Before you can register a company in India, you need to reserve your company name with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The process is straightforward, but there are specific rules and common pitfalls that can delay your application. This guide walks you through the entire name reservation process, from initial search to final approval.
What is Company Name Availability Check?
Every company in India needs a unique name. The MCA maintains a database of over 27 lakh registered companies, and your proposed name cannot be identical or too similar to any existing company.
To check if your name is available, you use the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA21 portal. This is mandatory before you can start the actual company registration process.
Why Company Name Check is Mandatory
Section 4 of the Companies Act 2013 requires every company to have a unique name. Beyond the legal requirement, name reservation prevents your incorporation application from getting rejected, which can delay your business launch by several weeks.
You’ll also want to avoid trademark conflicts later. A rejected name means starting over with the entire approval process, losing both time and the ₹1,000 application fee.
Company Naming Rules in India
Before checking availability, ensure your name follows MCA guidelines:
Mandatory Requirements
- Must end with “Private Limited” (Pvt Ltd) or “Limited” (Ltd) as applicable
- Cannot exceed 150 characters including spaces
- Should be in English or any Indian language
- Must not be identical to existing company names
- Cannot be offensive, misleading, or against public policy
Prohibited Words and Phrases
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Government Terms | National, Federal, Republic, President |
| Religious Terms | Specific religious references without permission |
| Financial Terms | Bank, Insurance (without RBI/IRDA approval) |
| International Bodies | UN, WHO, UNESCO without permission |
Words Requiring Approval
Some words need prior government approval:
- Cooperative
- University
- Medical
- Pharmaceutical
- Institute
- Academy
Step-by-Step Process to Check Company Name Availability
Method 1: Using MCA21 Portal (Official)
Step 1: Access the MCA Portal
Visit the official MCA website at mca.gov.in and navigate to the MCA21 services section.
Step 2: Register on MCA Portal
If you’re a first-time user, create an account using:
- Valid email address
- Mobile number
- PAN card details
Step 3: Login and Select RUN Service
After logging in, select “RUN (Reserve Unique Name)” from the services menu.
Step 4: Choose Company Type
Select your intended company type:
- Private Limited Company
- Public Limited Company
- One Person Company (OPC)
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Step 5: Enter Proposed Names
You can submit up to 6 name options in order of preference. The system will check each name against the existing database.
Step 6: Pay Processing Fee
The RUN application fee is ₹1,000 (including GST). Payment can be made online through net banking, debit/credit cards, or UPI.
Step 7: Submit Application
Review your application and submit. You’ll receive a Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking.
Method 2: Using WeeDoo.in (Unofficial Check)
For a quick preliminary check, you can search WeeDoo’s database of 27+ lakh companies:
- Visit weedoo.in
- Use the company search feature
- Enter your proposed company name
- Check if similar names exist
Note: This is an informal check. Official name reservation must still be done through MCA.
RUN Application Processing Time and Status
The MCA typically processes RUN applications within:
- Normal Processing: 7-10 working days
- Fast Track: 1-2 working days (additional fee applicable)
You can track your application status using the SRN on the MCA portal.
Possible Outcomes
| Status | Meaning | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | Name is available and reserved | Proceed with incorporation |
| Rejected | Name not available or non-compliant | Choose alternative name |
| Objected | Similar names exist, clarification needed | Provide justification or modify name |
Common Reasons for Name Rejection
Understanding rejection reasons helps you choose better names:
Similarity Issues
- Too similar to existing company names
- Same core business activity with similar name
- Phonetically similar names
Compliance Issues
- Contains prohibited words
- Doesn’t follow naming conventions
- Misleading or offensive content
- Trademark conflicts
Technical Issues
- Exceeds character limit
- Special characters used incorrectly
- Improper suffix (Ltd/Pvt Ltd)
Name Reservation Validity and Renewal
Once approved, your company name reservation is valid for:
- Initial Period: 60 days from approval date
- Extension Option: Additional 30 days (₹500 fee)
- Total Maximum: 90 days
If you don’t complete incorporation within this period, the name becomes available for others to reserve.
Tips for Choosing the Right Company Name
Beyond the MCA: Think Like a Brand
Before finalizing your company name, check if the matching domain name and social media handles are available. You don’t want to be stuck with “mycompanyname-india.com” because someone else owns the .com.
Also consider how the name sounds in different Indian languages. A name that works perfectly in English might be difficult to pronounce or have unintended meanings in regional languages.
Keep it simple. Complex spellings or very long names become a headache when customers try to find you online or recommend you to others.
Cost Breakdown for Name Reservation
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| RUN Application (Normal) | ₹1,000 | 7-10 days |
| RUN Application (Fast Track) | ₹1,500 | 1-2 days |
| Name Reservation Extension | ₹500 | 2-3 days |
| Re-submission After Rejection | ₹1,000 | 7-10 days |
What Happens After Name Approval?
Once your company name is approved:
- Download Approval Letter: Save the official approval document
- Prepare Incorporation Documents: Gather required documents for company registration
- File Form SPICe+: Complete the incorporation process within 60 days
- Obtain Required Registrations: Apply for PAN, TAN, GSTIN as needed
Alternative Business Structures
If your preferred name isn’t available for a private limited company, consider:
Different Company Types
- LLP (Limited Liability Partnership): Separate name database
- Partnership Firm: No MCA name reservation required
- Sole Proprietorship: Can operate under trade names
- Section 8 Company: For non-profit organizations
Name Variations
- Add business activity descriptors
- Include location references
- Use synonyms or alternate spellings
- Combine multiple words creatively
Online Process Makes Things Easier
The MCA portal runs 24/7, so you can submit your name reservation application at any time. Payment is handled online through UPI, net banking, or card payments. You’ll get SMS updates on your application status, and if you need to upload any supporting documents, that’s all digital too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
During Name Selection
- Not researching trademark databases
- Ignoring domain name availability
- Choosing names too similar to competitors
- Using complex or hard-to-pronounce names
During Application Process
- Submitting only one name option
- Not following naming guidelines carefully
- Delaying incorporation after approval
- Providing incomplete application details
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check company name availability for free?
While you can search existing company databases for free (including WeeDoo.in), official name reservation through MCA requires a ₹1,000 fee.
How many name options can I submit?
You can submit up to 6 name options in your RUN application, listed in order of preference.
What if my name gets rejected?
You can submit a fresh RUN application with new names. Each resubmission requires the full processing fee.
Can I change my company name after incorporation?
Yes, but it requires a special resolution, MCA approval, and additional compliance procedures. It’s better to choose the right name initially.
Is the approved name protected across all states?
Yes, MCA name approval provides pan-India protection. No other company can use the same name anywhere in India.
Getting Your Name Right the First Time
Name reservation might seem like a small step, but it sets the tone for your entire business. Take time to research thoroughly, submit multiple name options, and make sure you understand the MCA guidelines before applying.
The ₹1,000 fee isn’t huge, but multiple rejections add up. More importantly, each rejection delays your business launch by at least a week.
WeeDoo.in maintains data on over 27 lakh registered companies and 38 lakh directors, making it easy to research existing names and avoid conflicts before you submit your official application.
