Company or LLP Name Approval Guidelines by MCA

Company name approval in India is a mandatory process that involves obtaining approval for a proposed name for a new company (or a new name for an existing company) from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It ensures the name is unique, not undesirable, and complies with the MCA name approval rules outlined in the Companies Act, 2013. The Central Registration Centre (CRC) handles all name reservation MCA applications.

It's a statutory requirement under the Companies Act, 2013, to prevent public confusion and protect intellectual property rights. A unique name establishes a distinct business identity, avoids legal conflicts with existing companies/trademarks, and forms the foundation for company incorporation.

RUN is MCA's web service used for changing the name of an existing company. For new incorporations, name reservation is done via Part A of the integrated web form SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus). Both are simple online forms that enable quick reservations without a DSC.

The Central Registration Centre (CRC), established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), is the exclusive authority responsible for processing all company name applications across India. This centralised system ensures uniform standards and expedited processing timelines.

To perform a company name availability check, use the MCA portal's free search facility. Enter your proposed name to identify identical/similar existing companies or LLPs. This is the first step in the process of registering a company name. Additionally, search the trademark registry for comprehensive conflict checks before submitting your RUN application, MCA or SPICe+ Part A.

Names must be unique (not identical/similar to existing entities), not offensive/undesirable per government opinion, aligned with business objectives, and include mandatory suffixes like "Private Limited" or "Limited" based on company type.

Company name = Legal identifier under the Companies Act, 2013, for official operations. Trademark = Brand identifier under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, protecting commercial identity and market goodwill. Consider registering your trademark for comprehensive brand protection.

This is not optional. For new company incorporation, you must use SPICe+ Part A. The standalone RUN service is exclusively for existing companies seeking to change their name. The MCA V3 portal automatically directs you to the correct form based on your purpose.

SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the integrated incorporation form. Part A handles name reservation for new companies exclusively. Existing companies use the standalone RUN service for name changes.

To reserve a company name in India through MCA, follow these seven steps to get a company name approved under the Companies Act 2013:

Government fee for name reservation is Rs. 1,000 (Rupees One Thousand Only). For new companies, this is paid with SPICe+ Part A. For existing company name changes, the fee is spent through the RUN application. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or rejected. View our MCA RUN form fees and pricing for a complete cost breakdown.

For a new company, the SPICe+ Part A form allows for two proposed names, listed in order of preference. The RUN service, for name changes of existing companies, provides for the submission of only one name choice per application.

Standard applications require no documents. For new companies using SPICe+ Part A or existing companies using RUN, names with restricted words or trademark similarities need NOC from trademark owners or sectoral regulators attached.

For new companies, name reservation via SPICe+ Part A is integrated with the incorporation process. However, you can file Part A first and then complete Part B within 20 days. Existing companies use RUN for name changes.

Use the Service Request Number (SRN) on the MCA portal to track real-time status. For new companies (SPICe+ Part A) or existing companies (RUN), the status shows as pending, approved, rejected, or resubmission required. Regular monitoring is recommended.

No withdrawal mechanism exists after submission for either SPICe+ Part A (for new companies) or RUN (for existing companies). Fee is non-refundable. Wait for the Registrar's decision before taking further action.

No. Section 4(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Rule 8 of the Incorporation Rules strictly prohibit identical or closely resembling names. MCA's automated system flags such applications for automatic rejection to maintain uniqueness.

This subjective test, administered by the Registrar, covers phonetic similarities, plural/singular variations, tense differences, and minor spelling changes. Example: "ABC Solutions Pvt Ltd" and "AYBC Solution Private Limited" may be deemed too similar.

Yes. Words implying government connection ('National', 'Union', 'President') or specific business structures ('Bank', 'Insurance', 'Stock Exchange') are restricted. Using them requires prior approval from relevant regulatory authorities.

