Posted By: Admin Published: 02-01-2026

Changing a company’s name in India is a strategic decision that may be driven by rebranding, expansion of business activities, change in ownership, merger, or compliance reasons. While the process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, it is well-structured and transparent if followed correctly.

This 2026 Guide on How to Change Company Name in India explains the company name change procedure, applicable rules, sections of law, and provides a complete name change of company list, with a special focus on the name change of private limited company. This guide is prepared by Tripathi & Arora Associates to help businesses understand the legal and practical aspects with clarity.

What is a Company Name Change?

A company name change refers to the legal process of altering the registered name of a company as recorded with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The change becomes effective only after approval from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) and issuance of a Fresh Certificate of Incorporation. A company name is not just a legal identity—it represents brand value, market positioning, and trust. Therefore, changing it requires compliance with statutory provisions.

Name Change of Company – Applicable Law & Sections

The name change of company section is primarily governed under the following provisions of the Companies Act, 2013:

• Section 13 – Alteration of Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Section 14 – Alteration of Articles of Association (AOA), if required
• Rule 29 of Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014

A company cannot change its name without passing a Special Resolution and obtaining approval from the Central Government (delegated to ROC).

Company Name Change Rules (2026 Updated)

Before initiating the process, companies must ensure compliance with the following company name change rules:

1. The proposed name must not be identical or similar to an existing company or LLP.
2. The name must comply with Rule 8 of Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
3. Words such as National, Bank, Stock Exchange, Mutual Fund require prior approval from relevant authorities.
4. A company must not have defaulted in filing annual returns or financial statements.
5. The name must not violate trademark laws.

Name Change of Private Limited Company

The name change of private limited company follows the same procedure as other companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013. However, the following points are important:

• The suffix “Private Limited” must remain unchanged.
• MOA & AOA must be updated with the new name.
• All statutory records, PAN, TAN, GST, and licenses must be updated after approval.

Private limited companies often change names due to rebranding, new investors, or diversification of business activities.

Company Name Change Procedure – Step-by-Step

Below is the complete company name change procedure applicable in India in 2026:

Step 1: Board Meeting

• Convene a Board Meeting
• Pass a resolution for:
  • Approval of proposed new name
  • Authorizing a director/company secretary to apply for name approval
  • Calling an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

Step 2: Name Availability Application (RUN)

• File RUN (Reserve Unique Name) with MCA
• Provide up to 2 proposed names with objectives
• Pay prescribed government fee

Step 3: Hold Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

• Pass Special Resolution for name change
• Approve alteration of MOA & AOA

Step 4: Filing of MGT-14

• File Form MGT-14 within 30 days
• Attach:
  • Certified copy of Special Resolution
  • Notice & Explanatory Statement
  • Altered MOA & AOA

Step 5: Filing of INC-24

• File Form INC-24 for Central Government approval
• Attach:
  • Approved RUN
  • Board & Shareholders resolutions

Step 6: Issuance of Fresh Certificate of Incorporation

• ROC verifies documents
• Issues Fresh Certificate of Incorporation with new name
• Name change becomes legally effective

Name Change of Company List – Documents Required

Below is the complete name change of company list of documents:

1. Board Resolution
2. Special Resolution
3. Altered MOA & AOA
4. RUN Approval Letter
5. EGM Notice
6. Attendance Sheet of EGM
7. MGT-14 Filing Challan
8. INC-24 Filing Challan

Timeline for Company Name Change

• RUN approval: 2–5 working days
• EGM & filings: 7–10 days
• ROC approval: 7–15 working days

Total Time: Approximately 20–30 working days

Post Name Change Compliance

After receiving the new Certificate of Incorporation, the company must update:

• PAN & TAN
• GST Registration
• Bank Accounts
• Letterheads & Invoices
• Website & Email IDs
• Statutory Registers
• Licenses & Registrations

Why Choose Tripathi & Arora Associates?

Tripathi & Arora Associates is a trusted legal and corporate advisory firm offering end-to-end support for:

• Company Name Change
• MOA & AOA Amendments
• ROC Filings & Compliance
• Trademark & Brand Advisory

Our team ensures a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free name change process with expert guidance at every step.

Common Reasons for Company Name Change

• Rebranding or marketing strategy
• Change in business activities
• Merger or acquisition
• Change in ownership or management
• Trademark conflicts

Conclusion

Changing a company name in India is a structured legal process that requires careful planning and statutory compliance. With expert assistance, the process becomes seamless and risk-free. For professional support in company name change, connect with Tripathi & Arora Associates and ensure compliance, clarity, and confidence in your corporate transformation.

FAQs – Company Name Change in India

1. Can a company change its name anytime?

Yes, subject to compliance with Companies Act, 2013 and ROC approval.

2. Which section governs company name change?

Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013 governs company name change.

3. Is trademark registration mandatory before name change?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended to avoid future disputes.

4. Does company CIN change after name change?

No, the CIN remains the same.

5. Is GST required to be updated after name change?

Yes, GST registration must be amended.

6. How long does the company name change process take?

Approximately 20–30 working days.

7. Can ROC reject a name change application?

Yes, if the proposed name violates naming rules or resembles existing entities.

8. Is shareholder approval mandatory?

Yes, a Special Resolution is mandatory.

9. Can a private limited company change its name?

Yes, by following the prescribed procedure.

10. Who can assist in company name change?

Professional firms like Tripathi & Arora Associates can manage the entire process.  

Other Related Links

• Incorporation Service
• Private Limited Company Registration
• Limited Liability Partnership Company Registration
• One Person Company Registration
• Partnership Company Registration
• Trademark Registration Service
• Income Tax Return Filing Services
• GST Return Filing Services
• FEMA/FDI Services
• Business Registration Solutions
• Accounting And Taxation Services
• Virtual CFO Services
• Secreterial Compliances Services
• Drafting Services