How many members are required to register a society in India?

Under Section 1 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, a minimum of 7 persons are required to form and register a society. These members must be associated for a literary, scientific, charitable, or social welfare purpose as defined in Section 20.

What is the fee for society registration?

The government registration fee varies by state, typically Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. Stamp duty on MoA adds Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000. Total government cost is generally Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 excluding professional fees.

What is the validity of society registration?

In most states society registration is permanent as long as annual compliance is maintained. Some states like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh require renewal every 5 years.

Can a society get 12A and 80G registration?

Yes. A registered society is eligible for 12A registration exempting income from tax and 80G registration allowing donors to claim tax deduction on donations. Both applications are filed online with the Income Tax Department.

What is the difference between a society and a trust?

A society requires 7 members with democratically elected governing body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. A trust requires only 2 persons with trustees appointed for life under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Both are eligible for 12A, 80G, and FCRA.

Can a society receive foreign donations?

Yes, but only after obtaining FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. The society must have existed for at least 3 years and spent minimum Rs 15 lakh on core activities during the preceding 3 years.

Can a society carry on commercial activities?

A society can carry on incidental commercial activities if income is applied exclusively towards charitable objects. If commercial income exceeds 20 percent of total receipts it may lose 12A tax exemption under Section 11(4A) of the Income Tax Act.

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Society Registration in India

Reviewed by CA and CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP ICAI & ICSI Registered| 15+ Years Experience| Last Updated: Verify Credentials →

Documents: Memorandum of Association, Rules & Regulations, ID/address proof of 7+ members

Fees: Government registration fees Rs 500 - Rs 5,000 (varies by state)

Eligibility: Minimum 7 members for literary, scientific, charitable, or social welfare purposes

Timeline: 30-60 working days from application to Certificate of Registration

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Overview What Is Society Registration Who Should Register Our Services Registration Process Documents Challenges Fees Timeline Benefits Comparison FAQs

Society Registration in India - Overview

📌 TL;DR - Society Registration Services at a Glance

Society registration is the legal process of incorporating a non-profit association under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Any 7 or more persons associated for a literary, scientific, charitable, or social welfare purpose can form a society by filing a Memorandum of Association with the Registrar of Societies. Registration fees range from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 depending on the state. The process takes 30-60 working days. Registered societies can apply for 12A and 80G tax exemptions.

Society registration is the most widely used legal framework for establishing non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, educational institutions, cultural bodies, and community welfare groups in India. Governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860 - one of India's oldest statutes still in active force - this structure provides legal identity, credibility, and the ability to receive grants, donations, and government funding. Many of India's most impactful NGOs, educational societies, and welfare organizations operate as registered societies, benefiting from 12A income tax exemption and 80G donor tax deduction certificates.

Parameter	Details
Governing Law	Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act XXI of 1860) + state-specific amendments
Registering Authority	Registrar of Societies (state-level authority)
Minimum Members	7 persons (Indian citizens, companies, or other registered societies)
Purpose	Literary, scientific, charitable, religious, cultural, social welfare (Section 20)
Key Document	Memorandum of Association + Rules & Regulations of the Society
Validity	Permanent registration; renewal every 5 years in some states
Tax Benefits	Eligible for 12A registration (income exemption) and 80G registration (donor tax deduction)

Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.

What Is Society Registration?

Society registration is the process of formally incorporating an association of 7 or more persons under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 for any literary, scientific, charitable, or social welfare purpose as defined in Section 20 of the Act.

Under Section 1 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, any seven or more persons can form a society by subscribing their names to a Memorandum of Association and filing it with the Registrar of Societies. Upon verification, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration granting the society a distinct legal identity - separate from its members. The society can then own property, enter contracts, sue and be sued in its own name, and receive donations and grants.

Many states have enacted their own amendments to the central Act (e.g., Maharashtra Societies Registration Act, Rajasthan Societies Registration Act, 1958, Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960), though the core framework remains consistent.

Key Terms for Society Registration:

Memorandum of Association (MoA): The charter document of the society containing its name, registered office address, objects, and names/addresses/occupations of the governing body members. Must be signed by all founding members and witnessed by a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner.

