Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Model Articles of Association
I need model articles of association for a private limited company in India, with provisions for a board of directors, shareholder meetings, and the issuance of shares, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act, 2013. The document should also include clauses for the appointment and removal of directors, dividend distribution, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
What is a Model Articles of Association?
Model Articles of Association are ready-made rules created by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that guide how Indian companies operate. They act as a default rulebook for newly formed companies under the Companies Act, 2013, covering everything from board meetings to share transfers.
Companies can either adopt these standard rules as-is, modify them to suit their needs, or create entirely new articles. Small private companies often stick to the model articles to save time and legal costs, while larger corporations typically customize them to match their specific business requirements and governance structure.
When should you use a Model Articles of Association?
Small startups and new private companies benefit most from Model Articles of Association when launching their business quickly and cost-effectively. These pre-approved templates from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs eliminate the need for expensive legal customization while ensuring compliance with the Companies Act, 2013.
Companies with straightforward ownership structures and standard operational needs find these model articles particularly valuable. However, businesses planning unique governance structures, multiple share classes, or specific voting rights might need customized articles instead. The model version works best for companies seeking a tested, legally sound foundation without complex modifications.
What are the different types of Model Articles of Association?
- Model Articles Of Association For Private Companies: Basic template for standard private companies with simple structures
- Company Limited By Guarantee Model Articles: Specialized version for non-profit organizations and charitable companies
- New Model Articles Of Association: Updated version aligned with recent Companies Act amendments
- Model Memorandum Of Association: Companion document defining company objectives and external affairs
Who should typically use a Model Articles of Association?
- Company Founders: Adopt and customize these articles during company formation, setting the foundation for their business structure
- Company Directors: Follow and enforce these rules in daily operations, board meetings, and decision-making processes
- Shareholders: Rely on these articles for their rights, voting procedures, and share transfer mechanisms
- Company Secretary: Ensures compliance with the articles and maintains proper documentation
- Legal Advisors: Help modify model articles to suit specific business needs while maintaining compliance with the Companies Act
- Registrar of Companies: Reviews and approves the articles during company registration
How do you write a Model Articles of Association?
- Company Details: Gather basic information including proposed name, registered office address, and business objectives
- Share Structure: Decide on share classes, rights, and transfer restrictions
- Management Structure: Define board composition, director appointment rules, and meeting procedures
- Stakeholder Rights: List voting rights, dividend policies, and dispute resolution mechanisms
- Customization Needs: Identify which sections of model articles need modification for your business
- Document Review: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound draft, ensuring all mandatory elements are included
- Final Check: Verify alignment with your business plan and Companies Act requirements
What should be included in a Model Articles of Association?
- Company Name Clause: Full legal name and type of company as registered
- Share Capital Details: Authorized capital, types of shares, and rights attached
- Board Provisions: Director appointment, removal, powers, and meeting procedures
- General Meeting Rules: Voting rights, quorum requirements, and notice periods
- Share Transfer Rules: Procedures for transferring shares and restrictions if any
- Dividend Policy: Rules for declaring and distributing dividends
- Winding Up: Procedures for company dissolution and asset distribution
- Seal Usage: Rules for company seal application and custody
What's the difference between a Model Articles of Association and a Memorandum of Association?
The key distinction lies between Model Articles of Association and the Memorandum of Association. While both are foundational company documents under the Companies Act 2013, they serve different purposes and contain distinct information.
- Internal vs External Focus: Model Articles govern internal management and operations, while the Memorandum defines the company's relationship with outside stakeholders
- Content Scope: Articles cover operational rules, share transfers, and board procedures; the Memorandum states business objectives, liability limits, and registered office details
- Modification Process: Articles can be modified more easily through special resolution, while Memorandum changes often require regulatory approval
- Legal Standing: Articles regulate day-to-day governance but must align with the broader framework established in the Memorandum, which acts as the company's constitution
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.