Not every .in name is open to everyone. The .IN Registry, run under the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), keeps some names back, limits some extensions to eligible organisations, and can refuse or remove names that break its policies. This guide explains the kinds of names affected, how to check a name before you pay, and what happens if a registered name turns out to break the rules.
.in names can be unavailable for three reasons: the registry has reserved them, they sit in a restricted extension such as .gov.in or .ac.in that only eligible bodies can use, or they are prohibited because they are offensive, unlawful or misleading. The registry's own published policy is the authority, and registrars cannot override it. Search the name first, avoid anything that suggests a government connection or copies a trademark, and read the registry's current policy if you are unsure.
1. Who makes the rules for .in names
- NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India) is the not-for-profit body that manages the .in country-code domain for India.
- The .IN Registry operates .in under NIXI and publishes the policies that decide who may register what, how disputes are handled, and which names are not available.
- Accredited registrars, such as Domain India, register names for customers and must follow those policies. A registrar cannot release a reserved name or approve a name the policy forbids.
Because the registry can update its policies and lists at any time, always treat the registry's current published policy as the final word, not a list copied into an older article.
2. Reserved, restricted and prohibited: the difference
| Type | What it means | Can you register it? |
|---|---|---|
| Reserved | The registry holds the name back, for example for its own operations, for public bodies or for future use | No, unless the registry releases it under its own process |
| Restricted extension | A second-level extension set aside for one group, such as government or education | Only if you are eligible, through the channel for that group |
| Prohibited or objectionable | The name breaks the registry's policy or the law, for example because it is offensive or misleading | It may be refused, or suspended or deleted later |
A name can also be perfectly allowed by the registry and still get you into trouble, because it copies someone's trademark. That is a separate risk, covered in section 5.
3. Categories of names that are commonly reserved or refused
Country-code registries around the world, including .IN, protect similar groups of names. The exact list and wording belong to the registry, but these are the categories to watch:
If a name you want falls into one of these groups, assume it will be refused or challenged, and choose another.
4. Restricted .in extensions
Some second-level .in extensions are reserved for particular kinds of organisation and are not sold by commercial registrars:
- .gov.in is for Indian government bodies, and .mil.in for defence.
- .ac.in, .edu.in and .res.in are for academic, educational and research institutions, and are handled through ERNET India.
Everyone else can choose from the open .in extensions. Domain India offers .in, .co.in, .net.in, .org.in and other open .in extensions such as .firm.in, .gen.in and .ind.in. See an overview of domain name extensions for how to choose.
5. Trademarks: allowed by the registry, still risky
The registry does not check every new name against every trademark. A name can register successfully and still be taken from you later.
- The .IN Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (INDRP), run by NIXI, lets a trademark owner complain about a .in name registered in bad faith and ask for it to be transferred or cancelled.
- Indian courts also treat domain names like trademarks, so the owner may bring a passing-off claim.
Before you register a name that looks like a brand, search the Indian Trade Marks Registry for it. More on disputes is in buying, transferring and selling domains.
6. How to check a name before you pay
- Search the name.A search at domain registration shows whether it can be registered. A name that shows as unavailable but has no website may be reserved rather than taken.
- Read it as a stranger would.If the name could make someone think you are a government office, a court, a public body or another company, pick a different one.
- Check trademarks.Search the Indian Trade Marks Registry for the main word in your name.
- Check the registry's policy.For anything borderline, read the current policies published by the .IN Registry.
- Ask before ordering.If you are unsure, open a ticket and ask whether the name can be registered.
7. If a registered name breaks the rules
If a reserved or prohibited name is registered by mistake, the registry can refuse, suspend or delete it under its policy, and a trademark owner can take it through INDRP or the courts. Either way you can lose the name, the website and the email that depend on it.
Domain registrations and renewals are non-refundable at Domain India, so a name that is later suspended or taken away is a cost you do not get back. Checking first is the only protection.
8. Registering .in names with Domain India
Domain India is a NIXI-accredited .IN registrar.
| Extension | Register (1 year) | Renew (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| .in | ₹575 | ₹625 |
| .co.in | ₹475 | ₹525 |
| .net.in and .org.in | ₹475 | ₹525 |
Domain India list prices on 19 September 2026, excluding 18% GST. For .in and its second-level extensions (.co.in, .net.in, .org.in and others), personal registrant details are not shown in public WHOIS. This is free and automatic; there is nothing to switch on.
For help choosing a name, read how to choose the right domain name for your business.
What is a reserved .in domain name?
A name the .IN Registry holds back from public registration, for example for its own operations, for public bodies or for future use. It cannot be registered through a registrar unless the registry releases it under its own process.
Who decides which .in names are reserved or prohibited?
The .IN Registry, operated under NIXI, in its published policies. Accredited registrars such as Domain India must follow them and cannot override them.
Can I register a .gov.in or .ac.in domain?
Only if you are eligible. .gov.in is for Indian government bodies, and .ac.in, .edu.in and .res.in are for academic, educational and research institutions through ERNET India. Commercial registrars do not sell them.
What happens if I register a prohibited .in name?
The registry can refuse, suspend or delete it under its policy. Domain registration fees are not refundable, so check the name before you pay.
Can a .in domain be taken away over a trademark?
Yes. Under INDRP, NIXI's dispute policy, a trademark owner can ask for a .in name registered in bad faith to be transferred or cancelled. Courts in India can also order it.
Where can I see the official list of reserved .in names?
Check the policies published by the .IN Registry on its website, which are the current authority. If you are unsure about a particular name, ask your registrar before you order.
Ready to find a name that is clear of these rules? Search for a domain, read how to choose the right domain name, or open a ticket if you are unsure about a name.
Domain India is a NIXI-accredited .IN registrar. Register .in from ₹575 a year, excluding 18% GST.
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