Rules and Regulations: The governing document defining the society's internal management procedures including membership criteria, governing body elections, meeting procedures, financial management, and amendment processes.

Registrar of Societies: The state-level authority responsible for registering, overseeing, and maintaining records of societies. Each state has a designated Registrar, typically under the Revenue or Home Department.

Section 12A Registration: Registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 that exempts the society's income from tax, provided it applies the income towards its charitable objects.

Section 80G Registration: Registration under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 that allows donors to claim a tax deduction (50% or 100%) on donations made to the registered society.

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Who Should Register a Society?

Charitable Groups: Groups of 7+ individuals seeking to establish a charitable organization for education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, or community development.
Cultural and Religious Organizations: Promoting arts, music, dance, literature, or religious activities.
Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, coaching centres, and research foundations.
Sports Clubs and Associations: Promoting physical fitness and competitive sports.
Environmental Organizations: Working on conservation, sustainability, and awareness.
Professional and Alumni Associations: Industry bodies, alumni groups, and resident welfare societies.

Purposes Eligible under Section 20: Promotion of science, literature, or fine arts; diffusion of useful knowledge or political education; foundation or maintenance of libraries, reading rooms, museums, or galleries; charitable purposes including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation; any other purpose analogous to those listed.

Patron Accounting's Society Registration Services

Service	What We Do
Complete Registration Package	End-to-end society registration including MoA drafting, Rules & Regulations preparation, document attestation, Registrar filing, and Certificate of Registration procurement
MoA and Rules Drafting	Professional drafting of the Memorandum of Association with legally compliant object clauses and comprehensive Rules & Regulations tailored to your society's specific purpose
12A and 80G Registration	Post-registration application for Section 12A income tax exemption and Section 80G donor tax deduction certificates
FCRA Registration	For societies seeking foreign contributions - FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
Annual Compliance Management	Filing of annual governing body list with Registrar, income tax returns, audit report preparation, and renewal assistance every 5 years (where applicable)
NGO Darpan and CSR Registration	Registration on NITI Aayog's NGO Darpan portal and CSR-1 filing for CSR funding eligibility under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013

Our Process

7-Step Society Registration Process

From name selection to Certificate of Registration - Patron Accounting handles every step of your society incorporation with the state Registrar of Societies.

Step 1

Select a Unique Society Name

Choose a name that reflects the society's objects and does not conflict with existing registered societies or violate the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. Verify availability with the state Registrar of Societies.

Name availability checkReflects charitable purpose

Name Selected01

Step 2

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Draft the MoA containing: name of the society, registered office address, objects aligned with Section 20, and names, addresses, and occupations of all governing body members. The MoA must be signed by all 7+ founding members.

Section 20 compliant objects7+ member signatures

MoA Drafted02

Step 3

Draft Rules and Regulations

Prepare the society's internal governance document covering membership admission and removal, governing body composition and election process, meeting procedures (AGM and special meetings), financial management and audit, amendment procedures, and dissolution provisions per Section 13.

Governance frameworkElection & meeting rules

Rules Ready03

Step 4

Notarisation and Witnessing

Both the MoA and Rules & Regulations must be signed by all founding members and officially verified by a Notary Public, Oath Commissioner, Gazetted Officer, Advocate, or Chartered Accountant with their official seal and stamp. At least 2 witnesses should also sign.

Notary attestation2 witnesses required

Notarised04

Step 5

File Application with Registrar of Societies

Submit the application form (state-specific), signed MoA, Rules & Regulations, KYC documents of all members, address proof of registered office, affidavit declarations, and the prescribed registration fee (Rs 500 - Rs 5,000) to the Registrar of Societies. Many states now accept online applications.

State-specific filingOnline + offline options

Application Filed05

Step 6

Registrar Verification and Approval

The Registrar examines submitted documents for compliance with the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and state-specific rules. The Registrar may seek clarifications or additional documents. Processing time varies by state - typically 30-60 working days.