Absolutely. Such regulated terms require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or in-principle approval from the respective sectoral regulators (RBI for 'Bank', IRDAI for 'Insurance', and SEBI for 'Venture Capital') before submitting the name application.

Only with a written No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the trademark owner. Without an NOC, the application will be rejected under Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

Yes, mandatory requirement. Names must align with the principal objects in the Memorandum of Association. A clear business indication helps stakeholders understand the company's nature.

Mandatory suffix: "Private Limited" (e.g., "ABC Services Private Limited"). This is non-negotiable under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

The name ends with "Private Limited" followed by "(OPC)" designation in brackets, where printed/displayed. Example: "XYZ Innovations Private Limited (OPC)".

Yes. For incorporating a new LLP, name reservation is part of the integrated Form FiLLiP. For changing an existing LLP's name, the RUN-LLP form is used. The LLP Act, 2008, governs the process, and the suffix must be "LLP" or "Limited Liability Partnership". Learn more about the LLP name approval process.

Foreign companies establishing operations in India may need to incorporate distinguishing elements if their names conflict with existing Indian entities/trademarks—compliance with Indian regulations is mandatory.

CRC is MCA's specialised office handling end-to-end name reservation and incorporation processes. Ensures speedy, consistent, centralised processing for pan-India applications.

According to Section 4(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, approved names for new companies remain valid for 20 days from the date of approval. Incorporation must be completed within this period.

New company names: 20-day validity. Existing company name changes: 60-day validity. Incorporation/name change procedures must be completed within the respective periods.

Yes, the 20-day validity period can be extended. By paying additional fees through the prescribed form, the reservation can be extended for up to a total of 60 days from the date of initial approval, as per the rules.

If the 20 days lapse without filing for incorporation or an extension, the name becomes available to others. To avoid this, an extension must be filed before the expiry. If it lapses, you must restart the process with a new application and pay the applicable fees.

Immediately proceed with filing SPICe+ Part B on the MCA portal for incorporation. Complete all documentation within 20 days of validity to permanently secure your approved name.

The registrar automatically evaluates your second name choice if the first is rejected. If both names are denied, you must file a new application (SPICe+ Part A for new companies or RUN for existing companies) with the new names and fees.

Identical/similar names per Rule 8, generic names lacking distinctiveness per Rule 8A, prohibited words without approval, offensive content violating Rule 8A, trademark conflicts, misalignment with business objects, or falling under any of the six categories of undesirable names specified in Rule 8A of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

For either a SPICe+ Part A or RUN application, the Registrar may request resubmission for minor defects (e.g., inadequate justification). You can correct and resubmit once without additional fees.

Generally, there is one resubmission opportunity per application. If rejected after resubmission, a fresh application with new fees is required. Plan carefully to avoid multiple attempts.

An existing company must first pass a special resolution and obtain board approval. Then, it must apply for name reservation via the RUN service (not SPICe+ Part A). Once approved, the company must file Form MGT-14 and Form INC-24 with the Registrar to effect the name change.

NOC required for: registered trademark usage, regulated business terms (Bank, Insurance), government association implications, or any restricted words under Rule 8A.

No. Neither SPICe+ Part A (for new companies) nor the RUN service (for name changes) requires a DSC for submission. They are filed using the applicant's MCA portal login credentials, simplifying the initial step.

No. The MCA system prevents registration of names that are identical or "too nearly resemble" existing companies as per Rule 8. This includes phonetic similarities, minor variations in spelling, spacing, punctuation, or use of plural/singular forms. Each company must have a unique, distinguishable name.

Rule 8A of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 lists categories of "undesirable names" that are prohibited. It covers six main categories: (1) Offensive/objectionable names, (2) Names implying government association, (3) Regulated sector terms requiring prior approval, (4) Generic/vague names, (5) Names of recently struck-off companies, and (6) Misleading names. Compliance with Rule 8A is mandatory and checked during Step 1.4 of our verification process to prevent automatic rejection.