What is the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form in MCA?

RUN (Reserve Unique Name) is the MCA e-form used to reserve a company name before incorporation. You can propose up to 2 names along with a brief description of business objects. The fee is ₹1,000 per application. ROC approves or rejects the name within 1–3 working days. Once approved, the name is reserved for 20 days. Alternatively, name reservation can be done directly within the SPICe+ incorporation form for simultaneous name approval and company incorporation.

What are the rules for choosing a company name in India?

Under Companies Act 2013 and Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014, a company name must: (1) Not be identical or too similar to any existing registered company or LLP; (2) End with the correct legal suffix — 'Private Limited' for Pvt Ltd, 'Limited' for public company, 'OPC Private Limited' for One Person Company; (3) Not include restricted words like Bank, Insurance, Mutual Fund, Stock Exchange without RBI/SEBI/IRDA approval; (4) Not imply government ownership (words like National, Central, State, Federal) without prior approval from relevant authorities; (5) Not infringe an existing trademark without the trademark owner's written consent; (6) Not be misleading, offensive, or contrary to public interest; (7) Reasonably reflect the main objects of the company.

How long does it take for a company name to get approved by MCA?

Once the RUN application is filed on the MCA21 portal, name approval typically takes 1–3 working days. If the Registrar of Companies (ROC) has queries or objections, they may issue a clarification request, which requires a response before re-examination. After approval, the name is valid for 20 days — you must complete the incorporation filing (SPICe+) within this window. If you apply for the name directly via SPICe+, the name approval and incorporation happen simultaneously.

Can I use the word 'India' or 'National' in my company name?

Using words like 'India', 'Bharat', 'National', 'Central', 'State', 'Federal', or 'Republic' in a company name requires prior approval from the Central Government (Ministry of Corporate Affairs). These words imply government patronage or national significance, so the ROC will not approve such names without specific clearance. Similarly, words like 'Bank', 'Insurance', 'Mutual Fund', and 'Stock Exchange' require approvals from RBI, IRDA, SEBI respectively before the name can be registered.

How long is a reserved company name valid in India?

Once a company name is approved through the RUN form, it is reserved for 20 days from the date of approval. You must complete the incorporation by filing the SPICe+ form within this 20-day window. If you fail to incorporate within this period, the name reservation lapses and you must file a fresh RUN application with the ₹1,000 fee. There is no extension available for the 20-day reservation period.

Can I change my company name after incorporation?

Yes. A company can change its name after incorporation by: (1) Passing a Special Resolution in an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting); (2) Filing Form MGT-14 with ROC within 30 days of passing the resolution; (3) Applying for name availability and approval via RUN; (4) Filing Form INC-24 with the ROC for name change approval; (5) Receiving the Certificate of Incorporation with the new name (Form INC-25). The entire process typically takes 3–5 weeks. All statutory documents, letterheads, contracts, and bank accounts must then be updated to reflect the new name.

What words are prohibited in an Indian company name?

The following categories of words are prohibited or restricted in Indian company names under Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014: (1) Offensive or obscene words; (2) Words implying government ownership — National, Central, State, Federal, Republic, President, Governor, without approval; (3) Words requiring regulatory approval — Bank, Banking, Insurance, Insurer, Mutual Fund, NBFC, Stock Exchange, Venture Capital; (4) Words implying recognition by a professional body — Bar Council, Medical Council, without relevant body's approval; (5) Words suggesting charitable purpose for a profit company — Foundation, Trust (unless Section 8); (6) Phonetically identical names to existing companies; (7) Words that are deceptive or mislead the public about the company's business.

What is the difference between company name and brand name in India?

A company name is the legal name registered with MCA under Companies Act 2013 — it appears on the Certificate of Incorporation and all legal documents. A brand name (trademark) is what a business uses publicly for its products, services, or marketing. They can be the same or different. For example, a company legally registered as 'XYZ Enterprises Private Limited' may operate its brand as 'Zappy'. The company name is protected through MCA registration; the brand name is protected through Trademark registration with the IP India Office. Both registrations together provide complete legal protection.

How many names can I propose in a single RUN application?

You can propose a maximum of 2 (two) company names in a single RUN (Reserve Unique Name) application. The ROC examines both names — if the first name meets all criteria, it is approved. If the first name is rejected, the ROC moves to the second name. If both names are rejected, you must file a fresh RUN application with new name proposals and pay the ₹1,000 fee again. To maximise approval chances, a Company Secretary can help evaluate names for compliance before filing.

