When starting a business in India, one of the initial steps involves registering your company. A crucial part of this process is getting your company name approved. The approval of your company name is an important milestone, as it ensures that the name complies with the regulations set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and is unique and distinguishable from other registered companies. But how long does it take to get your company name approved? Let’s take a closer look.

The Process of Company Name Approval in India
The process of obtaining company name approval in India typically follows these steps:
Choosing a Name: The first step is to decide on a name for your company. The name should be unique, not too similar to any existing company name, and it should comply with the MCA’s naming guidelines.
Name Availability Check: Before submitting your company name, it’s essential to perform a name availability check on the MCA website. This helps to ensure that the name you have chosen is available for registration and does not conflict with any existing names.
Filing for Name Approval: Once you’ve chosen a name, you can file the application for name approval with the MCA using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service. This service allows you to submit two proposed names for approval, and the MCA will review them to check for availability.
Review by MCA: After submitting the names, the MCA examines the application to verify that the proposed names adhere to the regulatory framework. This includes checking for trademarks, similarities with existing company names, and compliance with naming conventions.
Time Taken for Name Approval
The time it takes for your company name to be approved can vary depending on various factors. Here is a general timeline for the process:
Standard Timeline: In most cases, the MCA takes 1-3 business days to process the name approval request. If there are no issues or objections, the name is usually approved within this time frame.
Factors That Can Delay the Process:
- Name Rejection: If the name is already taken or violates MCA’s naming guidelines (such as being too similar to an existing company or trademark), your application will be rejected. This may result in delays as you will need to submit new proposed names.
- Complex Names: If the name involves special characters or terms that require more detailed scrutiny, approval may take longer.
- Backlog in MCA Processing: During peak periods or times when there is a backlog in the MCA, the approval process can take longer than usual.
- Objections and Clarifications: If the MCA has concerns or requires further clarifications, they may ask for additional documentation, which can further extend the time needed for approval.
Rejection and Resubmission: If your name is rejected, you will have to resubmit the name approval application with a different name. This resubmission can add several more days to the process, depending on how quickly you come up with an alternative name and submit the application.
After Name Approval: Next Steps
Once your company name is approved, you can proceed with the rest of the company registration process. The name approval is typically valid for 20 days from the date of approval, within which you must complete the process of incorporation.
Conclusion
On average, company name approval in India takes 1-3 business days if there are no issues with the application. However, the actual time may vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the name, the need for clarifications, or a backlog at the MCA. Therefore, it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure that the proposed name adheres to all MCA guidelines to avoid any delays.
About the Author

CA Bhuvnesh Kumar Goyal
Fellow Chartered Accountant, LLB, B.com, Forensic Accountant and Fraud Detection Professional
I am a Practicing Chartered Accountant having more than 15 years of experience in Indian Company Laws, Taxation, Accounting, Startup Advisory, Auditing and Assurance. During the course of my professional journey, I have helped thousands of entrepreneurs select the best form of company and setup their company.