DIR-3 KYC Amended Rules FY 2026-27: MCA’s New Director KYC Compliance & Triennial Filing Requirements Explained
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India has introduced major changes to director KYC compliance under the Companies Act, 2013. These changes—officially notified at the end of December 2025 and effective from 31 March 2026—mark a significant shift in how directors maintain their Know Your Customer (KYC) records with the regulator.
This updated framework aims to simplify compliance, reduce repetitive filings, and focus on timely updates of crucial personal information without unnecessary regulatory burden. All directors and compliance professionals should understand these changes to avoid penalties, DIN deactivation, and disruption to corporate filings.
What Is DIR-3 KYC and Who Must Comply?
Every company director in India who holds a Director Identification Number (DIN) must regularly submit KYC details to the MCA. This is done through a statutory form known as DIR-3 KYC.
The purpose of DIR-3 KYC is simple:
- Confirm that director records are correct and up-to-date,
- Ensure contact details such as mobile numbers and email IDs are accurate,
- Maintain reliable governance data for regulators and the public.
Before the amendment, this filing was mandatory every year for each director. Failure to comply could result in deactivation of the DIN, making it impossible to serve as a director or undertake many company activities.
Key Change: Filing Frequency Reduced to Once Every 3 Years
The single biggest change under the new rules is the replacement of the annual KYC requirement with a triennial (once every three years) filing cycle.
Here’s What Has Changed:
Old Rule:
Directors had to complete KYC every year—typically by 30 September following the financial year end.
New Rule (Effective 31 March 2026):
Directors must file Form DIR-3 KYC-Web once every 3 consecutive financial years by 30 June of the applicable year.
For example:
- If a director held a valid DIN on 31 March 2026, their triennial KYC will be due by 30 June 2028.
- This extended period reduces repetitive filings, saving time and administrative effort.
This shift reflects an effort by the MCA to ease compliance while maintaining updated director information across India’s corporate sector.
Simplified Filing Through a Single Web Form
Another significant update is that only the DIR-3 KYC-Web form is now permitted for all director KYC needs. Earlier, multiple versions such as e-form DIR-3 KYC and web-based filing were accepted.
New Rule:
DIR-3 KYC-Web is the only acceptable form for:
- Routine triennial KYC,
- Updating personal details,
- Reactivating DIN.
This simplification eliminates confusion due to multiple form versions and aligns with the MCA’s ongoing digital-first compliance strategy.
Mandatory Event-Based Updates Still Apply
While the routine filing cycle is now every three years, continuous updation of personal details remains compulsory.
Directors must use the DIR-3 KYC-Web form to update:
- Mobile phone number,
- Email address,
- Residential address
within 30 days of any change.
For these updates:
Digital signatures by the director and
Certification by a professional (such as a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant)
are required when updating contact or address details.
This ensures that the MCA maintains accurate, real-time records even between the broader three-year cycles.
Who Is Covered by the New Rules?
The new compliance regime applies to all DIN holders who have:
Already completed DIR-3 KYC filings to date,
Or are yet to complete their first KYC.
Directors who have already filed their annual KYC under the old regime are automatically transitioned to the new 3-year cycle. Their next KYC is due by 30 June 2028.
Those who have not yet submitted their KYC at all can still do so under the existing rules until 31 March 2026, after which the amended rules fully apply.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the DIR-3 KYC requirements—even under the new regime—can have serious effects:
- Deactivation of DIN, preventing the individual from acting as a director,
- Penalties or late fees for missing deadlines,
- Potential barriers in company operations where director credentials are essential.
Therefore, directors and corporate compliance officers must track both the triennial KYC cycle and event-based updates diligently.
Practical Tips for Directors and Companies
To stay compliant under the revised rules:
Track Your KYC Schedule: Maintain an internal calendar or register showing when your next triennial KYC is due.
Update Immediately: As soon as any contact details change, file DIR-3 KYC-Web within 30 days.
Use Web-Form Only: The older e-forms are no longer valid—ensure you use the current web form.
Plan Ahead: If you have not completed any KYC yet, do so before 31 March 2026 to avoid being caught in transition issues.
