Sharp growth in registered companies in Bengal over the past decade – GetBengal story
According to fresh data from the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the companies registered in West Bengal have surged by 82.5% between 2011 and 2025. The figures challenge the long-standing political narrative of large-scale industrial flight from the state.
In 2011, Bengal had 1,37,156 registered companies. By March 31, 2025, the number went at 2,50,343, an increase of over 1.13 lakh companies in just 14 years. The data was shared by Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra in a written reply.
The records also show steady year-on-year growth in corporate registrations. In 2010, the state had 1,21,496 registered companies, which rose to 1,37,156 the next year. By 2019, the figure had crossed the two-lakh mark, standing at 2,00,626. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the growth trajectory continued. Subsequent years saw further gains: 2,21,873 in 2022 and 2,50,343 in 2025.
According to the ministry’s addendum, Bengal has consistently recorded more incorporations than closures over the last five financial years. In 2020-21, 7,197 companies were incorporated while 306 shut down. The following year, 8,365 new firms were registered against 273 closures. In 2022-23, the state saw 7,978 incorporations and 270 closures, while 2023-24 recorded the highest additions in the period, 8,683 incorporations compared to 371 closures. In 2024-25, 8,353 companies were incorporated and 366 closed.
These numbers indicate that not only has the state been adding thousands of companies every year, but the rate of closures remains relatively low compared to incorporations.The growth in corporate registrations stands in contrast to frequent opposition claims that Bengal has been witnessing a mass exodus of industries.
Economists point out that these numbers, along with trends in MSME expansion and start-up registrations, could indicate a changing business environment in Bengal.
