The short version
- A compliant company name requires three distinct parts: a unique brand prefix, an activity noun, and an entity suffix.
- Single-word generic names or descriptive industry terms are automatically rejected by the Central Registration Centre (CRC).
- Words like 'International', 'Global', or 'Hindustan' require minimum authorised capital between ₹5 lakh and ₹50 lakh.
- Check registered trademarks in Class 35 and your core industry classes before filing RUN or Part A of SPICe+.
The Rule 8 formula (Prefix + Activity + Suffix)
Under Rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs evaluates every proposed name through a strict structural formula. A compliant name must contain a distinctive brand identifier followed by an activity noun and the statutory entity suffix.
For instance, proposing 'Fast Delivery Private Limited' will be instantly rejected because 'Fast Delivery' is descriptive and lacks a coined or distinctive identity. Proposing 'Zephyr Express Logistics Private Limited' succeeds because 'Zephyr' functions as a distinctive coined brand, 'Express Logistics' identifies the primary object, and 'Private Limited' designates the corporate structure.
The 5 most common reasons CRC rejects name applications
The MCA Central Registration Centre (CRC) in Manesar uses automated matching algorithms followed by examiner verification. These five issues trigger most resubmission notices:
- Phonetic similarity: Changing spelling while retaining sound (e.g., 'Kool' instead of 'Cool', or 'Phonics' instead of 'Fonix') violates Rule 8A.
- Direct translation: Translating an existing company's name into Hindi or another regional language is considered identical under Rule 8B.
- Missing activity word: Names like 'Starlight Private Limited' lack an object noun indicating whether the company does IT, textiles, or finance.
- Unchecked trademark conflicts: A name identical or deceptively similar to a registered trademark in the Trade Marks Register under Section 4(2) cannot be approved without a trademark NOC.
- Sectoral regulatory terms without NOC: Words like 'Bank', 'Insurance', 'Mutual Fund', or 'Venture' filed without prior regulatory consent.
Scale words and required capital thresholds
Many first-time founders add words like 'International' or 'Global' to make their startup sound established, only to have their application returned. Under MCA guidelines, scale words require adequate authorised capital to prevent misleading the public.
- International, Globe, Universal, Continental: Minimum authorised capital of ₹5 Lakhs.
- Asia, Asian: Minimum authorised capital of ₹10 Lakhs.
- Bharat, Hindustan, India (as prefix): Minimum authorised capital of ₹50 Lakhs.
- Corporation: Minimum authorised capital of ₹5 Crore.
Sectoral keywords requiring regulator NOCs
Certain activities are governed by statutory regulators. Using these words in your name requires an in-principle approval or No Objection Certificate (NOC) before the CRC will approve the name:
- Banking & Lending ('Bank', 'Banking', 'NBFC', 'Microfinance'): Requires Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prior approval.
- Securities & Investment ('Stock Exchange', 'Asset Management', 'Mutual Fund', 'Venture Capital'): Requires SEBI clearance.
- Insurance ('Insurance', 'Assurance', 'Reinsurance'): Requires IRDAI approval.
- National & State Emblems ('Republic', 'President', 'Union', 'Federal'): Prohibited under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change often, so check with an advisor before you file anything.