MCA Company Name Approval: Your Guide to Success in India
- SS AUDITORS AND TAX CONSULTANTS
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Understanding MCA Company Name Approval
Starting a business in India begins with MCA company name approval. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has strict rules to ensure names are unique, compliant, and legally valid. This process is crucial for establishing your business identity.
In this blog, we explain MCA company name availability guidelines (2025), the RUN vs SPICe+ process, and best practices to avoid rejection.
👉 Also read: Common Mistakes While Registering a Pvt Ltd Company
1. MCA Rules for Unique Company Name Availability
To secure your company name, you must follow specific MCA rules:
Your proposed name must be unique and not deceptively similar to an existing company or LLP.
Spelling changes, spacing, or adding hyphens do not count as uniqueness.
Always check the MCA name search tool before applying.
🔗 Need expert help? Explore our Private Limited Company Registration Service, which includes a free name search.
2. Restricted and Prohibited Words
Certain words require special approvals. Be mindful of the following:
Financial terms like Bank, Insurance, Stock Exchange, Mutual Fund, Nidhi need RBI, IRDA, or SEBI clearance.
Words implying government affiliation, such as National, Authority, Board, require prior approval.
👉 Planning a rebrand? Check our Company Name Change Service for quick MCA approvals.
3. No Offensive or Misleading Names
The MCA has strict guidelines against offensive names:
Names that are vulgar, obscene, or misleading will be rejected.
A name cannot imply government patronage without approval.
Avoid names already protected under the Trademark Act, 1999.
📖 Learn more: Choosing a Company Name – MCA Guidelines 2025
4. Proper Use of Suffixes
Suffixes indicate your business structure. Here are the common ones:
Pvt Ltd → Private Limited
Public Co → Limited
LLP → LLP
One Person Company → OPC
Not sure which to choose? Read our blog: How to Choose Between Pvt Ltd & LLP.
5. RUN vs SPICe+ – Name Reservation with MCA
RUN (Reserve Unique Name)
Best for reserving or changing company names.
Allows for 2 name options.
Valid for 20 days (extendable up to 60 days).
SPICe+ Part A
Used during incorporation.
Only 1 name option allowed.
No separate validity.
💼 Want a stress-free process? Our Company Registration Packages cover both RUN and SPICe+ filings.
6. Trademark Check Before MCA Approval
Even if the MCA approves your name, it can be rejected later due to trademark conflicts. Always check with the IP India Trademark Database.
7. Best Practices for MCA Name Approval
To improve your chances of approval, consider these best practices:
Keep 2–3 backup names ready.
Avoid generic terms like Solutions or Consultancy.
Ensure your name matches the MoA (Memorandum of Association).
Need compliance help? Our Legal Documentation Services ensure MoA & AoA are perfectly aligned.
8. Validity of MCA Name Reservation
Understanding the validity of your MCA name reservation is essential:
Initial validity: 20 days.
Extensions available:
- Up to 40 days → ₹1,000
- Up to 60 days → ₹2,000–₹3,000
⚡ Don’t miss deadlines — use our Annual Compliance for Private Limited Company for timely reminders.
9. The Importance of a Strong Company Name
A strong company name is vital for branding. It reflects your business values and mission. A well-thought-out name can attract customers and build trust.
When choosing a name, think about how it aligns with your business goals. Consider your target audience and the message you want to convey.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when selecting your company name:
Failing to conduct a thorough name search.
Ignoring trademark conflicts.
Choosing a name that is difficult to spell or pronounce.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you can enhance your chances of a smooth approval process.
FAQs
Q1: How do I check company name availability on MCA?
You can check via the MCA portal using RUN or SPICe+. SS Auditors helps with search & filing.
Q2: How many days is an MCA name reservation valid?
20 days, extendable up to 60 days with fees.
Q3: Can two companies have the same name in India?
No. MCA rejects identical or deceptively similar names. A trademark check is also mandatory.
Conclusion
Getting MCA company name approval in India requires attention to detail. You must focus on uniqueness checks, suffix rules, trademark clearance, and RUN vs SPICe+ filings.
👉 Start today with:
With SS Auditors & Tax Consultants, you save time, ensure compliance, and build a strong foundation for your business.
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