Description
NSE Clearing Limited extends the deadline for clearing members to submit Annual Returns for FY 2024-25 from December 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026 without additional fees, following MCA General Circular 08/2025.
Summary
NSE Clearing Limited (NCL) has extended the deadline for clearing members to submit their Annual Returns for the financial year 2024-25 from December 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026. This extension follows the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) General Circular No. 08/2025 dated December 30, 2025, which provides relaxation of additional fees for filing financial statements and annual returns under the Companies Act, 2013. The extension applies to all Clearing Members, Self Clearing Members, and Professional Clearing Members.
Key Points
- Deadline extended from December 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026 for Annual Return submission
- No additional fees will be charged for filings made by the extended deadline
- Extension covers e-Forms MGT-7, MGT-7A, AOC-4, AOC-4 CFS, AOC-4 NBFC (Ind AS), AOC-4 CFS NBFC (Ind AS), and AOC-4 (XBRL)
- Applies to financial year ended March 31, 2025
- Non-compliance will result in actions as per previous NCL circulars
- All other requirements of MCA General Circular No. 06/2025 remain unchanged
Regulatory Changes
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued General Circular No. 08/2025 on December 30, 2025, as a continuation of General Circular No. 06/2025 dated October 17, 2025. This regulatory update provides:
- One-month extension for annual filings pertaining to FY 2024-25
- Waiver of additional fees for filings completed by January 31, 2026
- Relief for companies facing challenges in meeting the original December 31, 2025 deadline
- Response to stakeholder representations received by the competent authority
Compliance Requirements
For Clearing Members, Self Clearing Members, and Professional Clearing Members:
- Submit Annual Returns for FY 2024-25 (year ended March 31, 2025) through NSE Clearing Limited on or before January 31, 2026
- Ensure compliance with net worth requirements as applicable
- File appropriate e-Forms as required under the Companies Act, 2013
- Maintain required financial documentation and audited statements
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Failure to submit Annual Returns by the deadline or shortfall in net worth will trigger actions as stipulated in:
- NCL Circular Ref No. NCL/CMPL/67806 dated April 30, 2025
- NCL Circular Ref No. NCL/CMPL/67927 dated May 8, 2025
- NCL Circular Ref No. NCL/CMPL/70806 dated October 14, 2025
Important Dates
- December 30, 2025: MCA General Circular No. 08/2025 issued
- December 31, 2025: Original deadline for Annual Return submission (now extended)
- January 31, 2026: Extended deadline for Annual Return submission without additional fees
- Financial Year Covered: April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Impact Assessment
Market Impact:
- Provides relief to clearing members facing operational challenges in meeting year-end compliance deadlines
- Reduces financial burden by waiving additional fees for late submissions
- Maintains market integrity by ensuring all members complete mandatory filings
Operational Impact:
- Clearing members gain additional 31 days to complete annual compliance requirements
- Reduces pressure on internal compliance and finance teams during year-end period
- Allows time for proper audit completion and documentation preparation
Compliance Impact:
- Members must still prioritize completion of annual returns to avoid regulatory actions
- Extension does not modify underlying net worth or financial requirements
- Previous circular requirements regarding member obligations remain in full effect
Risk Considerations:
- Members should not delay filings as no further extensions are indicated
- Non-compliance beyond January 31, 2026 will result in strict regulatory actions
- Net worth shortfalls will trigger membership restrictions regardless of filing status
Impact Justification
Critical compliance deadline extension affecting all clearing members with mandatory annual return filing requirements. Non-compliance may result in regulatory actions including suspension or termination of membership.