Leading Service for Name Availability Check

Q: How do I check if a company name is available in India?

To check company name availability in India, visit the MCA21 portal at mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company/LLP Name Search. Type your proposed name and the system shows all registered companies with similar names. Additionally, search the IP India trademark database at ipindiaonline.gov.in to check for trademark conflicts. For a professional check that includes compliance analysis, name uniqueness review, and MCA filing, contact Mitali Tita — a practising Company Secretary in Mumbai.

Q: What happens if my company name is rejected by ROC?

If your proposed company name is rejected by the Registrar of Companies (ROC), you will receive a rejection notice with the reason — typically because the name is too similar to an existing company, contains prohibited words, or conflicts with a trademark. You can resubmit the RUN form with 2 alternative name suggestions. A new fee of ₹1,000 applies for each new RUN application. Having a Company Secretary review your name before filing significantly reduces rejection risk.

Q: What is the fee for company name reservation (RUN) in India?

The government fee for filing the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) application on MCA is ₹1,000 per application. This allows you to propose up to 2 company names. If both names are rejected and you need to reapply, a new fee of ₹1,000 is charged. There are no additional MCA fees if name reservation is done through the SPICe+ form during incorporation. Professional/CS fees for name search, eligibility check, and RUN filing are additional and vary by service provider.

Q: Can two companies have the same name in India?

No. Under Section 4 of Companies Act 2013, no two companies can have the same name or names that are so similar as to cause confusion. The MCA maintains a central database of all registered company names, and the ROC checks every new application against this database. Even phonetically similar names, names with different punctuation, or names with minor spelling variations can be rejected if they are deemed 'too similar' to an existing registered company.

Q: Should I check trademark availability before reserving a company name?

Yes — absolutely. Even if MCA approves your company name, if it infringes an existing registered trademark, the trademark owner can legally challenge your use of the name. Always search the IP India trademark database (ipindiaonline.gov.in) before filing RUN. If a trademark conflict exists, you either need written consent from the trademark holder, or you should choose a different name. Registering a trademark on your company name simultaneously with incorporation is strongly recommended for brand protection.

📌 Direct Answer — What Is Company Name Availability in India?

Company name availability in India means verifying that your proposed company name is not already registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), not too similar to an existing company or LLP name, not infringing a registered trademark, and compliant with the naming rules under Companies Act 2013 and Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014. The name is officially reserved through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form on the MCA21 portal (mca.gov.in), which costs ₹1,000 and takes 1–3 working days. Once approved, the name is reserved for 20 days.

Step-by-Step Process

How to Check & Reserve a Company Name in India

The MCA name reservation process follows a defined sequence under Companies Act 2013. Here is the complete step-by-step guide.

Conduct a Preliminary Name Search on MCA Portal

Go to mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company/LLP Name Search. This free search shows all companies registered with the same or similar names. Also search the IP India Trademark Database (ipindiaonline.gov.in) to identify any existing trademark conflicts with your proposed name.

🆓 Free — No Login Required on MCA Portal

Verify Name Eligibility Against MCA Naming Rules

Even if no identical company exists, your name must comply with Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014. It must not contain restricted words (Bank, Insurance, National, etc.), must include the correct legal suffix (Private Limited, Limited, OPC Private Limited), must not be misleading, and must reasonably reflect the company's main objects.

⚠️ Most rejections happen at this stage — expert review prevents failure

File the RUN Application on MCA21 Portal

Login to MCA21 portal → File → e-Forms → RUN. Enter up to 2 proposed company names, the main objects of the business (brief description), and submit with a fee of ₹1,000. Alternatively, include name reservation within the SPICe+ form for simultaneous name approval and company incorporation.

💰 Government Fee: ₹1,000 per application (2 names allowed)

ROC Examines and Approves / Raises Query

The Registrar of Companies (ROC) reviews the application against the MCA name database, naming rules, and trademark records. Approval or a query/rejection notice is issued within 1–3 working days. If a query is raised, a response must be submitted before re-examination. If rejected, a fresh RUN application with alternative names must be filed.

