"eSign" gets used loosely to mean several different things in India, here's what it actually refers to, and when a DSC is the better (or required) choice.
In the Indian context, "eSign" most often refers to the Aadhaar-based eSign service, a way to digitally sign a document using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, without needing a physical USB token. It's built into many government portals as a lighter-weight alternative to a Class 3 DSC.
Both are legally recognized under the IT Act, but they suit different situations.
OTP-based signing tied to your Aadhaar, no hardware needed.
Certificate-based signing on a USB token, issued by a licensed CA.
If you're an individual signing a simple personal document and the portal explicitly accepts Aadhaar eSign, it's the faster option. But for anything involving a company or LLP, or any of the government portals covered throughout this site, MCA, GST, ICEGATE, e-Tendering, a Class 3 DSC is what's actually required.
If your filing requires a Class 3 certificate, we can get you verified and issued quickly.
Yes, Aadhaar-based eSign is legally recognized under the IT Act, but many portals, especially for company/LLP filings, specifically require a Class 3 DSC instead.
For company and LLP filings, no, these require a Class 3 Signing DSC, not Aadhaar eSign.
Once issued and loaded on your token, a DSC works within any signing software without needing an OTP, though the software/portal itself typically needs internet access.
