Private Limited Company · Chapter 5
Choosing and approving a name
In short
To get a Private Limited Company name approved, apply through RUN or SPICe+ Part A with a unique name (distinctive word + activity word + Private Limited) unlike any existing name or trademark.
To get a Private Limited Company name approved, you apply to the Central Registration Centre (CRC) of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs — either through RUN (Reserve Unique Name) or through Part A of the SPICe+ form — with a name that is unique, fits the format "distinctive word + activity word + Private Limited", and is not similar to an existing company, LLP or registered trademark.
A good name passes in one attempt; a careless one can take weeks.
What format must a company name follow?
Distinctive word(s) + activity word + Private Limited. For example: Northstar Logistics Private Limited. The activity word should reflect your main object in the MoA — a company named "Northstar Logistics" is expected to be in logistics.
- Distinctive word — the part that makes the name yours (Northstar).
- Activity word — what the business does (Logistics, Technologies, Foods).
- Suffix — "Private Limited", which every PVT. LTD. must carry.
How do you apply for name approval: RUN or SPICe+ Part A?
| Point | RUN (Reserve Unique Name) | SPICe+ Part A |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A separate name application before incorporation | The name applied for as the first part of the incorporation form |
| Names you can propose | Up to two, in order of preference | One |
| Government fee | ₹1,000 per application, not refundable | No separate name fee |
| Best for | When you want certainty about the name first | When you are confident of the name and ready to file |
Both are filed on the MCA portal. If the CRC raises a query, one resubmission is generally allowed; after that the name is approved or rejected.
How long is an approved name reserved?
For a new company, an approved name is reserved for 20 days from approval. Incorporation must be filed within that time, or the name lapses. The reservation can be extended for a further fee, within the limits set by the rules — check the current extension options on the MCA portal before relying on them.
Why do company names get rejected?
- Identical or too similar to an existing company, LLP or registered trademark.
- Only a plural, spelling, spacing or "new/the/India" difference from an existing name.
- Words that need government approval (such as Bank, Insurance, National, Board).
- Words that are offensive or suggest a link with the government without approval.
- Activity word that doesn't match the business.
How do you check whether a name is available?
- Search the existing company and LLP names on the MCA portal.
- Search the trademark registry public search for the distinctive word, in the classes that cover your business.
- Check that the matching website domain and social media handles are free, if they matter to you.
- Prepare two genuinely different options, not two spellings of the same word.
Tips from experience
- Invented or unusual words pass more easily than common dictionary words.
- Search the trademark registry, not just the MCA name list.
- If you plan a brand, consider filing a trademark soon after incorporation. Name approval by the MCA does not give you trademark rights.
Key takeaways
- Use RUN or SPICe+ Part A to get the name approved.
- Check MCA and trademark records first.
- File incorporation before the reserved name expires.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee for RUN name approval?
The government fee for a name application through RUN (Reserve Unique Name) is ₹1,000 per application. The fee is paid online on the MCA portal and is not refunded if the name is rejected. Applying for the name through Part A of SPICe+ does not attract a separate name fee, since it is part of the incorporation filing.
How many name options can be given in a RUN application?
A RUN application for a new company can propose up to two names, in order of preference. If the application is sent back for correction, one resubmission is allowed. If both names are rejected, a fresh RUN application with a new fee is needed. Offering two genuinely different names improves the chance of approval.
What is the difference between RUN and SPICe+ Part A?
RUN is a separate name reservation filed before incorporation, useful when you want the name confirmed first. SPICe+ Part A applies for the name as the first step of the incorporation form itself. Either way, an approved name for a new company is reserved for 20 days, and the rest of the incorporation form must be filed within that period.
Can a company change its name after incorporation?
Yes. A company can change its name by passing a special resolution of shareholders, first checking the new name through RUN, and then filing the prescribed forms with the Registrar. Once approved, the Registrar issues a fresh certificate of incorporation with the new name. Bank accounts, GST Registration, licences and stationery must then be updated.
What happens if my company name is rejected?
The Registrar gives the reason for rejection, such as similarity with an existing company or trademark, or use of a restricted word. You can resubmit with changes if a resubmission is still allowed, or file a new name application. Checking the MCA company and LLP names and the trademark registry before applying avoids most rejections.
