Comparison
This isn't really a "vs", a DGFT DSC is a Class 3 DSC, here's what actually distinguishes it.
A "DGFT DSC" is not a separate class of certificate, it's a Class 3 DSC issued and linked to your IEC (Import Export Code) for use on the DGFT portal. Every DSC used for DGFT filing is still fundamentally a Class 3 certificate, the "DGFT" label just describes its intended use case and IEC linkage, not a different technical category like Signing vs Combo is.
The certificate is issued with your IEC details embedded or linked, so DGFT's system recognizes it as belonging to your specific import-export registration. A generic Class 3 Organization DSC without this IEC linkage may not register correctly on DGFT, even though it's the same underlying certificate class.
Rather than "Class 3 vs DGFT", the more useful question is: does this specific certificate need to be linked to my IEC? If you're filing on DGFT, yes. If you're only filing MCA, GST or Income Tax, a standard Class 3 DSC without IEC linkage is fine.
Tell us what you're filing and we'll confirm exactly which certificate configuration you need.
Pricing depends on certificate type and validity, not the IEC linkage specifically, check current pricing for the exact certificate you need.
Only if it's linked to your IEC, a general Organization DSC without that linkage may not register correctly on DGFT, confirm with us or your CA.
Yes, DGFT and ICEGATE have separate registration processes, and ICEGATE specifically requires a Combo DSC, not just Signing.