BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
NSDL IPO is Open!
Apply for the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) IPO through UPI in just minutes.
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

Types of Share Capital: An Overview

When you begin studying a company's financial structure, you will frequently come across the term “share capital.” It refers to the funds raised by issuing shares, but the concept stretches far beyond a single definition. Companies classify capital under different heads to reflect various stages of share issuance and ownership. You will find that this classification helps both management and investors like you understand how much capital is authorised, issued, paid, or held in reserve. Each classification serves a unique function and has regulatory and financial implications in company records.

Share Capital Meaning

Share capital refers to the amount of money a company raises by issuing shares to investors like you. It forms the core of the company’s equity base and provides long-term funds for operations, growth, and capital expenditure. When you invest in a company by purchasing shares, your payment becomes part of its share capital. This contribution gives you a stake in the business and a share in its profits, subject to performance. Share capital is typically listed under the equity section in the balance sheet and is regulated under the Companies Act, 2013. It is subdivided into various types, based on how much has been authorised, issued, received, or held back for future use. These categories help clarify the company's legal limits and its actual fundraising achievements.

Classes of Share Capital

To understand a company’s capital structure in greater detail, you should examine the different classes of share capital, which reflect shareholder rights and capital characteristics. The table below summarises the major classes.

Class of Share Capital

Description

Equity Share Capital

Equity shares represent basic ownership in a company. They carry voting rights and entitlement to residual profits. You will find equity shares commonly listed on stock exchanges.

Preference Share Capital

Preference shares offer fixed dividends and have priority over equity shares during profit distribution and liquidation. However, they usually do not carry voting rights.

Redeemable Share Capital

This refers to shares that the company agrees to buy back after a fixed period or upon fulfilment of specific conditions, often used for financial structuring.

Irredeemable Share Capital

These shares cannot be redeemed during the lifetime of the company. However, under current Indian company law, issuing irredeemable preference shares is not permitted.

10 Different Types of Share Capital

Understanding the different types of share capital gives you clearer insight into how a company structures its funding. Each type refers to a different phase of authorisation, issue, subscription, or usage. These classifications are commonly used in Indian company filings and financial statements. By understanding them, you can better interpret how companies operate and manage ownership.

Authorised, Nominal or Registered Capital

Authorised capital is the maximum amount of share capital a company is legally allowed to issue, as stated in its incorporation documents. You will find this figure in the company’s Memorandum of Association. It sets a limit beyond which the company cannot issue shares unless it is officially increased. Although it does not represent actual funds raised, it serves as the foundation for all share issuance.

Issued capital

Issued capital is the portion of authorised capital that the company has offered to investors. These are shares formally allotted to shareholders like you, whether through IPOs, rights issues, or private placements. Issued capital reflects how actively a company is seeking to raise funds within its authorised limit and is recorded at the nominal value of shares offered.

Unissued capital

Unissued capital refers to the portion of authorised capital that has not yet been offered to investors. If a company’s authorised capital is ₹10 crore and it has issued shares worth ₹6 crore, then ₹4 crore remains unissued. You may see this balance used in the future if the company plans to raise more capital through additional share offerings.

Subscribed capital

Subscribed capital is the portion of issued capital that investors have agreed to take up. If you apply for shares during an IPO or allotment, your commitment forms part of the subscribed capital. It is possible that not all issued shares are subscribed to, especially if investor interest is lower than expected.

Called-up capital

Called-up capital refers to the part of subscribed capital that the company has requested shareholders to pay. If you subscribe to shares but are not required to pay the full amount upfront, the company may call up amounts in stages. This approach helps in managing cash flow for both the company and the shareholders.

Uncalled-up capital

Uncalled-up capital is the part of subscribed capital that the company has not yet asked you to pay. This reserved portion remains with shareholders until the company needs the funds and decides to issue a call notice. It allows companies to raise capital in stages without re-issuing shares.

Paid-up capital

Paid-up capital is the portion of called-up capital that shareholders like you have actually paid. It is the real cash that the company receives and uses for business operations. Once the company collects the full payment from shareholders, paid-up capital becomes equal to the called-up capital.

