# Articles of Association (AOA)
## What is AOA? (Section 5)
The Articles of Association are the bye-laws of the company that lay down the rules and regulations for internal management.
Think of AOA as the company's internal rulebook — it tells how the company runs day to day, while the MOA tells what the company can do.
## General Contents of AOA
AOA typically covers:
1. Regulations for management of the company
2. Such matters as may be prescribed by the Act/Rules
3. Additional matters that the company considers necessary for its management
## Entrenchment Provision in AOA
Entrenchment means making certain provisions of the AOA harder to alter than what the Act ordinarily requires (e.g., requiring unanimous consent rather than a special resolution).
### When can entrenchment be introduced?
- At the time of formation of the company, OR
- By amendment in AOA
### Approval requirement
| Company Type | Approval Needed |
|---|---|
| Private Company | Agreement of ALL members |
| Public Company | Special Resolution |
### Intimation to ROC
For an existing company introducing entrenchment by amendment, the company must intimate ROC within 30 days.
## Overriding Effect (Section 6)
The provisions of the Companies Act override both MOA and AOA. Any clause in MOA/AOA that conflicts with the Act is invalid to the extent of conflict.
## Effect of MOA & AOA (Section 10)
MOA and AOA, when registered, bind the company and its members as if they had been signed by the company and each member, and contain covenants on their part to observe all provisions of these documents.