DSC Basics · Guide
Class 1, 2 and 3 DSC: What "Phased Out" Actually Means in 2026
Published August 16, 2026 · By DSCKart
If you've seen references to "Class 1" or "Class 2" DSCs and wondered whether they still exist, here's the clear answer: they don't. With Class 1 and Class 2 certificates phased out, Class 3 DSC is now the sole standard for all digital signing needs — which actually simplifies things for anyone applying today.
What Were Class 1, 2 and 3 DSCs?
- Class 1 — minimal verification, used mainly for securing email, never for legal or financial filings.
- Class 2 — moderate verification, previously used for company filings, GST and income tax before being phased out.
- Class 3 — the highest verification level, requiring in-person or video-based identity confirmation.
When Did This Change Happen?
The amendment discontinuing Class 2 DSC issuance was enacted on 1 January 2021. Class 1 has similarly been phased out, leaving Class 3 as the only certificate class currently issued and accepted across government portals. Our Class 2 vs Class 3 comparison covers the practical differences.
Why It Matters If You're Applying Today
It doesn't complicate your decision at all — applicants no longer need to choose between classes. Every new DSC application today is a Class 3 certificate by default. The only real choices left are certificate type (Individual, Organisation, DGFT) and validity period.
Where This Still Causes Confusion
- Old documentation online still references Class 2 — treat that as outdated information.
- Pre-2021 Class 2 certificates are rejected by MCA, GST, Income Tax and DGFT regardless of their printed expiry date.
- Internal compliance checklists at older companies may still say "Class 2 DSC" and mislead new staff.
What If You Hold an Old Class 2 DSC?
It will not work on any current government portal, whatever its stated expiry. The fix is straightforward: apply for a Class 3 DSC — the only option issued anyway. If your existing certificate is simply expiring, see our DSC renewal page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Class 1 and Class 2 DSCs still exist at all?
They are no longer issued by Certifying Authorities. If you hold an old one, it may still exist as a certificate but will not be accepted on current government filing portals.
Why was Class 2 discontinued?
The change moved to a single, higher-verification standard (Class 3) for all filings, simplifying the certificate landscape and raising the baseline identity verification for every DSC issued.
Can I still use my old Class 2 DSC for anything?
For government portal filings like GST, MCA and DGFT, no — these now require Class 3. It has virtually no practical filing use today.
Is there a Class 4 or newer classification coming?
There is no current indication of a classification beyond Class 3 — it remains the standard for all Indian government digital signing requirements as of 2026.
Do I need to specify Class 3 when applying today?
Since Class 3 is the only type issued, you generally don't need to specify it — though it's still worth confirming with your provider that this is what you're receiving.
Get Your Class 3 DSC — The Only Option You Need
Class 3 is the current standard for every filing type, so there's nothing to overthink. DSCKart issues yours in as little as 15 minutes.