Can an application be withdrawn? If yes, what steps will be required to be taken to withdraw an application?

Yes, it is possible to withdraw a patent application. An application may be withdrawn by taking one or more of the following steps:

1. by filing a request at the Indian Patent Office any time before the grant of the patent. If the applicant intends to also prevent the publication of the application, the request for withdrawal must be filed three months prior to the 18 months’ period from the priority date;
2. by not filing the request for examination; and
3. by not filing a response to the first examination report.