⏱️ Typical Turnaround: 1–3 Working Days

Receive Approval & Proceed to Incorporation

Upon approval, you receive an SRN (Service Request Number) confirming name reservation. The approved name is valid for 20 days from approval date. Within this window, file the SPICe+ form with all director documents to complete company incorporation and receive your Certificate of Incorporation (COI).

📄 Name Reserved for 20 Days — Incorporate Within This Window

At a Glance

Company Name Availability — Key Facts

Everything you need to know about MCA's name reservation process in India.

1–3 Working days for ROC to approve or reject the name

20 Days the approved name remains reserved for incorporation

2 Maximum name proposals allowed in a single RUN application

Sec. 4 Companies Act 2013 section governing company name rules

MCA Guidelines

What Makes a Company Name Valid in India?

Under Section 4 of Companies Act 2013 and Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014, every company name must satisfy these criteria before ROC approval.

🔤

Must Be Unique

Cannot be identical or phonetically similar to any existing registered company or LLP in the MCA database.

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Correct Legal Suffix

Must end with "Private Limited" (Pvt Ltd), "Limited" (Ltd), "OPC Private Limited", or "LLP" as per entity type.

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Reflects Business Activity

The name should reasonably indicate the nature of the company's main business objects.

⚖️

No Trademark Infringement

Must not match an existing registered trademark without written consent from the trademark owner.

🏛️

No Government Implication

Words like National, Central, State, Federal, Republic, President require Central Government approval.

🏦

No Restricted Sector Words

"Bank", "Insurance", "Mutual Fund", "NBFC", "Stock Exchange" need RBI/IRDA/SEBI prior approval.

🚫

Not Misleading or Offensive

Cannot deceive the public about the nature of business or contain obscene, offensive, or prohibited words.

🌿

No Charitable Implication for Profit Co.

Words like "Foundation", "Trust", "Society", "Charitable" are not permitted for regular profit-making companies.

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Pure Abbreviations Need Justification

A name like "ABC Private Limited" is not automatically approved — strong justification or known brand recognition needed.

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"India" / "Bharat" Need Approval

Including "India", "Bharat", or "Hindustan" in the name requires specific Central Government clearance.

Name Eligibility

Company Names — Allowed vs. Not Allowed

Understanding the boundary between acceptable and prohibited company names prevents costly rejections and delays.

✅ Generally Allowed

Unique, creative brand name + Private Limited (e.g., Zephyr Solutions Private Limited)
Founder surname + activity (e.g., Tita Legal Advisory LLP)
Combination of two meaningful words (e.g., BrightPath Technologies Private Limited)
Geographical names that are not already taken (e.g., Pune Agri Exports Private Limited)
Foreign language words that don't violate other rules
Coined/invented words that are unique (e.g., Zuvox Private Limited)
Names with numbers if not misleading (e.g., Three Pillars Consulting Private Limited)

❌ Prohibited / Needs Approval

Names identical to existing registered companies
"India National Bank Private Limited" — implies government ownership
"XYZ Insurance Private Limited" — Insurance requires IRDA approval
"ABC Foundation Private Limited" — suggests charitable purpose
Names that phonetically sound like existing brands (e.g., Relianc, Infosys)
Names copying a well-known trademark without consent
Purely abbreviated names like "DGF Private Limited" without justification
Offensive or vulgar words in any language

Know the Difference

RUN vs. SPICe+ — Which Route to Choose for Name Reservation?

There are two official ways to reserve a company name in India. The right choice depends on how ready you are for full incorporation.

Feature	RUN (Reserve Unique Name)	SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma)
Purpose	Name reservation only — incorporation separately	Name reservation + incorporation in one form
Names Allowed	Up to 2 names	Up to 2 names (within the form)
Fee	₹1,000 (separate)	Included in SPICe+ filing fees
DSC Required?	No	Yes — DSC of directors
Name Validity	20 days from approval	No separate expiry — part of incorporation
Best For	Founders still gathering documents for incorporation	Founders ready to incorporate immediately
Resubmission on Rejection	Fresh RUN + ₹1,000 again	Resubmit SPICe+ with new names
Timeline	Name approved in 1–3 days; incorporation separate	Name + Incorporation: 3–7 working days total

Document Checklist

Documents Required for Company Name Reservation

For the RUN application itself, minimal information is needed. Additional documents are required when you proceed to full incorporation via SPICe+.

📝

Proposed Company Name(s)

Up to 2 name choices in order of preference, including the correct legal suffix.

