A Common Seal, as referenced in the Companies Act, 2013, applies to Companies incorporated under that Act — PVT. LTD. Companies, OPCs, Section 8 Companies and so on. LLPs are instead governed by the LLP Act, 2008 and rely on partner signatures rather than a Common Seal; partnership firms and proprietorships don't use a Common Seal at all.

No — since the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015, using a Common Seal is optional for PVT. LTD. Companies and OPCs. Many still keep one ready for share certificates and formal document execution, but signatures of authorized directors are equally valid.

This is set out in the Company's Articles of Association. Typically the seal must be affixed in the presence of at least one director (and sometimes the Company secretary), and its use should follow the relevant board resolution.

A Common Seal is a specific embossing or impression device referenced under the Companies Act; a Rubber Stamp is a general-purpose ink stamp used for everyday business paperwork. See our Rubber Stamps FAQs for stamp-specific questions.

Historically, share certificates required the Common Seal. After the 2015 amendment, this is no longer mandatory — certificates can instead be signed by two directors, or a director and the Company secretary, as permitted by the Company's Articles.

Yes, an OPC may use a Common Seal in the same optional manner as other Companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.

Companies typically keep the Common Seal in the custody of a director or the Company secretary, and log its use in a seal register as part of good internal governance practice.