Companies Act · ESOP

ESOP Scheme Under Companies Act: Section 62(1)(b) Control Checklist

Finin2min Compliance Desk·June 2026·7 min readESOP

An ESOP pool is not legally effective just because a founder says “10% pool”. Employee stock options need scheme approval, grant records, vesting/exercise controls and eventual allotment filings.

Legal anchor

Section 62 includes issue of further shares to employees under a scheme of employees' stock option, subject to special resolution passed by the company and prescribed conditions.

ESOP lifecycle

StageControl
Scheme creationBoard and shareholder approval with scheme terms.
GrantGrant letter, vesting schedule and employee eligibility.
VestingTrack time/performance conditions and lapse.
ExerciseCollect exercise application and money/tax support.
AllotmentPAS-3, share certificate/register and cap table update.

Startup diligence checklist

Finin2min warning

ESOP promise is not ESOP compliance. Put scheme approval and grant documentation before offer letters and investor diligence.
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Official sources used

This article is intentionally source-limited to official India Code / MCA material. Verify final filing positions with the latest Act, Rules, MCA forms and portal advisories before publishing.

FAQs

Which section mentions ESOP route?

Section 62 includes issue of shares to employees under employees' stock option scheme.

Is shareholder approval important?

Yes. Section 62 route refers to special resolution and prescribed conditions.

When are shares issued?

Options convert into shares only when exercise/allotment process is completed under scheme terms.