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Difference between Articles of Association (AOA) and Memorandum of Association (MOA)

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The formation of a company is a complex activity including many formalities and procedures. It has different stages and in every stage of the formation of the company there lies a set of documents and pre-defined procedures, it has to fulfil for starting a business. Article of Association and Memorandum of Association are the two most important documents, an organization has to fill out for the formation of a company. 

What is Memorandum of Association (MoA)?

It is said to be the principal document of the company. In this document, the character of the company is mentioned. MoA describes the power, objective, and operations of the company. The company can undertake those activities written under MOA. It describes the boundaries beyond which the actions of the company cannot exceed. MOA helps the shareholders and creditors interact and deal with the company. So, before moving ahead as a private limited company registration it is important to know the exact business of the company and its limits. The boundary beyond which the company cannot take action and give an overview of the company’s powers and objectives. In the case of a private limited company, an MoA is signed by at least two subscribers. However, in the case of a public limited company, an MoA is signed by seven members. 

As per Section 2(56) of Companies Act of 2013, Memorandum means an original memorandum of association that a company has registered or it can be an altered one as per the rules laid down under provisions of Companies Act of 2013. 

Form of Memorandum of Association (MoA):

As per section 4 of the companies act, 2013 company shall form the MoA as specified in Tables A to E in schedule I of the Act. Here is the list of forms with their details:

  • Table A: Form for a company having limited shares.
  • Table B: Form for a company limited by guarantee that does not have a share capital.
  • Table C: Form for a company limited by guarantee having a share capital.
  • Table D: Form for an unlimited company.
  • Table E: Form for an unlimited company having a share capital.

What is Article of Association (AoA)?

Article of Association specifies the rules and regulations of a company’s internal affairs dealing with its management. It also defines the purpose of a company and outlines the ways in which the company should accomplish its tasks. The tasks include preparation of financial records, and management of financial records. In simple terms, an AoA is a user’s manual of an organization stating its purpose and strategies for the fulfillment of its long and short-term objectives. The main focus of an AoA is to give its readers, information regarding the methods used by the organization to accomplish its daily, quarterly, monthly, and yearly objectives. The document generally consists of the legal name of the company, address of the company, financial provisions of the company, purpose of the formation of the company, provisions related to the shareholders’ meetings, and equity capital of the company, 

As per Section 2(5) of Companies Act of 2013, Articles refer to an original article of association of the company or an altered version that complies with the provision of 2013 Act, r/w Section 5 which defines AoA as any such document that contains rules and regulations for managing the company. 

Forms of Articles of Association (AoA):

The forms of AOA in tables F to J have been mentioned under schedule I for companies ACT 2013. Here is the list of forms with their details:

  • Table F: Form for a company limited by shares
  • Table G: Form for a company limited by guarantee having a share capital
  • Table H: Form for a company limited by guarantee that does not have a share capital
  • Table I: Form for an unlimited company having a share capital
  • Table J: Form for an unlimited company that does not have a share capital

Difference between Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

Basis of Comparison

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Articles of Association (AoA)

Meaning A document including every fundamental 
information essential for the incorporation 
of an organization.
A document including every
rules and regulations governing
an organization.
Purpose The purpose of MoA is defining objectives
and conditions of an organization and its 
incorporation.
The purpose of AoA is defining 
rules and regulations governing 
the internal management of the 
organization for the accomplishment
of its goals. 
Status MoA is subordinate to the Companies Act. AoA is subordinate to MoA.
Defines An MoA defines the objectives, powers, and
limits of an organization.
An AoA defines the powers, rights,
duties, and liabilities that comes 
with the members of the company.
Relationship An MoA connects the outsiders with the
organizations. 
An AoA connects the members of an
organization with the company itself.
Retrospective Effect An organization cannot amend its MoA. An organization can amend its AoA.
Registration MoA is a document compulsory for every 
organization irrespective of its nature and 
type.
It is mandatory for a private company.
However, a public company limited by
shares can adopt Table F of the Companies
Act, 2013. 
Compulsion It is mandatory to fill MoA. It is not mandatory to fill AoA.
Alteration An organization can alter MoA after passing 
a SR (Special Resolution) in the Annual General 
Meeting. Besides, it also require a previous approval
of Company Law Board and Central Government.
An organization can alter the Articles after 
passing SR (Special Resolution) at the Annual
General Meeting (AGM) of the company. 
Contents An MoA consists of six clauses. An AoA is drafted by an organization as per
its choice. 


Last Updated : 23 Jan, 2024
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