MCA Company Name Check: A Complete Guide for Indian Startups

Key Takeaways

• The free MCA name search is only a first filter. A name showing 'available' does not guarantee the Registrar of Companies will approve it.
• New companies should generally use SPICe+ Part A, which allows two name choices in one filing. RUN is for a single name, used mainly to rename an existing company.
• An approved name stays reserved for 20 days. Missing that window means the reservation lapses and the ₹1,000 government fee has to be paid again.
• MCA approval only confirms the name is unique on the company register. It does not check trademark conflicts, so a separate IP India trademark search is essential before building a brand around the name.
• Most rejections come from avoidable issues: names too similar to an existing company, restricted words used without approval, or overly generic and descriptive names.

Free search first: how to check name availability on MCA

• Go to mca.gov.in and open MCA Services, then Company/LLP Master Data or Check Company Name.
• Type only the distinctive part of your proposed name, without the suffix such as 'Private Limited' or 'LLP'.
• Review the list of similar existing companies and LLPs the system returns.
• Separately search the IP India trademark database in your relevant class, since MCA approval does not cover trademark conflicts.

RUN vs SPICe+ Part A: Which one to file?

What counts as too similar under MCA rules

• Identical key words with only the entity type different, unless the entities are genuinely related.
• Words simply reordered, where one name is a rearrangement of another's words.
• Trivial spelling variations of an existing registered name.
• A different suffix as the only distinguishing feature between two otherwise identical names.

Naming rules and restricted words

Names should be unique, meaningful and should reflect the business activity. Government-sounding terms, offensive words and certain restricted words need prior central government approval before use. Numbers are allowed in a company name, but the name still needs to sound distinctive on its own.

After approval: what happens if you miss the 20-day window

The name reservation lapses and cannot be extended. Incorporation has to restart with a fresh RUN or SPICe+ Part A filing and a fresh fee. Founders should generally reserve a name only once DSC, DIN and the other incorporation documents are close to ready, so the 20-day window is not wasted waiting on paperwork.

If your first choice gets rejected

Both RUN and SPICe+ Part A allow one resubmission opportunity within 15 days at no extra fee if the initial name or names are not approved. Beyond that single resubmission, a fresh application and fee apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MCA name check free?

Yes, the basic Check Company/LLP Name search on the MCA V3 portal is free and needs no login.

What is the difference between RUN and SPICe+ Part A?

RUN reserves one name at a time and is commonly used for renaming an existing company. SPICe+ Part A allows two name choices as part of new company incorporation.

How long is an approved company name reserved for?

20 days from approval, within which incorporation, SPICe+ Part B and related forms, must be completed.

Does MCA approval also protect my brand as a trademark?

No. MCA approval only confirms the name is unique on the company register. Trademark protection needs a separate TM-A filing with IP India.

What happens if my proposed name is rejected?

You get one resubmission opportunity within 15 days at no extra cost. After that, a fresh application and fee are required.

How many names can I propose in one application?

One name in RUN, and two names in SPICe+ Part A.

Ready to move forward?

Incorporating a new company, or renaming an existing one, and want the name approved on the first attempt? Book a free consultation with Growthora, and our team will run the availability and trademark checks before filing, so you do not lose time or the government fee to an avoidable rejection.