Over 28 Lakh Companies Registered In India; Only 65% Remain Active: Data

According to official figures, over 28 lakh companies are registered across India, but only 65% – around 18.1 lakh – are active.

Foreign companies account for just 5,216 entities registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Of these, 63%, or 3,281, were classified as active as of the end of January.

Data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs further revealed that 16,781 new companies registered in January, with a combined paid-up capital of Rs 816.14 crore.

In its monthly information bulletin, the Ministry noted, “A total number of 28,05,354 companies registered in the country as of January 31, 2025, of which 65% (18,17,222) companies stand active. There is an increase of 0.14% in the total proportion of active companies with respect to registered companies when compared to December 2024.”

Meanwhile, officials have closed 9,49,934 companies.

Sector-wise, business services had the largest share of active companies at 27%, followed by manufacturing at 20%, while trading and community, personal, and social services each accounted for 13%.

Among states, Maharashtra had the highest number of active companies, followed by Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have recorded an increase in the number of active companies compared to December 2024.

“Among the Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir showed a rise of 112 companies in contrast to December 2024,” the ministry added.

As of the end of January, a total of 5,216 foreign companies registered in India, with 63% of them remaining active.

The Ministry further stated, “Of the 16 new overseas business entities that registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs from November 2024 to January 2025, 37.50% established in Delhi, 18.75% in Kerala, 12.50% in Tamil Nadu, 6.25% in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana each.”

Also Read: Business Chambers Hail PM Modi’s US Visit