• Class 3 DSC: Used for e-tendering, e-procurement, and high-security transactions.
• DGFT DSC: Issued for Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) related activities.
• Class 2 DSC (Deprecated as of Jan 1, 2021) : Previously used forincome tax filing, GST filing, and MCA filings.
• Document Signer Certificate: Used by organizations for bulk document signing.

Key benefits of digital certification for secure and efficient transactions:

• Legally Valid - Approved under the Information Technology Act, 2000
• Enhanced Security - Ensures confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity
• Faster Processing - Reduces paperwork, saves time, and speeds up transactions
• Global Acceptance - Recognized internationally for secure communications
• Eco-Friendly - Reduces physical paperwork and promotes digital transformation
• Cost-Effective - Eliminates courier and documentation costs

A DSC is mandatory for various government and legal procedures, including:

• Income Tax e-Filing
• GST Registration and Filing
• Company Incorporation (MCA Filings)
• EPFO and PF Registration
• E-Tendering and E-Procurement
• Trademark and Patent Filings
• Banking and Financial Transactions

The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) authorizes the following Certifying Authorities (CAs) to issue DSCs in India:

• eMudhra
• Sify Safescrypt
• (n)Code Solutions
• Capricorn CA
• NSDL e-Gov
• Pantasign
• IDSign

Steps to apply for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):

• Choose the DSC Type - Based on usage (Class 3, DGFT, etc.).
• Fill Application Form - Provide basic details, PAN, and Aadhaar.
• Identity & Address Verification - Through Aadhaar-based eKYC or manual verification.
• Payment & Submission - Make payment and submit documents.
• DSC Issuance - Receive your DSC on a USB token (dongle) or digitally.