AOC-4 ZIP File Contains Multiple Forms – What to Do Next?

Introduction

A lot of people get confused the moment they download the AOC-4 file from the MCA portal and see a ZIP folder instead of one simple form. The first thought is usually, “Why am I getting so many files?” or “Did I click something wrong?”

This confusion happens more often than you’d expect. Especially if it’s your first time AOC-4 filing on the MCA V3 portal, or even if you’re used to the older system. The ZIP file looks scary, but honestly, it’s just part of the process now.

In this post, I’ll explain why the MCA portal gives a ZIP file, what’s actually inside it, and what you’re supposed to do next. Nothing fancy. Just the practical flow.

Why MCA Generates a ZIP File for AOC-4

On the V3 portal, AOC-4 is no longer treated as just one single form. The filing is broken into different parts in the background. Because of that, when you generate the forms, the portal doesn’t give you one file. It bundles everything together.

That’s why you get a ZIP file.

It doesn’t mean extra compliance. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It’s just how the system works now. Instead of downloading forms separately, everything comes together in one ZIP folder.

So if you see a ZIP file after completing the online steps, relax. This is normal.

What Forms Are Inside the AOC-4 ZIP File

Once you extract the ZIP file, you’ll usually see multiple forms inside it. This is where most people pause and start second-guessing themselves.

In most cases, the ZIP file may contain:

  • The main AOC-4 form
  • AOC-2 form, if it applies
  • Extract of Auditor’s Report
  • Extract of Board’s Report

Not every company will see all of these. For example, if AOC-2 is not applicable, that form may not be there at all. So the number of files can differ slightly from one filing to another.

All these forms together make up one complete AOC-4 filing. They’re not separate compliances.

Common Confusion After Downloading the ZIP File

This is the stage where doubts usually start. People wonder whether all forms need to be signed, or only the main AOC-4. Some think the extract forms can be ignored. Others think they’ve downloaded the wrong thing and go back to the portal again.

The portal doesn’t really explain what to do here, so confusion is understandable.

The important thing to remember is this — the ZIP file is not just for reference. Each form inside it matters in some way and needs to be handled properly before upload.

What to Do After Extracting the ZIP File

After downloading the ZIP file, extract it first. Don’t try to open or upload files directly from the compressed folder. Once extracted, open each form one by one.

Every generated form needs to be signed where required. This includes the main AOC-4 form and the extract forms as well. The digital signature of the authorised director has to be affixed on each applicable file.

Yes, it feels repetitive. Yes, it takes a bit of time. But skipping even one form usually creates issues later.

After signing all the required forms and saving them properly, they are uploaded back on the MCA portal. Only after this does the system allow you to move to the payment stage.

Mistakes to Avoid at This Stage

One very common mistake is signing only the AOC-4 form and ignoring the rest. Another issue is forgetting to extract the ZIP file properly and trying to upload files directly from it.

Sometimes the DSC used is expired, or not mapped correctly, and people realise this only at the upload stage. These are small things, but they slow down the process and create unnecessary confusion.

Spending a few extra minutes here and handling each file carefully saves a lot of back and forth later.

Conclusion

Seeing multiple forms inside an AOC-4 ZIP file can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s just the MCA V3 system doing its thing. The ZIP file simply groups all related forms together.

Once you understand what’s inside and take the time to extract, sign, and upload each form properly, the process becomes much smoother. After a couple of filings, this flow starts to feel routine.

Instead of panicking when you see the ZIP file, treat it as a checklist of what needs to be completed before final submission.

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