Yes, you can withdraw an application before publication in India. You need make a request for the withdrawal of your application within 15 months of the date of filing or date of priority, whichever is earlier. Then, the application will not be published.
But, you must give it a lot of thought before you decide to withdraw an application before publication in India. The filing process is expensive and stopping your application at a point before publication can lead to a loss. Unless you discover some prior art, in which case, withdrawal is one of the only realistic options.
Related FAQs:
Can I access the documents in the file of an Indian patent application?
What is the time limit for responding to office actions in India?
Also, do make sure that you check out this free e-book: A Quick Guide to Patents. Basically, it deals with basics of patent procedures.
A Quick Guide to Patents
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