Company Name Reservation in India: MCA Rules, Process, Fees and Approval 2026

Company name reservation in India is an important first step in registering a new company. Before a Private Limited Company, One Person Company (OPC), Public Limited Company or Section 8 Company can be incorporated, its proposed name must satisfy the naming requirements prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) examines proposed names for similarity with existing companies, LLPs and trademarks, as well as compliance with restricted-word and business-activity requirements.

In this guide, EzyBiz India Consulting LLP explains how to check company name availability, apply through SPICe+ Part A, understand the government fees, prevent rejection and complete the incorporation process.

For assistance, explore our Company Registration Services in India or contact our team at +91 98992 17778 or anil@ezybizindia.in.

Company Name Reservation in India – Quick Answer

For incorporation of a new company, the proposed name is approved through the MCA SPICe+ Part A facility. Applicants may file Part A separately before preparing the complete incorporation application or submit Part A and Part B together.

Particulars	Applicable Position
Regulatory authority	Ministry of Corporate Affairs / Central Registration Centre
Applicable law	Companies Act, 2013 and Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014
Form for a new company	SPICe+ Part A
Names allowed in separate Part A filing	Up to two proposed names
Names allowed when Part A and B are filed together	One proposed name
Separate Part A government fee	Rs. 1,000
Initial reservation validity	20 days from approval
Maximum ordinary validity with extension	60 days from approval
Trademark registration included?	No

Is Company Name Reservation Mandatory?

Every company must obtain approval for its proposed name as part of incorporation. However, filing SPICe+ Part A separately is optional. Promoters may apply for name approval and incorporation together where appropriate.

Can a Company Name Be Reserved Before Incorporation?

Yes. The promoters can submit SPICe+ Part A independently, obtain approval and complete the remaining incorporation documents within the prescribed reservation period.

Who Can Apply for Company Name Approval?

The proposed company’s promoters or an authorised professional can prepare and submit the name application through the MCA portal, subject to the portal’s applicable user and filing requirements.

What Is Company Name Reservation?

Company name reservation is the statutory process through which the MCA approves and reserves an eligible company name for a specified period before incorporation.

Difference Between Name Reservation and Company Incorporation

Name reservation secures approval for a proposed name. Company incorporation is the separate legal process through which the Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation and the company comes into existence.

Difference Between Company Name and Brand Name

A company name identifies the registered legal entity. A brand name identifies the products or services offered by the business. The two may be identical or different, depending on business and trademark considerations.

Does MCA Approval Provide Trademark Protection?

No. Approval of a company name does not automatically confer registered trademark rights. Businesses should separately examine trademark availability and consider registration under applicable intellectual property laws.

Businesses planning a complete incorporation may also review our Private Limited Company Registration Services.

Legal Rules for Company Name Approval in India

The primary statutory provisions are Section 4 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules 8, 8A, 8B, 9 and 9A of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

Section 4 of the Companies Act, 2013

Section 4 sets out the legal framework for naming a company, including restrictions on names that are identical to or too nearly resemble existing company names or are otherwise prohibited or undesirable.

Rule 8 – Resemblance with Existing Names

Rule 8 specifies how proposed names are compared with existing company names. Minor spelling variations, plural forms, punctuation, spacing and other cosmetic differences may not make a proposed name sufficiently distinctive.

Rules 8A and 8B – Undesirable and Restricted Names

Rule 8A identifies circumstances in which a name may be considered undesirable. Rule 8B prescribes words and expressions requiring previous approval of the Central Government.

Applicants should refer to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the India Code legislative database for official statutory material.

How to Check Company Name Availability in India

Checking name availability before filing reduces the risk of unnecessary resubmission, rejection and loss of government fees.

Check Existing Company Names on MCA

Visit the official MCA portal and use its company or LLP name-search facilities. Search both the complete proposed name and important distinctive words appearing within it.

Check Similar LLP and Existing Business Names

A proposed company name should also be evaluated against existing LLP names and names that are already reserved. A different legal entity suffix does not necessarily eliminate the risk of resemblance.

Check Registered and Pending Trademarks

Search the relevant trademark classes using the official Trade Marks Registry Public Search.

For example, if the proposed name is “Asterion Technologies Private Limited”, applicants should search not only the complete expression but also “Asterion”, similar-sounding variants and relevant technology-related trademarks.

