MCA Company Name Check: A Complete Guide for Indian Startups

Choosing your company’s name isn’t just about creativity it’s a legal and strategic move. Before you fall in love with a name, make sure it’s actually available and compliant.

At StartupFlora, we always say: the very first step in your startup journey? Reserve your company name. And that starts at one place the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.

Let’s break it down.

Why You Must Check Company Name Availability on MCA

Think of the MCA portal as India’s official corporate registry. It helps ensure no two companies legally operate under the same name.

By checking your name on www.mca.gov.in, you:

• Avoid duplication — If another company already uses it, you’ll be rejected.
• Stay compliant — Names must follow the Companies Act, 2013 rules.
• Protect your brand — A unique name builds a strong identity from Day 1.

Skipping this step can delay your incorporation or worse, trigger legal trouble later.

What Is MCA Master Data?

Once a company is registered, its public record is stored as Master Data on the MCA portal. This includes:

• Company Name
• Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
• Date of Incorporation
• Status (Active, Inactive, Struck Off)
• Registered Address
• Capital Details
• Directors' Info (via separate tab)

This transparency helps founders, investors, and customers check the legitimacy of a business in seconds.

How to Check Company Name Availability (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the MCA Portal

Go to www.mca.gov.in. Under MCA Services → Company Services, click on Check Company Name.

Step 2: Enter Your Proposed Name

In the search bar, type the full name you want. This tool checks if any similar names or exact matches already exist.

Step 3: Analyze Results

• If your exact name appears, it’s already taken. Time to brainstorm a new one.
• If no match shows up, great! You can now move to name reservation.
• If names that are too similar show up (like same keywords with different suffixes), it might still be rejected.

StartupFlora Tip: Avoid using filler words like “New,” “Shri,” or “India” just to get a name through. MCA usually flags those too.

MCA Naming Rules to Keep in Mind

Your name must follow the MCA's naming norms:

Pro Tip: Run a trademark check and check domain name availability too all part of your brand planning.

How to Use MCA’s View Master Data (Company Details Lookup)

Looking up another company? Here’s how you find its Master Data:

1. Go to MCA Services → Master Data → View Company/LLP Master Data.
2. Search by Company Name or CIN.
3. Fill the captcha and submit.

You’ll get full details including incorporation date, authorized capital, compliance status, and more.

This is a great way to:

• Confirm a company is real.
• Verify CIN before partnerships.
• Spot red flags like inactive or struck-off status.

Why MCA Checks Help Prevent Business Fraud

Ever dealt with a shady “company” that disappeared overnight?

Use MCA’s portal to spot:

• Unregistered businesses – No record = red flag.
• Struck-off companies – Not legally allowed to operate.
• Shell setups – Look up directors and compliance history.

Doing this takes just minutes and can save you from a bad partnership or investment.

Reserving Your Name via RUN (Reserve Unique Name)

Once you’ve confirmed your name is available, head to RUN MCA’s name reservation service.

Here’s what to do:

1. Log in to the MCA portal.
2. Go to MCA Services → RUN.
3. Submit up to two name options.
4. Add a brief justification for the names.
5. Pay the fee and submit.

What Happens Next?

• MCA will approve or reject the names within 2–4 business days.
• Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days.
• You must complete incorporation using that name within this window.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you from a few rookie errors:

• Using restricted terms like “Government” or “Finance” without permission.
• Choosing names that mimic existing brands even if slightly tweaked.
• Skipping trademark checks your name might get legally challenged later.
• Forgetting the suffix — No “Private Limited” or “LLP”? Your form could get rejected.

StartupFlora’s Golden Rule

Reserve your name first. Always.

Why? Because:

• It ensures no one else takes it while you prepare your documents.
• It confirms you can build your brand identity confidently domain, socials, and all.

We guide startups every day through the name reservation and registration process. And trust us starting with the MCA portal avoids 90% of early-stage confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is an MCA company name check and why is it important?
It’s the process of checking whether your proposed business name is already registered. It avoids duplication and ensures compliance with the Companies Act.

Q2. How do I check name availability on the MCA site?
Go to www.mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company Services → Check Company Name. Type your desired name and hit search.

Q3. Can I use the name check tool for free?
Yes, it’s 100% free and you can search as many times as needed.

Q4. What are MCA’s rules for company names?
Avoid prohibited terms, check for trademarks, use the correct suffix (Pvt. Ltd., LLP, etc.), and make sure your name isn’t misleading or identical to others.

Q5. What if my name is already taken?
Try a unique variation that doesn’t mimic existing names. Think fresh, not “Shri XYZ” or “New ABC.”

Q6. Can I submit multiple names during reservation?
Yes, RUN allows two name options. If the first is rejected, MCA will consider the second.

Q7. Do I still need a trademark check?
Absolutely. MCA only checks company registration conflicts. Trademark ownership is separate — check both to avoid legal messes later.

Q8. How long is a reserved name valid?
Once approved, your name is locked for 60 days. You must file incorporation during this period.

Q9. Can I rename my company later?
Yes. You’ll need to apply through MCA with Form RUN (for change) and get approval for a new name.

Final Thoughts: Your First Legal Brand Move

Your business name is more than an idea it’s a legal identity. The MCA portal is your ally in choosing, checking, and reserving a name that’s truly yours.

At StartupFlora, we recommend all founders take this step seriously. A few minutes on the MCA portal today can save you weeks of trouble later.