Section 96 of the Companies Act, 2013 Annual general meeting

In force Change proposed — not yet law Explainer reviewed 23 October 2026

Section 96 requires every company except a One Person Company to hold an annual general meeting each year: the first within nine months of the end of its first financial year, later ones within six months of the year end, with no more than 15 months between two AGMs.

Who it applies to

Every company other than a One Person Company

What the section says

An AGM must be held every year, in addition to any other meeting, and the notice must call it the annual general meeting. No more than 15 months may pass between two AGMs (s.96(1)).
The first AGM is due within nine months of the close of the first financial year, and then no AGM is needed in the year of incorporation. Later AGMs are due within six months of the close of each financial year.
The Registrar may extend the time for any AGM other than the first by up to three months, for a special reason.
An AGM must be called during business hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on a day that is not a National Holiday, at the registered office or elsewhere in the same city, town or village (s.96(2)).
An unlisted company may hold its AGM anywhere in India if all members consent in advance, in writing or electronically (proviso to s.96(2)).
Default in holding an AGM is punishable under section 99, and the Tribunal can call the meeting under section 97.

Related sections

Sections that refer to this one:

97Power of Tribunal to call annual g...99Punishment for default in complyin...139Appointment of auditors

Common questions

When must a company hold its first AGM?

Within nine months from the close of its first financial year. It then need not hold an AGM in the year of incorporation.

Can the ROC extend the AGM date?

Yes, by up to three months for a special reason, but not for the first AGM.

Does an OPC have to hold an AGM?

No. Section 96(1) applies to every company other than a One Person Company.

Find another section

Type a section number (185, 10A) or a plain topic

← Previous section95. Registers, etc., to be evidence Next section →97. Power of Tribunal to call annual general meeting

Want a company secretary to check how section 96 applies to your company? Tell us the facts in a few lines and we will tell you what applies and what to file.

Talk to us →

Section number, heading and status: Companies Act, 2013 as consolidated on India Code (amendments to about 2020–21). Sources for this page: Companies Act, 2013: India Code consolidated text. Reviewed 23 October 2026. General information, not legal advice; confirm on the official sources before relying on a provision.