Annual General Meeting (AGM): due date, notice and rules
An AGM is the yearly shareholders' meeting under section 96, due within six months of the financial year end, usually by 30 September.
Short answer
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the yearly meeting of a company's shareholders required by section 96 of the Companies Act, 2013. At it, members adopt the audited financial statements, appoint or ratify auditors, declare dividends and reappoint directors retiring by rotation. It must be held within six months of the end of the financial year, usually by 30 September.
- Due date
- Within 6 months of year end (by 30 September)
- First AGM
- Within 9 months of the end of the first financial year
- Notice
- 21 clear days; shorter with consent of 95% of members
- Exempt
- One Person Companies
Rules for holding an AGM
Not more than 15 months may pass between two AGMs. The first AGM can be held within nine months of the close of the first financial year, and no AGM is then needed in the year of incorporation. The ROC can extend the deadline by up to three months for special reasons, except for the first AGM.
Notice must be sent at least 21 clear days in advance with the agenda and explanatory statement. A shorter notice is valid if at least 95% of members entitled to vote consent. One Person Companies are not required to hold an AGM.
What happens at and after the AGM
Ordinary business includes adopting financial statements and the board's report, declaring dividend, appointing directors in place of those retiring and appointing auditors. After the AGM, the company files financial statements in Form AOC-4 within 30 days and the annual return in Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A within 60 days.
Minutes must be prepared and signed within 30 days of the meeting and kept at the registered office. Resolutions such as special resolutions passed at the AGM must also be filed in Form MGT-14 where required.
Why it matters for startups
Missing the AGM deadline is a default that attracts penalties under section 99 and delays the AOC-4 and MGT-7 filings, which carry daily additional fees. Plan the audit so the financial statements are ready by August. For a five-year auditor appointment, ADT-1 is filed within 15 days of the AGM.
Related services
Sources
Written by the Refogo Editorial Team from the official sources above and checked on 2026-10-31. Laws, rates and due dates change, and authorities often extend deadlines, so confirm your own case with a qualified professional. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error to support@refogo.com.
Common questions
Can an AGM be held online?
Companies can hold general meetings through video conferencing under MCA circulars, which have been extended several times. Check the current circular before relying on it.
Does a private company need to hold an AGM?
Yes. Every company other than a One Person Company must hold an AGM each year.
What if the AGM is not held on time?
The company and officers in default face penalties under section 99, and the tribunal can order a meeting on a member's application.