How to Choose a Company Name That MCA May Approve

A suitable company name should be distinctive, legally permissible and aligned with the proposed business activities.

Choose a Distinctive Name

Combine a unique or coined expression with a meaningful business-related description. Names consisting only of common business terms may face objections because they do not sufficiently distinguish the proposed company.

Use the Appropriate Legal Suffix

The proposed name should carry the appropriate ending, such as “Private Limited” or “Limited”, depending on the type of company. Special naming provisions apply to OPCs and companies licensed under Section 8.

Match the Name with the Business Objects

The proposed name should be consistent with the intended activities described in the incorporation application and Memorandum of Association.

For example, a company using a name indicating investment or financing activities should have corresponding proposed objects and comply with any applicable regulatory requirements.

To understand different legal entity choices, read our guide to different types of company registration in India.

SPICe+ Part A for Company Name Reservation

SPICe+ is the MCA’s integrated incorporation facility. Part A deals with reservation of the proposed company name, whereas Part B covers the remaining incorporation particulars.

Filing SPICe+ Part A Separately

Where promoters want the name approved first, they can file Part A independently with up to two proposed names in order of preference. The MCA may approve one name based on availability and compliance with the applicable rules.

Filing SPICe+ Part A and Part B Together

Where promoters are ready with the incorporation information and documents, Part A and Part B may be filed together. Under the existing SPICe+ framework, only one name may be proposed in this combined route.

Difference Between RUN and SPICe+ Part A

RUN (Reserve Unique Name) generally applies to the change of name of an existing company. For incorporation of a new company, SPICe+ Part A is the appropriate name-reservation route.

Particulars	SPICe+ Part A	RUN
Purpose	New company name reservation	Change of name of existing company
Applicant	Promoters of proposed company	Existing registered company
Related filing	SPICe+ Part B	Applicable name-change forms
Ordinary approved-name validity	20 days initially	60 days for change of name

Step-by-Step Process to Reserve a Company Name Online

Company name reservation can be completed electronically through the MCA portal.

Prepare Two Suitable Names and Search Availability

Prepare a shortlist of distinctive names and check them against existing companies, LLPs and trademarks. Select names that accurately describe or complement the proposed business.

Log In to MCA and Complete SPICe+ Part A

Access the official MCA portal, select the appropriate incorporation facility, enter the proposed name or names, select the relevant industrial activity classification and explain the significance of the name where required.

Upload supporting documents when applicable and complete the prescribed validations and payment process.

Review MCA Remarks and Obtain Name Approval

The Central Registration Centre examines the application. The applicant may receive approval, resubmission remarks seeking clarification or correction, or rejection.

Once the name is approved, record the Service Request Number and expiry date, then proceed with incorporation before the reservation expires.

For the subsequent steps, refer to our complete company registration procedure in India.

Documents Required for Company Name Reservation

The supporting documents depend on the proposed name, business activity, applicant and whether any third-party name or protected expression is being used.

Basic Information Required from Promoters

• Proposed company names in order of preference.
• Type of company proposed to be incorporated.
• Nature and main objects of the proposed business.
• Applicable industrial activity details.
• Applicant and promoter details required by the MCA portal.
• Explanation of the significance of the proposed name, where necessary.

Trademark Owner’s Consent or NOC

Where the proposed name contains or resembles a relevant registered trademark owned by another person or entity, documentary consent or authorisation may be necessary. The requirement should be evaluated against the actual name and applicable trademark rules.

Foreign Parent Company and Special Approvals

Where the proposed Indian company intends to use the name of a foreign parent or group company, supporting documents may include a board resolution, authorisation, no-objection certificate and evidence of the overseas entity’s incorporation, as applicable.

See our separate guide on company registration with foreign shareholders and directors.

Government Fees for Company Name Reservation in India

The statutory fees for name reservation are different from the total cost of incorporating a company.

Fee for Separate SPICe+ Part A Filing

The government fee for a standalone SPICe+ Part A name-reservation application is Rs. 1,000 under the MCA’s published incorporation framework.

Fees When Name Approval and Incorporation Are Filed Together

Where SPICe+ Part A and Part B are submitted together, the applicable incorporation filing fees, concessions and other statutory charges must be considered. The separate standalone Part A reservation fee should not automatically be added to every combined incorporation quotation.

