Form INC-24 – Application for Company Name Change

Introduction

Form INC-24 is an essential filing for companies in India wishing to change their registered name. Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), this form enables businesses to officially update their name in compliance with the Companies Act, 2013. This guide explains everything you need to know about Form INC-24, including the procedure, required documents, and important points to consider before initiating a name change.

Purpose of Form INC-24

Form INC-24 is used by companies to seek approval from the Registrar of Companies (RoC) for changing their existing company name. It serves as a formal application submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to ensure that the proposed name change complies with all legal requirements.

Law Governing Form INC-24

Form INC-24 is filed under Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, which allows a company to change its name after passing a special resolution and meeting the conditions laid out in Section 4(2) and 4(3).

Additionally, Rule 29(2) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 places restrictions on companies that have defaulted in filing annual returns or repaying matured deposits or debentures. Such companies cannot change their names until all pending obligations are cleared.

Name Selection Guidelines

When choosing a new company name, businesses must follow the MCA’s naming rules to ensure the name is unique, valid, and compliant. Key guidelines include:

The name must not be identical or overly similar to an existing company name or registered trademark.
Generic words like Private, Limited, LLP, or minor spelling variations are ignored while evaluating name uniqueness.
Names must not be offensive, misleading, or imply unwarranted association with government bodies.
Names suggesting ties to national heroes, government institutions, or specific regions require strong justification or prior approval.
Companies may be required to change their names if their business activities have changed significantly.

Procedure for Company Name Change & Filing Form INC-24

Step 1: Board Resolution
The board of directors passes a resolution proposing the name change and authorizing the filing of the name availability request.

Step 2: Name Availability Check
The company must check name availability using the MCA’s RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service by submitting up to two proposed names.

Step 3: Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
Once the name is approved, an EGM must be held to pass a special resolution approving the name change and amendments to the MOA and AOA.

Step 4: Filing Form INC-24
Form INC-24 must be filed within 30 days of passing the special resolution along with the required documents.

Documents Required for Form INC-24

Certified True Copy of EGM Minutes: Recording the special resolution for the name change.
Regulatory Approvals (if applicable): From bodies like RBI, IRDAI, or SEBI when sector-specific approval is required.
CA Certificate: If the new name reflects a change in core business activity, a CA certificate confirming turnover details is needed.
Optional Attachments: Any supporting documents such as business plans or justification notes.

Fee Structure for Form INC-24 Filing

Company Type	Authorized Share Capital	OPC & Small Companies	Other Companies
Standard Companies	Up to ₹25,00,000	₹1,000	₹2,000
	₹25,00,000–₹50,00,000	₹2,500	₹5,000
	Above ₹50,00,000–₹5,00,00,000	N/A	₹10,000
	Above ₹5,00,00,000–₹10 crore	N/A	₹15,000
	Above ₹10 crore	N/A	₹20,000
Company Limited by Guarantee	No Share Capital	N/A	₹2,000
Section 8 Company	Valid Section 8 License	N/A	₹2,000

Procedure for Filing Form INC-24 on the MCA Portal

Step 1: Log in to the MCA Portal
Visit the MCA website and sign in using your credentials.
Step 2: Upload Form INC-24
Enter details such as:
- Corporate Identity Number (CIN)
- SRN of name approval application
- Reason for the name change
- SRN of Form MGT-14
- Original incorporation name
- Member and shareholding details
Step 3: Attach Documents
Upload all required supporting documents through the “Attach” option.
Step 4: Make the Payment
Proceed to payment using the ‘Pay’ option.
Step 5: Submit the Form
The RoC will process the form after submission.
Step 6: SRN and Challan Generation
After submission:
- An SRN is generated for tracking.
- A challan is issued as proof of payment.
Step 7: Email Confirmation
The MCA will notify the company of approval or rejection via email.
Step 8: Issuance of New Certificate of Incorporation
If approved, the RoC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the new company name. In case of rejection, the RoC will provide reasons for the same.

Common Reasons for Rejection of Form INC-24

When applying for a company name change through Form INC-24, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) follows strict requirements. Applications are often rejected due to avoidable errors or missing information. Below are the most common reasons for rejection and how to prevent them:
1. Non-compliance with Statutory Filings
Issue: The company has pending annual returns, financial statements, or other required ROC filings.
Solution: Ensure all statutory filings are completed and updated before submitting Form INC-24. Auriga Accounting pvt. ltd. experts can help you stay compliant.
2. Outstanding Financial Liabilities
Issue: Unpaid matured deposits, debentures, or interest.
Solution: Clear all overdue financial obligations before applying.
3. Weak or Insufficient Justification for Name Change
Issue: The reason provided for the name change is vague or inadequate.
Solution: Clearly explain the purpose and necessity of the proposed name change.
4. Name Availability Issues
Issue: The proposed name is no longer available or the reservation has expired.
Solution: Check availability using the Auriga Accounting pvt. ltd. Company Name Check tool and reserve the name promptly.
5. Missing Special Resolution or Supporting Documents
Issue: Missing certified copies of the special resolution, notice, or explanatory statement.
Solution: Attach all required resolutions and ensure they are properly certified.
6. Incomplete Shareholder Details
Issue: The list of members and their shareholdings is incomplete or outdated.
Solution: Provide a complete, up-to-date shareholder list with accurate shareholding details.
7. Illegible MOA/AOA Documents
Issue: Uploaded MOA or AOA copies are unclear or unreadable.
Solution: Attach clear, legible, and high-quality scanned documents.
8. Missing Board Resolution
Issue: Absence of the Board resolution authorizing the name change application.
Solution: Upload a certified true copy of the Board resolution.
9. Missing Minutes of the General Meeting
Issue: Signed minutes of the general meeting, including voting details, are not provided.
Solution: Submit detailed, signed minutes reflecting how members voted.
10. Not Submitting the Altered MOA/AOA
Issue: Revised MOA/AOA reflecting the new name is not provided.
Solution: Furnish certified copies of the altered MOA and AOA.
11. Missing Regulatory Approvals
Issue: Required approvals from regulatory bodies (RBI, SEBI, IRDA, etc.) are not attached.
Solution: Obtain and upload relevant approvals where applicable.
12. Incomplete Details of Current Business Activities
Issue: No documentation of the company’s ongoing activities is filed.
Solution: Submit a clear description of current business operations.
13. Unclear or Outdated Objects Clause
Issue: The main objects need clarification or do not reflect current business activities.
Solution: Update and clarify the main objects in the application.
14. Missing Auditor’s Certificate
Issue: No auditor certificate or proof of income from new activities (if applicable).
Solution: Provide the auditor’s certificate verifying income or activity changes.
15. Name Not Aligned with Business Activities
Issue: Proposed name suggests business activities not reflected in the MOA/AOA.
Solution: Ensure the new name accurately corresponds to the company’s main objects.

Key Considerations

Name Availability:
Choose a name that aligns with your brand identity while fully complying with the MCA’s naming rules.

Trademark Protection:
Before finalizing the new name, verify trademark availability to prevent potential legal conflicts.

Stakeholder Notification:
After approval, inform all relevant stakeholders—including banks, clients, vendors, and partners—about the name change.

Record Updates:
Update all company documents, statutory records, signage, marketing materials, and digital assets to reflect the new company name.

About the Author

Ravi

Ravi is an experienced legal writer who translates complex laws into clear, actionable insights. He helps entrepreneurs understand their legal responsibilities, enabling them to build confident, compliant, and sustainable businesses.

January 10, 2026