Name Approval of LLP, Private Limited, OPC

Name Approval of LLP, Private Limited, OPC

In the process of new company incorporation, the first and significant step is to select a name that is unique and which will give recognition to the company. A unique name of company must be reserved with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Rule 8 of Companies Incorporation Rules 2014 provides name approval/availability guidelines as per Companies Act 2013 while selecting the names for companies. In this article we have discussed all about “MCA naming guidelines”.

  • Step-1 : Select a UNIQUE & Compliant Name
  • Step-2 : Apply for Name Reservation with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
  • Step-3 : Name Examined as per Rule 8 – Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 (Under Companies Act, 2013)
  • Step-4 : If Approved → Name Reserved Proceed with Incorporation
Key Points
  • Name must be Unique
  • Must follow MCA Naming Guidelines
  • Governed by Rule 8 (Companies Act, 2013)
The Name of a Company Should Be:
  • Unique
  • Contain a noun and an activity word that reflects its objectives.
  • Be in line with Company Name Guidelines issued by Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
What Kind of Company Name Should Be Avoided?

Same or similar to existing Company/LLP
(Including phonetically similar names)

❌ Similar to a registered or applied Trademark

❌ Offensive, illegal, or undesirable
(as per Central Government opinion)

❌ Misleading — suggesting connection with
Central/State Government or Authority
(without approval)

❌ Indicating financial activities
(Finance, Leasing, Chit Fund, Investment, Securities, etc.)
if such business is not actually carried on

❌ Purely descriptive or generic business terms

Key Principle

Name must be Unique, Non-Misleading, Legally Compliant, and Distinctive.

Things you should keep in Mind for Compamy Name Reservation

  • Apply in Part A (SPICe+).
  • MCA approval → 20-day name reservation.
  • Complete incorporation within 20 days.
  • Submit incorporation Document it.

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  • The applicant must file the incorporation form within the reserved period (20 days).
  • If not filed, the name will expire and a fresh application with additional fee is required.
Extension of Name Reservation:

As per MCA Notification dated 24 December 2020, the Registrar may extend the reserved name period up to 60 days under Rule 9, on payment of prescribed fees through the MCA portal using SPICe+. **

Restricted Words – Central Government Approval Required

Under the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 (Rule 8 & 8A), certain words cannot be used in a company name without prior approval of the Central Government.

Words Requiring Government Approval
Examples include

Board, Commission, Authority, Undertaking, National, Union, Central, Federal, Republic, President, Rashtrapati, Municipal, Panchayat, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Minister, Governor, Court, Judiciary, Statutory, Bureau, Development Authority, Financial Corporation, Forest Corporation, etc.

Also restricted:
  • Use of the word “Scheme” with Government, State, India, Bharat, or similar to Government schemes.
  • Names resembling Government bodies or authorities.
If Rules Are Violated

If a company is registered with a name VIOLATING these rules:

  • ROC can direct change of name, OR
  • Strike off the company, AND
  • Impose penalty up to ₹1 lakh.