How to Check Company Name Availability in India – Complete 2025 Guide
Introduction: Why You Should Check Company Name Before Registration
Before registering your business in India, it's crucial to ensure that your proposed name is unique, legal, and available. Many company name applications are rejected due to similarity with existing companies or trademarks. Understanding how to check company name availability correctly can help you avoid delays and rejections from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
? How to Check Company Name Online Step-by-Step
The official way to check company name availability in India is through the MCA portal. Heres how to check company name step by step:
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Visit the MCA Portal: Go to www.mca.gov.in
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Click on 'MCA Services': Navigate to the MCA Services section in the main menu.
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Select Check Company Name: Under Company Services, choose Check Company Name.
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Enter Your Proposed Name: Input your preferred company name and select your business structure (e.g., Private Limited, LLP).
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Click Search: The tool will show if the name is available or already taken.
? Pro Tip: Always keep 23 backup names ready, as name availability is subject to final approval by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
?? MCA Rules for Acceptable Company Names
Even if a name shows available, it can be rejected later if it doesnt follow MCA guidelines. Heres what you should avoid:
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Names identical or too similar to existing registered companies
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Use of government-related words like Bank, India, Stock Exchange without special approval
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Names violating trademarks or including vulgar/offensive language
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Abbreviations or generic terms (like "ABC Tech") that lack uniqueness
Understanding these rules is essential when learning how to check company name effectively.
? What to Do After Checking Company Name Availability
Once your company name appears to be available:
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You can reserve it using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service via MCA
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Or directly proceed with registration through the SPICe+ form, which includes name approval and incorporation
Name reservations are usually valid for 20 days, so complete the registration process within that time.
? Bonus: Also Check Trademark Availability
Checking only on MCA is not enough. It's smart to check your proposed name on the Trademark Public Search portal (ipindia.gov.in) to make sure your name doesnt conflict with a registered trademark.
This additional step helps protect your brand legally and gives you exclusive rights to use your company name.
? Why Its Important to Know How to Check Company Name
Knowing how to check company name correctly prevents:
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Registration delays
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Legal disputes over name usage
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Confusion in the marketplace
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Rebranding costs later on
It's a small but critical step for building a strong, legally compliant brand from day one.
? Need Expert Help?
At Taxlegit, we help you check your company name, reserve it with MCA, and complete the full registration processincluding GST, PAN, TAN, and ROC filings.
? Book your free consultation today at www.taxlegit.com or WhatsApp our CA support team for quick help.
