How to Download Form ADT-1?

Form ADT-1 is a statutory return mandated under the Companies Act, 2013, used to notify the Registrar of Companies (ROC) about the appointment or reappointment of an auditor. All companies (except sole proprietorships and LLPs) are required to file this form after appointing an auditor at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or in the event of a casual vacancy. 

If you're looking to download Form ADT-1, this guide walks you through the accurate process, documents required, filing instructions, and other essential compliance tips for smooth e-filing via the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal.

What Is Form ADT-1?

Form ADT-1 is used to inform the ROC about:

• Appointment of the first auditor by the Board of Directors.
• Appointment or reappointment of an auditor at the AGM.
• Appointment of an auditor in case of a casual vacancy caused by resignation, death, or disqualification.
• Reappointment after the completion of an auditor’s tenure.

The form must be filed within 15 days of the appointment (or 30 days for IFSC companies) to avoid penalties.

Is ADT-1 an Online Form or PDF?

Although the form is available as a downloadable PDF format, it is not manually filled out and submitted like traditional offline documents. It is an e-form, which must be:

• Downloaded from the MCA website.
• Filled electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Digitally signed using a DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).
• Uploaded and submitted on the MCA21 portal.

How to Download Form ADT-1?

To download the most recent and valid version of Form ADT-1, follow this process:

Visit the MCA Portal

Navigate to the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal: https://www.mca.gov.in

Go to 'MCA Services' Menu

• Hover over the top menu “MCA Services” and select “Company e-Filing”.
• Click on 'Company Forms Download'
• Scroll and click on “Company Forms Download” to access the full list of e-forms.

Search for ADT-1

Use Ctrl+F or the on-page search bar to locate “ADT-1 – Information to the Registrar by company for appointment of auditor.”

Download the ZIP File

Click the form link. The latest version of ADT-1 will download in ZIP format, containing:

• Form ADT-1 (PDF e-form)
• Instruction Kit PDF

Form ADT-1 is attached below for ready download and easy access:

What Is Included in the ADT-1 Download File?

The ZIP file will typically include:

• File Name Description
• Form_ADT-1.pdf Fillable PDF eForm to be uploaded on MCA
• Instruction_Kit_ADT-1 Detailed instructions for filling the form
• Signature Guidelines Steps to apply DSC and validate the form

Note: Always use the latest version of the e-form to avoid rejection or compatibility errors.

How to Fill and Submit Form ADT-1

Filing Form ADT-1 correctly is essential to comply with the Companies Act, 2013 after appointing an auditor. The form must be downloaded from the MCA portal, filled electronically, digitally signed, and submitted online. Below is a step-by-step process to help you complete and file Form ADT-1 without errors or delays.

Step 1: Prepare Required Details

• Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
• Company name and registered office 
• Auditor’s name, PAN, membership number
• Type of appointment (first, AGM, casual vacancy)
• Appointment period and auditor's consent

Step 2: Fill the eForm Using Adobe Acrobat

• Open the PDF form using Adobe Reader.
• Click “Pre-fill” after entering the CIN.
• Fill out the auditor’s details and other relevant fields.
• Use “Attach” to upload scanned documents (PDF format).

Step 3: Apply Digital Signatures

• DSC of the Director signing the form
• DSC of a Practicing Professional (CA/CS/CMA) certifying the form

Step 4: Pre-Scrutiny and Upload

• Click “Check Form” and then “Pre-scrutiny”
• If there are no errors, the form is ready to upload.
• Log in to the MCA portal > Upload E-forms > Select ADT-1 > Upload

Step 5: Pay Fees and Track Acknowledgement

• Pay the prescribed government fee online (based on nominal share capital).
• Note down the SRN (Service Request Number) for tracking.
• Download the acknowledgement receipt as proof of submission.

Documents to Attach with ADT-1

• Board Resolution or AGM Resolution
• Consent letter from the auditor
• Eligibility certificate under Section 141
• Intimation letter to the auditor (optional)
• Copy of Tribunal order (if applicable)

All attachments must be in PDF format and under the prescribed file size limit.

Conclusion

While Form ADT-1 is downloadable, it's an electronic filing requirement, not a manually submitted PDF. Accurate filing and timely submission are essential to remain compliant with the Companies Act, 2013. Companies must not only download but also correctly complete, digitally sign, and upload Form ADT-1 on the MCA portal.

If you're unsure or need professional assistance, IndiaFilings offers end-to-end ADT-1 filing services—covering document preparation, form submission, digital signature use, and tracking.

Need Help With ADT-1 Filing?

At IndiaFilings, we help you:

• Prepare the auditor appointment documents
• Download and fill ADT-1 correctly
• Use DSC and upload the form online
• Track status and resolve rejections
• Stay 100% compliant with ROC timelines

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