KYC particulars must be updated through DIR-3 KYC Web within the prescribed event-based timeline, commonly discussed as 30 days under the amended rule summaries.
Need to map your director compliance calendar?
BSA can help founders identify director KYC, ROC and board-record gaps before they delay filings or investor diligence.
