eSign — Digital Signatures for All
What is eSign?
eSign is an online electronic signature service in India, legally recognized under the IT Act 2000. Unlike physical digital signature certificates, eSign is Aadhaar-based and can be obtained instantly—eliminating the need to visit certification authorities.
How eSign Works
Process Flow
- Document Upload: User uploads document needing signature
- Aadhaar Authentication: Identity verification via OTP/biometric
- Signing: Cryptographic signature applied to document
- Certificate Generation: Signed PDF returned
- Verification: Anyone can verify signature validity
Technical Details
- Standard: X.509 certificate based
- Algorithm: RSA 2048-bit encryption
- Certificate Validity: Typically 1-2 years
- Legal Standing: Same as handwritten signature (Section 5, IT Act)
Use Cases
Personal
- Property Documents: Register property online
- Legal Agreements: Contracts, affidavits
- Government Services: Submit forms digitally
Business
- MCA filings: Company incorporation, annual returns
- GST Returns: Signed tax submissions
- Bank Documents: Loan applications, agreements
- Employment Contracts: Remote hiring
Government
- Digital Locker: Sign stored documents
- Aadhaar Services: Update requests
- Income Tax: ITR verification
eSign Service Providers
###MCA-Authorized
- eMudhra: Largest provider
- NCode Solutions: Government empanelled
- Sify: Enterprise focus
- Capricorn: Trust service provider
Banks Offering eSign
- SBI: Integration with Yono
- ICICI: Corporate banking
- HDFC: Trade finance
Security Features
Authentication
- Aadhaar OTP: Mobile-linked number verification
- Biometric: Fingerprint for high-value docs
- Consent: Explicit permission each time
Document Integrity
- Tamper Evidence: Any change invalidates signature
- Audit Trail: Timestamp, IP address logged
- Certificate Chain: Root CA verification
Benefits
Over Physical Signatures
- Instant: No waiting for courier/token
- Paperless: No printing/scanning
- Cost-Effective: ₹15-50 per signature vs ₹500+ physical
- Accessible: Sign from anywhere in India
- Legally Valid: Court-admissible evidence
Limitations
What eSign Cannot Do
- Class II/III Digital Signature: For certain legal docs requiring higher assurance
- Some Property Registrations: State-specific rules apply
- Foreign Documents: Jurisdiction limitations
Challenges
- Aadhaar Dependency: Must have Aadhaar-linked mobile
- Internet Required: Connectivity needed
- Document Size Limits: Typically under 10MB
How to eSign a Document
Step-by-Step
- Choose Platform: eMudhra, MCA, or bank portal
- Upload Document: PDF format preferred
- Enter Aadhaar: Linked mobile required
- Authenticate: Receive and enter OTP
- Download Signed Doc: Complete, legally valid
Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Physical DSC | ₹500-2000 | 3-7 days |
| eSign | ₹15-100 | Minutes |
| Physical Courier | ₹100-500 | 2-5 days |
Prime References
This 101 guide is part of DPIWatch’s citizen education initiative. Last updated: March 2026.