Changing a company’s name or its legal status (for example, converting a private company to a public company, converting an OPC, or altering the class/category of the company) is a statutory procedure under the Companies Act and requires board/shareholder approvals plus specific MCA filings. This guide gives you a concise, production-ready checklist and workflow so you can complete the process with minimal risk and delay. India Law Offices+1
Quick overview — two distinct processes
- Name change — when a company formally alters its registered name (new Certificate of Incorporation issued). Learn by Quicko
- Status (type/category) change — when the class or status of a company changes (e.g., private → public, OPC conversions, change in liability structure). This generally needs a special resolution and specific conversion forms. TaxGuru+1
Step-by-step: Changing Company Name
1) Board meeting — approve the proposal
- Convene a board meeting and pass a resolution authorizing the name change and authorizing an officer (director/CS) to take next steps (name search, convene EGM). Learn by Quicko
2) Check name availability / reserve name
- Search MCA name availability. Reserve the preferred name (through available MCA name reservation service or via prescribed process). (Recommendation: shortlist 2–3 alternative names.)
3) Convene an EGM & pass a Special Resolution
- Call an Extraordinary General Meeting and pass a Special Resolution under Section 13 (or relevant sections) approving the new name and any MOA/AOA alterations.
4) File MGT-14 (special resolution)
- File Form MGT-14 with ROC within 30 days of passing the special resolution. TaxGuru
5) File Form INC-24 (application for Central Government approval)
- After MGT-14 SRN, file INC-24 (Application for approval of Central Government for change of name) along with required attachments (altered MOA/AOA where applicable, copy of EGM notice/minutes, affidavit, service of advertisement if required). On approval, ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation with the new name. CAIRR+1
6) Post-approval compliance
- Once fresh Certificate of Incorporation is issued: update official stationery, bank accounts, GST registrations, tax accounts, EPFO/ESIC records and notify stakeholders (clients, vendors, banks). Update MCA records (ROC portal) and ensure website, signboards and legal documents reflect the new name.
Step-by-step: Changing Company Status / Type (e.g., Private → Public, OPC conversions)
Note: Specific attachments and eligibility conditions vary depending on the conversion type. Always verify the particular conditions before filing. Compliance Calendar LLP+1
1) Board meeting + EGM
- Board approves calling an EGM to seek members’ approval for conversion. Pass the Special Resolution necessary for conversion and alteration of MOA/AOA clause(s) (if applicable).
2) File MGT-14
- File Form MGT-14 within 30 days after the special resolution. TaxGuru
3) File the relevant conversion form
- Common MCA forms for conversions:
- INC-27 — application for conversion of company type/category (frequently used for Private ↔ Public conversions). TaxGuru
- INC-6 — conversion related to One-Person Company (OPC) in specific cases. IndiaFilings
- Attach the certified copies of resolutions, altered AOA/MOA, EGM minutes and other required annexures.
4) ROC review and issue of approval
- ROC examines the application and attachments. The ROC may ask for clarifications or additional documents. On satisfaction, ROC permits the conversion and updates the company status in records.
5) Post-conversion filings & operational updates
- Update bank accounts, contracts, regulatory registrations (GST, TAN, tax registrations), payroll records (PF/ESIC) and notify stakeholders. File any additional forms required by sectoral regulators (if applicable).
Documents typically required (name & status changes)
- Board resolution and minutes.
- Special resolution and EGM minutes (with attendance sheet).
- Copy of notice and explanatory statement (Section 102) where required.
- Altered MOA / AOA (where clause changes are required).
- Affidavit(s) by directors/CS (where required).
- NOC(s) from lenders or other stakeholders (if encumbrances exist).
- Any statutory declarations or sectoral approvals required for the specific change. ICSI+1
Key forms & timelines (at a glance)
- MGT-14 — File within 30 days of passing SR. TaxGuru
- INC-24 — For name change (file after MGT-14); application to Central Government/ROC for new name. CAIRR
- INC-27 — For conversion of company type/category (e.g., private → public). Compliance Calendar LLP
- INC-6 / others — Specific conversions (OPC related) where applicable. IndiaFilings
Practical tips from Saving Mantra
- Plan sequencing carefully. MGT-14 SRN is often required before filing the principal form (INC-24 / INC-27); missing sequence causes rejections. LegalWiz.in
- Document checklist. Prepare MOA/AOA drafts, certified copies of resolutions, and affidavits in advance to avoid delays.
- Stakeholder communications. Notify lenders, major vendors and the bank before initiating conversions to avoid operational friction.
- Use digital signatures. Ensure authorized signatories’ DSCs are valid to e-file forms without delay.
- Record retention. Keep certified copies and proof of filings for statutory records and audits.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Filing INC forms before MGT-14 SRN is generated. TaxGuru
- Not attaching properly altered MOA/AOA or missing annexures.
- Ignoring sectoral or contractual constraints (e.g., approvals required under other laws).
- Failing to update statutory registrations (GST, PF/ESIC) after conversion/name change.
Conclusion — How Saving Mantra helps
Name and status changes require careful sequencing, precise documentation and timely e-filing. Saving Mantra offers end-to-end compliance support: drafting resolutions, preparing shareholder notices, validating documentation, e-filing with MCA, and post-filing regulatory updates. If you’d like, we can:
- Draft your board/EGM documents and MOA/AOA amendments, or
- Prepare the exact set of attachments for MGT-14, INC-24 or INC-27 and file them for you.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and related rules, laws and regulations may change over time and interpretations may vary based on specific facts and circumstances. All services are subject to applicable laws, rules, and government approvals prevailing at the time of execution.