Additional Costs to Consider

Other expenses may include professional fees, Digital Signature Certificates, stamp duty, incorporation documentation and applicable government charges.

For detailed comparisons, visit our Company Registration Cost in India guide.

Company Name Reservation Validity and Extension

After MCA approves a name for a new company, the initial reservation ordinarily remains valid for 20 days from approval. The reservation may be extended on payment of the prescribed fee within the applicable deadlines.

Initial Name Reservation Validity – 20 Days

Promoters should prepare and file the remaining incorporation forms before expiry of the initial reservation period to avoid unnecessary extension expenses or fresh applications.

Extension of Reservation to 40 Days

Under Rule 9A, the reservation may be extended from 20 days to 40 days from the original approval date on payment of Rs. 1,000 before expiry of the initial 20 days.

Extension up to 60 Days

The name may be extended further to 60 days from the original approval date by paying Rs. 2,000 before expiry of the 40-day period. Alternatively, direct extension from 20 to 60 days is available for Rs. 3,000 when requested within the original 20-day period.

Reservation Period	Extension Fee	Application Deadline
Initial 20 days	Included in applicable approval	From date of approval
20 to 40 days	Rs. 1,000	Before initial expiry
40 to 60 days	Rs. 2,000	Before expiry of 40 days
Directly from 20 to 60 days	Rs. 3,000	Before initial expiry

Important: These periods are counted from the original name-approval date and are not additional periods starting from each extension request. Any special MCA relaxation notified for a particular period should be checked separately.

For official procedural clarification, see the MCA FAQs on SPICe+ and Linked Filings.

Common Reasons for Company Name Rejection by MCA

A name may be rejected even where promoters believe it is unique. MCA examines legal resemblance, business relevance and restrictions rather than considering exact spelling alone.

Name Identical or Too Similar to Another Company

Adding punctuation, changing singular words to plural, inserting common geographical expressions or making minor spelling changes may not sufficiently distinguish a proposed name from an existing registered entity.

Name Conflicting with a Registered Trademark

A proposed name may face an objection if it conflicts with a relevant registered trademark and the applicant does not have the necessary consent or legal basis to use it.

Generic Name, Restricted Word or Incorrect Business Objects

Other common problems include names containing only descriptive expressions, use of sensitive words without approval and a mismatch between the proposed name and the stated business activities.

Issue	Illustrative Situation	Recommended Action
Resemblance	Proposed name differs only by pluralisation	Introduce a genuinely distinctive expression
Trademark conflict	Relevant registered brand already exists	Choose another name or examine consent requirements
Generic wording	Name contains only common industry words	Add a distinctive identifying element
Activity mismatch	Finance-related name with unrelated objects	Correct the name and objects consistently
Restricted expression	Name implies official Government association	Obtain necessary approval or revise the name

Restricted Words and Special Naming Requirements

Certain expressions attract additional scrutiny because they indicate Government association, regulated business activities or affiliation with protected institutions.

Words Suggesting Government Association

Expressions such as Board, Commission, Authority, National, Central and similar terms may require previous Government approval in circumstances specified under Rule 8B.

Banking, Insurance and Other Regulated Activities

Names using expressions connected with banking, insurance, financial services, securities or other regulated sectors require careful examination of the proposed objects and any applicable regulator-specific conditions.

Use of Foreign Countries, Cities and Institutional Names

Names involving foreign countries, cities, institutional identities or Government-related associations may require supporting evidence or specific approvals depending on the applicable rules.

Applicants should avoid assuming that the addition of “India”, “Global” or a city name automatically makes a name acceptable.

Company Name Reservation for Different Types of Companies

The name approval framework depends partly on the legal structure selected for incorporation.

Private Limited Company Name Reservation

A private limited company generally uses the suffix “Private Limited”. Promoters must ensure that its proposed name satisfies the MCA naming rules before proceeding with the incorporation documents.

One Person Company and Public Limited Company Names

OPCs must follow the applicable One Person Company naming requirements, while public limited companies ordinarily use the suffix “Limited”. The relevant statutory exceptions must be considered for special categories of companies.

Section 8 Company and LLP Names

Section 8 companies operate under special incorporation and naming provisions. LLP name reservation follows the LLP framework, including RUN-LLP or the relevant incorporation process, rather than the ordinary SPICe+ company name route.