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Business Objects Description

A brief description of what the company will do — its main objects/activities (100–200 words).

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Director PAN Card

PAN of all proposed directors (used for DIN application during incorporation).

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Director Aadhaar / Address Proof

Aadhaar card or any valid government-issued address proof for each director.

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DSC (for SPICe+ Route)

Digital Signature Certificate of all directors — required only if incorporating via SPICe+, not for standalone RUN.

📍

Registered Office Address Proof

Utility bill + NOC from property owner — required at the SPICe+ stage, not the RUN stage.

™️

Trademark Consent (if applicable)

Written No-Objection Certificate from trademark owner if the proposed name matches an existing trademark.

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Government Approval Letter (if applicable)

Prior approval from relevant authority (RBI, IRDA, MCA) if the name contains restricted/regulated words.

Frequently Asked Questions

Company Name Availability — All Your Questions Answered

Comprehensive answers to the most common questions about company name search, MCA naming rules, and RUN filing in India.

How do I check if a company name is available in India?

To check company name availability in India:

Visit mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company/LLP Name Search — free, no login needed
Type your proposed name to view all registered companies with the same or similar names
Also search ipindiaonline.gov.in (IP India) to check for existing trademark conflicts
Verify your name against MCA naming rules (suffix, prohibited words, no misleading implication)

A basic search tells you what exists — but only a professional analysis confirms whether your name will be approved by ROC. Mitali Tita provides a full name eligibility check and RUN filing service.

What is the RUN form in MCA and how does it work?

RUN (Reserve Unique Name) is the MCA e-form used to reserve a company name before incorporation. Here's how it works:

Login to MCA21 portal → File → e-Forms → RUN
Enter up to 2 proposed company names in order of preference
Add a brief description of the company's main business objects
Pay ₹1,000 government fee and submit
ROC approves or rejects within 1–3 working days
Approved name is reserved for 20 days

During this 20-day window, file SPICe+ to complete incorporation. No DSC is required for RUN — only for SPICe+.

What are the naming rules for a company in India?

Under Section 4 of Companies Act 2013 and Companies (Incorporation) Rules 2014, a company name must:

Not be identical or phonetically similar to any existing registered company or LLP
Include the correct suffix: "Private Limited", "Limited", "OPC Private Limited", or "LLP"
Not include words implying government ownership (National, Central, State) without approval
Not include regulated words (Bank, Insurance, Mutual Fund) without RBI/IRDA/SEBI clearance
Not infringe existing trademarks without the holder's written consent
Not be misleading, offensive, or contrary to public interest
Reasonably reflect the company's main objects
Not imply a charitable purpose for a profit-making company

How long does company name approval take in India?

After filing the RUN application on the MCA21 portal, the ROC typically processes the application within 1–3 working days. If the ROC raises a query or objection, additional time is needed for response and re-examination. Once approved:

The name is reserved for 20 days (RUN route)
You must complete SPICe+ incorporation within this window
No extension is available on the 20-day period

If you apply directly via SPICe+ (name + incorporation together), the total process from document submission to Certificate of Incorporation takes 3–7 working days.

What happens if my company name is rejected by ROC?

If ROC rejects your proposed company name:

You receive a rejection notice stating the reason (similarity, prohibited word, trademark conflict, etc.)
File a fresh RUN application with 2 alternative name suggestions
Pay the ₹1,000 fee again for each new RUN application
If the rejection was due to a query (not outright rejection), respond to the ROC's clarification within the specified time

Prevention: Having a Company Secretary review proposed names before filing significantly reduces rejection risk. Mitali Tita evaluates names for compliance, uniqueness, and trademark conflicts before any RUN application is filed.

Can I use the word 'India', 'National', or 'Bank' in my company name?

These words require special prior approval before name registration:

"India", "Bharat", "Hindustan", "National", "Central", "State", "Federal", "Republic", "President", "Governor" — require prior Central Government / MCA approval
"Bank", "Banking" — require RBI approval
"Insurance", "Insurer" — require IRDA approval
"Mutual Fund" — require SEBI approval
"Stock Exchange" — require SEBI recognition
"NBFC", "Non-Banking Financial" — require RBI registration

Without these approvals, the ROC will automatically reject any name containing these words.

What is the fee for company name reservation (RUN) in India?

