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What is the difference between Electronic Signature and DSC?

Author : DSC Registration | Published On : 18 Jun 2026

In today's digital era, most of the work is done online. Many documents are sent online to other states, which is not possible without a signature. Therefore, the importance of Electronic Signature and Digital Signature certificate has increased a lot. If a document does not have a signature, it is considered invalid. Both Electronic Signature and Digital Signature certificates are used to prove the originality or verification of online documents.

Electronic signature

This can include typing a name, e-signing, or signing on a digital platform. An Electronic Signature is a means by which a person affixes their signature or approval to a document.

An Electronic Signature is also known as a Digital Signature. It is used to certify the genuineness and authenticity of a digital document or message. This is very important in today's digital age, many works are done online, even for the biggest deals, signed documents have to be sent online.

DSC (Digital Signature)

Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital certificate, which is issued by the authorized certifying authority. It verifies the identity of the person who signs it, that the signature on the original is of the person who signed it. DSC also ensures that no changes have been made in the document after the signature. To prove any document as authentic, it is necessary to get DSC registration done so that the document is as authentic as the original or the paper document.

Difference between Electronic Signature & DSC?

  • Electronic signature:

  1. Electronic signature is a way to provide digital signatures on a document, such as an image, a typed name, or a signature.

  2. An Electronic Signature does not need to be verified by a recognized authority.

  3. It is slightly less secure and can be easily altered.

      4. It can be a scanned image of a name or signature typed on a computer.

      5. It is most often used for contracts and agreements.

  • DSC:

  1. It is a secure electronic identification that uses public infrastructure technology.

  2. DSC can only be issued by a certification authority licensed by the Government of India.

  3. It acts as a secret code and cannot be altered.

  4. It comes in the form of a USB e-token or an Aadhaar-based e-signature.

  5. DSC is becoming increasingly popular for tender filing, income tax returns, MCA registration, and other highly sensitive government functions.

Security comparison between electronic signature and DSC?

Electronic signature is a way to provide digital signatures on a document, such as an image, a typed name, or a signature. An electronic signature does not need to be verified by a recognized authority. Electronic signature cannot be said to be very secure because in this the signature or name is written on the document by scanning it. Any changes can be made to it at any time. There is a little more security risk in this, as in big deals if anything written is changed then it can cause huge loss to the business.

DSC is much better than electronic signature in terms of security. DSC is a secure electronic identification that uses public infrastructure technology. DSC can only be issued by a certification authority licensed by the Government of India. In today's digital age, where fraud is rampant, people say that even when conducting transactions online, they prefer to do so with DSC-certified documents because once certified, they cannot be altered. DSC is also much more secure in terms of security.

Note: If you want to know about the types, uses and benefits of DSC then read this blog.

legal recognition:

Electronic signatures or DSC are both recognized under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Both electronic signature and DSC are considered valid documents by law. However, DSC is considered mandatory in tender filing, income tax returns, MCA registration, and other highly sensitive government functions. 

Main areas of use:

Electronic Signature-

Electronic signature is a very simple and broad term. Electronic signatures are mostly used for Aadhaar-based OTPs.

  • Banking: For opening a new bank account, applying for a loan, and signing important investment-related documents.

  • Agreement: Property rental agreements, vendor contracts, and offer letters require an instant signature.

  • Online Forms: Electronic signatures are required when filling online forms for government exams.

DSC-

DSC is a secure electronic identification that uses public infrastructure technology. DSC is required for various purposes.

  • MCA: DSC is required for company or firm registration, annual returns, or submitting forms on the MCA portal.

  • Government Tenders: DSC is required for bidding on government projects, taking out tenders, and registering on the GeM portal.

  • Income Tax or GST Return: Businessmen and professionals use DSC to certify their ITR or GST Return.

  • DGFT: DSC is required for obtaining import/export licenses and for DGFT-related work.

Conclusion:

Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital certificate, which is issued by the authorized certifying authority. Electronic signature is a way to provide digital signatures on a document, such as an image, a typed name, or a signature. An Electronic Signature does not need to be verified by a recognized authority.  In today's digital age, where fraud is rampant, people say that even when conducting transactions online, they prefer to do so with DSC-certified documents because once certified, they cannot be altered.