SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has reported that as of January 31, 2026, India has 20,36,641 active companies, including a growing base of 77,515 One Person Companies (OPCs). While private limited companies represent 96% of the total volume, public limited companies continue to hold 61% of total paid-up capital. The sector saw 23,280 new registrations in January alone, with a significant concentration in service-oriented fields and a 28% female participation rate among active directors. Maharashtra remains the primary hub for corporate activity, representing 19% of the national footprint, followed by Delhi (13%) and Uttar Pradesh (9%) .
Key Pillars of the January 2026 Corporate Sector Insights
Active Corporate Footprint: Maintaining a 67% activity rate among registered entities, with Business Services (25%) emerging as the largest active sector.
One Person Company (OPC) Growth: Supporting 77,515 active OPCs, with 1,384 new registrations in January specifically enabling solo-entrepreneurship.
Capital Concentration: Managing the contrast between high-volume private companies (96%) and high-capital public companies (61% paid-up capital).
Leadership Diversity Tracking: Monitoring the 28% female director participation rate, with 32% of new DIN registrations during the month belonging to women.
Regional Growth Polarity: Observing Maharashtra’s 19% dominance while tracking significant localized increases in regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
What are “One Person Companies” (OPCs)? One Person Companies (OPCs) are a corporate structure that allows a single entrepreneur to operate a separate legal entity with limited liability, bridging the gap between a sole proprietorship and a private limited company. As of January 2026, India has 77,515 active OPCs with a total paid-up capital of ₹998.53 crore. This structure is particularly popular among solo innovators and young entrepreneurs, as evidenced by the 1,384 new OPC registrations in January alone. OPCs offer the “standardized” benefits of a corporate body while maintaining the flexibility required for individual-led startups.
Policy Relevance
The January 2026 data represents a transition from “Mass Registration” to “Structural Sectoral Depth,” where individualized and service-based models are driving new corporate births.
Standardizing Gender Parity Goals: The 28% female director baseline acts as a “Standard Maker” move for AI by HER initiatives, measuring the success of women-led acceleration programs.
Bypassing Industrial Slower-Growth: The shift of 27% of new registrations to Community and Social Services aligns with the growth of the Orange Economy, ensuring jobs are created in AI-aligned fields.
Operationalizing MSME Formalization: The high activity in LLPs (4.59 lakh active), where 84% have small contributions, supports the “Responsible Business Conduct” roadmap for small-scale entrepreneurs.
Federal Economic Balancing: Tracking growth in Jammu & Kashmir (188 new active companies) ensures that the “AI for All” mission delivers measurable formalization in frontier regions.
Follow the full report here: MCA: Monthly Information Bulletin - January 2026