Class 3 DSC: individual, organisation or foreign national — which should you choose?
The right DSC depends on who it is issued to and where you will use it. A quick way to decide.
Class 3 is the class used for most government filings and e-tendering today. Within it, the certificate is issued in one of three ways.
Individual DSC
Issued in your personal name and not linked to any organisation. It suits Indian citizens who file their own Income Tax returns, sign as a professional, or need a personal certificate.
Organisation DSC
Issued in the name of a person together with the organisation they represent. It is meant for directors, partners and authorised signatories who sign on behalf of a company, firm, trust or institution, and it needs the organisation's documents and an authorisation letter.
Foreign national DSC
For foreign individuals or entities who need a valid certificate for legal, business or regulatory work in India. It is verified with a passport and address proof.
Special-use certificates
Some portals ask for a specific type, for example a DGFT certificate for import-export work, a combo certificate for e-tendering, or a document signer certificate for signing invoices and PDFs in bulk. Check what your portal asks for before you order.
Not sure? Tell us where you will use the certificate and we will recommend the right one.
Need help choosing or applying? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 76240 20836 and we will guide you step by step.