Fixed capital

Fixed capital refers to the portion of share capital that is used to purchase long-term assets like land, buildings, machinery, or infrastructure. This capital is not intended for day-to-day operations but for long-term growth and business stability. It forms the base of the company’s fixed asset investments.

Reserve capital

Reserve capital is a part of uncalled capital that the company decides will only be called up in case of liquidation. You will not be asked to pay this during normal business operations. It serves as a safety buffer, offering financial security during bankruptcy or closure proceedings.

Circulating capital

Circulating capital refers to funds that are used in the daily running of the company, including salaries, inventory, and utilities. This portion of share capital is dynamic and regularly flows in and out of the business. It supports short-term needs and ensures operational continuity.

Disclosure of Share Capital in the Balance Sheet

Companies are required to provide a detailed breakdown of their share capital in the financial statements. The balance sheet shows this under the ‘Equity and Liabilities’ section. Indian companies follow the format prescribed by Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013. The table below explains the disclosure structure.

Component

Details Disclosed in Balance Sheet

Authorised Share Capital

Stated with total value and number of shares authorised. This provides the legal limit for share issuance.

Issued Share Capital

Reflects the number of shares actually offered to the public or private investors. It shows capital mobilisation efforts.

Subscribed Share Capital

Indicates the shares that have been taken up by investors. This represents potential future inflows.

Called-up Share Capital

Shows the part of subscribed capital that the company has requested for payment. It supports working capital planning.

Paid-up Share Capital

Represents the actual funds received from shareholders. It forms a part of the company’s equity and is used for operations.

Share Premium (if applicable)

If shares are issued at a price above nominal value, the excess is listed as a separate line item called the share premium.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of share capital helps you see how companies manage equity financing, distribute ownership, and build financial stability. Each category—from authorised to paid-up—offers insight into how much funding a company has raised or can still raise. As a shareholder, knowing how these types function allows you to evaluate a company’s capital structure more thoroughly. You will also be able to interpret balance sheets, shareholder reports, and financial disclosures with greater clarity. Whether you are reviewing IPO documents or quarterly results, being familiar with share capital classifications enhances your understanding of corporate operations and investor obligations.

Share this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon
investment-card-icon

What is Share Capital- Types, Working & Examples

Share capital is the amount raised by a company through issuing shares to investors. Know its types, importance, and how it impacts business growth and funding.

investment-card-icon

Types of Share Capital with Key Facts Investors Must Know

Confused about share capital types? Know the key differences between equity, preference, authorised, and issued share capital with practical, real-world examples.

investment-card-icon

What are The Oldest Mutual Funds: Advantages & Performance

Oldest mutual funds in India are those by companies that have operated for decades and were pioneers in the country’s mutual fund industry.

investment-card-icon

How to Change Name in EPF Account: Step By Step Guide

Learn how to change your name in EPF account online or offline to avoid claim delays and ensure smooth e-KYC processing with updated Aadhaar records.

investment-card-icon

Foreign Exchange Control Meaning, Rules & Country Examples

Foreign exchange controls impact trade, currency flow, and policy. Get detailed insights into their goals, effects, practices, and global enforcement patterns.

investment-card-icon

Advantages of SIPs in ETFs: Start Small, Grow Your Wealth

SIPs in ETFs let you invest small amounts easily while benefiting from cost-effective diversification, liquidity, and compounding returns over time.

investment-card-icon

Difference Between Growth vs IDCW

Confused between Growth and IDCW options in mutual funds? Learn the key differences, tax implications, and which suits your investment goals.

investment-card-icon

What is Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

Discover what a Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is in mutual funds. Learn its importance, contents, and how it aids in informed investment decisions.

investment-card-icon

How Brokerage Calculators Work

Brokerage calculators estimate your total trading costs, including fees and taxes. Use them to make smarter, cost-efficient decisions on every trade.

investment-card-icon

Margin Calculator for Futures Trading

Calculate your futures trading margin instantly with Bajaj Broking's advanced margin calculator. Ensure precise risk management and informed trading decisions.

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.2 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|