RUN Application Fee: ₹1,000 per application (allows up to 2 name proposals)
Reapplication Fee: ₹1,000 again if both names are rejected and you need to reapply
SPICe+ Route: No separate name fee — name reservation is included in the SPICe+ incorporation filing
MCA Name Search: Free — no fee for searching existing names on mca.gov.in
Professional CS Fee: Additional — covers name eligibility review, trademark check, application drafting, and filing

Can two companies have the same name in India?

No. Under Section 4 of Companies Act 2013, no two companies can have the same or phonetically similar names. The MCA maintains a central database of all registered company and LLP names. The ROC checks every new RUN application against this complete database. Even minor variations — different spelling, punctuation, or spacing — can be rejected if the name is deemed "too similar" to an existing entity. For example, "Reliance Builders Pvt Ltd" would be rejected due to similarity with the Reliance brand, even though the objects are different.

Should I check trademark availability before reserving a company name?

Yes — absolutely essential. Even if MCA approves your company name, if it infringes an existing registered trademark, the trademark owner can:

File a legal challenge against your use of the name
Seek an injunction preventing you from using it commercially
Demand damages for trademark infringement

Always search ipindiaonline.gov.in before filing RUN. If a conflict exists, either obtain written consent from the trademark owner, or choose a different name. Mitali Tita conducts a comprehensive trademark pre-check as part of the name availability service. Registering a trademark on your chosen name simultaneously with company incorporation provides complete brand protection.

How many names can I propose in one RUN application?

You can propose a maximum of 2 (two) company names in a single RUN application. The ROC examines the names in order:

If the first name meets all criteria → it is approved
If the first name fails → the ROC examines the second name
If both names are rejected → file a fresh RUN application with new names (₹1,000 fee again)

Strategy tip: Your two names should be meaningfully different — not just slight variations of each other — to maximise the chance of at least one being approved.

How long is a reserved company name valid after RUN approval?

Once the RUN application is approved, the company name is reserved for exactly 20 days from the date of the approval letter. You must file the SPICe+ form (for incorporation) within this 20-day window. There is no extension available. If you fail to incorporate within 20 days, the name reservation lapses automatically and you must:

File a fresh RUN application
Pay ₹1,000 again
Go through the approval process again (1–3 working days)

Mitali Tita ensures the SPICe+ form is filed promptly within this window.

Can I change my company name after it is incorporated?

Yes. A company can change its name after incorporation through the following process:

Pass a Special Resolution in an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) — requires 3/4th majority
File Form MGT-14 with ROC within 30 days of the Special Resolution
Apply for new name availability via RUN on MCA portal
File Form INC-24 with the ROC for name change approval
Receive a new Certificate of Incorporation (Form INC-25) with the changed name

Post-name-change, all statutory documents, letterheads, website, contracts, PAN, GST, and bank accounts must be updated. Total timeline: 3–6 weeks. Mitali Tita handles the complete name change process.

What is the difference between a company name and a brand name (trademark)?

Company Name (MCA Registration):

Legal name registered under Companies Act 2013
Appears on Certificate of Incorporation and all legal documents
Must include legal suffix (Pvt Ltd, Ltd, LLP)
Protected within India's company registration system — no two companies can have the same name
Managed by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

Brand Name / Trademark (IP India Registration):

Word, logo, symbol, or design used to identify products/services
Does NOT need to match the company name
No legal suffix required
Protected across commercial use — ® after registration, ™ after filing
Managed by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (IP India)

Best practice: Register both — your MCA company name and your brand as a trademark — for complete legal protection.

Can I search company name availability for free on MCA portal?

Yes — the basic search is free. Visit mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company/LLP Name Search. No login or payment is required for the search. However:

The search tool only shows existing registered names
It does NOT analyse whether your proposed name complies with naming rules
It does NOT check trademark databases
It does NOT confirm your name will be approved by ROC

A free search is your starting point — but a professional review by a Company Secretary ensures your name is fully eligible before you pay the ₹1,000 RUN filing fee.

Next Steps

Company name availability is your first step. Here's everything else you'll need to launch and run a legally compliant business in India.

Ready to Reserve Your Company Name?

Let Mitali Tita handle the complete name availability check, MCA compliance verification, trademark pre-check, and RUN filing — so your name is approved right the first time.

🔍 Check My Company Name Now Start Full Incorporation →