Comparison

DSC vs eSign, what's the difference

In India, "eSign" almost always means Aadhaar-based signing, here's how it actually compares to a Class 3 DSC.

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The core difference

Both are legally recognized ways to sign digitally in India, the mechanism is what differs.

DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

A certificate-based signature, using a private key stored on a USB token or in the cloud.

✓ Doesn't depend on live OTP delivery
✓ Reusable across multiple portals once issued
✓ Mandatory for companies and LLPs on GST, MCA
✓ Valid for 1-3 years once issued

eSign (Aadhaar-based)

Signs using OTP verification tied to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

✓ No physical token needed
✓ Depends on live OTP delivery at the moment of signing
✓ Generally available to individuals, not companies/LLPs
✓ Verified fresh each time you sign

Which one you can actually choose

This isn't always a free choice, companies and LLPs are legally required to use DSC for GST and MCA filings, Aadhaar eSign isn't an option for them. Individual taxpayers and proprietors often do have the choice between the two.

Need a DSC rather than relying on eSign?

We issue Class 3 DSCs that work across every portal, no dependency on Aadhaar OTP delivery.

Class 3 DSC, works across GST, MCA, Income Tax and more

No OTP delivery dependency once issued

Same-day verification and issuance

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Frequently asked questions

Both are legally valid signing methods in India, DSC's certificate-based approach doesn't depend on OTP delivery, which some consider a practical reliability advantage.

Yes, there's no restriction on switching your signing method for future filings once you have a DSC.

Aadhaar-based eKYC is commonly used to verify identity when issuing a DSC too, so Aadhaar plays a role in both, just differently.