For a comparison of business structures, see LLP Registration vs Private Limited Company Registration and our Public Limited Company Registration Guide.

What Happens After MCA Approves the Company Name?

Approval of the proposed name is followed by the remaining incorporation requirements. The reserved name alone does not authorise the promoters to represent that the company has already been incorporated.

Prepare SPICe+ Part B and Incorporation Documents

Complete the proposed directors’ and subscribers’ details, share capital, registered office information, business objects and other required incorporation particulars.

File MOA, AOA and Linked Forms

Prepare the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association and relevant linked MCA forms, arrange the applicable digital signatures and complete the statutory declarations and supporting documents.

Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation

After successful examination and approval, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation, including the company identification details. The company must thereafter comply with applicable post-incorporation obligations.

Promoters planning to use a shared registered-office solution may read our Virtual Office for Company Registration in India guide.

Practical Examples and Checklist Before Filing

Applying the naming rules to practical circumstances can help promoters avoid repeated filings.

Example: Similar Names in the Technology Sector

Suppose “Nexora Technologies Private Limited” already exists. An applicant proposing “Nexoras Technology Private Limited” should not assume that a plural or spelling variation makes the name sufficiently distinctive. A materially different name should be considered.

Example: Foreign Parent Company Incorporation

Suppose an overseas company intends to establish an Indian subsidiary using its existing corporate identity. Depending on the proposed name and incorporation structure, MCA may require parent-company authorisation, a board resolution, relevant incorporation documents or other supporting evidence.

Final Name Reservation Checklist

• Confirm that the proposed name is sufficiently distinctive.
• Search existing company and LLP records.
• Search relevant registered and pending trademarks.
• Confirm the legal suffix and entity type.
• Check that business objects match the proposed name.
• Review restricted words and regulator-specific requirements.
• Prepare NOCs and authorisations wherever necessary.
• Keep acceptable alternative names ready.
• Verify the applicable filing fee.
• Plan incorporation within the reservation validity period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Company Name Reservation in India

How Much Does Company Name Reservation Cost?

The standalone SPICe+ Part A name-reservation application fee is generally Rs. 1,000. Incorporation fees, extension fees and professional charges are separate considerations.

How Long Does MCA Take to Approve a Company Name?

The processing time depends on MCA workload, application completeness, name similarity and whether resubmission is required. There is no guaranteed approval turnaround for every application. Promoters should therefore avoid making binding commercial commitments based on an assumed approval date.

Can I Change the Company Name After Registration?

Yes. A registered company may change its name by following the Companies Act, 2013 and applicable MCA procedures, including corporate approvals and the required name-change filings. Name change after incorporation is different from reservation of a name for a new company.

How EzyBiz India Helps with Company Name Reservation

EzyBiz India Consulting LLP provides professional assistance to Indian businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups and overseas investors planning company incorporation in India.

Company Name Availability and Compliance Review

Our team can examine proposed names, check potential similarities with existing entities and trademarks, assess business-object consistency and identify supporting documentation that may be necessary before filing.

SPICe+ Part A Filing and Incorporation Assistance

We assist with preparation and submission of name-reservation applications, handling MCA observations and coordinating the subsequent company incorporation process.

Post-Incorporation Tax and Regulatory Support

Our services also cover relevant post-incorporation matters, including ROC compliance, accounting, GST, taxation and regulatory advisory.

For professional assistance, call or WhatsApp +91 98992 17778, email anil@ezybizindia.in, or visit our Contact Us page.

Related Services

• Company Registration Services in India
• Private Limited Company Registration
• Company Registration Procedure in India
• Company Registration Cost in India
• Types of Company Registration in India
• Virtual Office for Company Registration
• Company Registration with Foreign Shareholders and Directors
• India Market Entry Consulting

Reviewed By

CA Anil Agrawal
Founder, EzyBiz India Consulting LLP
Over 20 years of experience in taxation, company incorporation, regulatory compliance, FEMA and business advisory.

Last Updated

October 2026

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general information and does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. MCA procedures, forms, government fees and regulatory requirements may change through subsequent notifications or amendments. Applicants should verify the rules applicable to their circumstances before making an application. Company name approval remains subject to examination and acceptance by the competent authority.