When filing documents on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, a common error professionals face is the wrong generation of Service Request Numbers (SRNs). These SRNs are essential for tracking submissions and payments. However, if generated in error, they may cause issues in company compliance and ROC processing.
An SRN (Service Request Number) is a unique 9-character code generated by the MCA21 portal when you submit an e-Form, upload documents, or initiate certain services. It acts as a reference for tracking the transaction’s status.
SRNs are auto-generated when:
Here are the most common reasons why SRNs are generated in error:
If an incorrect SRN is not cancelled in time, it may result in:
The cancellation request can be initiated by:
Visit www.mca.gov.in and log in using your credentials. You must use the same account that generated the SRN.
Navigate to MCA Services > Track SRN/Transaction Status. Enter your SRN to check its current status; whether it is “Pending”, “Under Process”, “Paid”, or “Approved”.
If the status is Pending or Not Paid, it can typically be cancelled online.
If the status is Approved or Processed, cancellation must be done offline through the concerned Registrar of Companies (ROC).
For online cancellation:
Go to MCA Service Complaint Form
Select the SRN, describe the error, and upload proof (wrong challan/form)
For ROC cancellation:
Submit a physical application with:
Request letter on company letterhead
Copy of the wrongly generated SRN or challan
Affidavit or undertaking signed by the director
CIN and company details
Online Helpdesk cancellations are resolved in 3–7 working days.
For offline ROC cancellations, it may take up to 15–20 working days.
Once cancelled, you can file the correct form afresh.
A company uploaded INC-20A prematurely before the subscription amount was received. They raised a Helpdesk complaint within 24 hours. Since no payment was made and the SRN was still pending, MCA Helpdesk successfully cancelled the SRN within 5 working days.
The process of cancellation of SRN wrongly generated on MCA is straightforward if done quickly. Use the Helpdesk for pending SRNs and apply offline via ROC for processed ones. Provide clear explanation and documentation to ensure a smooth resolution. Always double-check before submitting forms to prevent errors and maintain compliance.
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There is no fixed deadline mentioned officially, but it is advisable to initiate cancellation as soon as the error is identified; especially before any payment is made or before the form is approved. Delay may lead to additional procedural hurdles.
Once the SRN is paid and marked as “Processed” or “Approved,” it cannot be cancelled online. You must file a request with the ROC and provide valid reasons, along with documentary proof. Refunds, if applicable, are rare and considered only in exceptional cases.
No, there is no separate fee for requesting SRN cancellation through MCA Helpdesk or ROC. However, if you re-upload the correct form later, you will need to pay the applicable statutory fee again.
In such a case, initiate a complaint immediately through the Helpdesk. If it cannot be resolved online, apply through the ROC with supporting documentation and an affidavit. Depending on the situation, you may be permitted to refile.
Any registered user who generated the SRN can raise a cancellation request. In case of professional filings, your CA/CS/consultant may assist you, provided they have access to the account or a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
If the complaint is valid and all documents are in place, the MCA Helpdesk generally responds within 3 to 7 working days. Ensure all details are correct while submitting the complaint to avoid delays.
Yes, the Registrar of Companies has discretion to reject requests if the reason seems unjustified or the SRN has already been acted upon. That’s why it’s essential to file cancellation promptly and with complete documents.
The procedure is mostly similar, but for LLPs or foreign companies, the documents and forms involved might vary. Always consult with a legal expert to understand the form-specific differences before applying.
Yes, if the SRN was generated for a payment challan and no form was uploaded, you can still cancel it by raising a Helpdesk complaint or writing to ROC, provided the challan remains unpaid or unused.
You can track the SRN via Track SRN Status on MCA. For Helpdesk complaints, check the Service Complaint portal. For ROC applications, you’ll be notified via email or phone once the matter is resolved.
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