Document verification30-60 days processing

Under Review06

Step 7

Certificate of Registration Issued

Upon satisfaction, the Registrar certifies under his hand that the society is registered under the Act (Section 3). The Certificate of Registration with a unique registration number is issued, confirming the society's legal existence as a separate entity.

Unique registration numberSeparate legal entity

Society Registered07

Documents Required for Society Registration

Memorandum of Association signed by all 7+ founding members
Rules and Regulations of the Society
PAN cards of all members of the governing body
Aadhaar cards / Voter ID / Passport of all members
Passport-size photographs of all members
Address proof of registered office (rent agreement + NOC from owner, or ownership documents + utility bill)
Affidavit/declaration by the President or Secretary of the proposed society
No Objection Certificate from the property owner for registered office
Covering letter stating the purpose for forming the society
Notarised copies of MoA and Rules & Regulations
List of governing body members with designations and signatures

Common Challenges and How We Solve Them

Challenge	Impact	How Patron Accounting Solves It
MoA Object Clause Rejection	Registrar rejects vague or overly broad clauses	Patron Accounting drafts legally precise object clauses aligned with Section 20, ensuring first-time approval
State-Specific Procedural Variations	Procedures vary significantly across states	Our team is experienced with state-specific requirements, forms, and e-governance portals across India
Delayed Processing by Registrar	Applications stuck in processing queues	Proactive follow-ups with Registrar's office and complete, error-free documentation
Post-Registration 12A/80G Complexity	Complex financial projections and compliance documentation needed	Our CA team handles both applications as part of an integrated package

Society Registration Fees and Charges

Fee Component	Amount
Government Registration Fee	Rs 500 - Rs 5,000 (varies by state)
Stamp Duty on MoA	Rs 1,000 - Rs 10,000 (varies by state)
Notarisation Charges	Rs 500 - Rs 2,000
PAN Application for Society	Rs 110
12A Registration (post-registration)	No government fee (online application)
80G Registration (post-registration)	No government fee (online application)
Patron Accounting Professional Fees	Starting from INR 9,999 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges)

All fees and charges listed are indicative only and do not constitute a binding offer. Final amounts may vary depending on the volume of work and the complexity involved.

Professional service charges for drafting, filing, and representation are separate from the statutory fees. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the case, disputed amount, and number of hearings required. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Get a free Society Registration consultation - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us. No-obligation assessment.

Time Taken for Society Registration

Stage	Estimated Timeline
Name Finalisation and MoA Drafting	3-5 days
Rules & Regulations Drafting	2-3 days
Notarisation and Document Attestation	1-2 days
Application Filing with Registrar	1-2 days
Registrar Verification and Processing	30-60 working days (varies by state)
Certificate of Registration	Issued upon Registrar approval
Total	30-60 working days

Pro Tip: Many states now accept online applications through e-governance portals, which can reduce processing time. Patron Accounting files 12A, 80G, and NGO Darpan applications concurrently with the registration to minimise the gap between incorporation and full operational readiness.

Key Benefits

6 Benefits of Professional Society Registration

Legal Identity

A registered society is a separate legal entity that can own property, enter contracts, sue and be sued in its own name under Section 5 and 6 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Tax Exemptions

Registered societies can apply for 12A (income exemption) and 80G (donor deduction) under the Income Tax Act, 1961, making them highly attractive for donors.

Government Grants and CSR Funds

NGO Darpan and CSR-1 registration enables the society to receive CSR funds under Section 135 and government grants.

Foreign Contributions

FCRA-registered societies can receive donations from foreign sources, NRIs, and international foundations.

Credibility and Trust

The Certificate of Registration provides formal recognition, enhancing credibility with donors, banks, government agencies, and the public.

Democratic Governance

Societies operate through elected governing bodies with defined terms, ensuring transparency, accountability, and democratic decision-making.

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With offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, Patron Accounting serves societies across India - both in-person and remotely.

Society vs Trust vs Section 8 Company

Parameter	Society	Trust	Section 8 Company
Governing Law	Societies Registration Act, 1860	Indian Trusts Act, 1882	Companies Act, 2013 - Section 8
Min Members	7 persons	2 (1 trustor + 1 trustee)	2 directors + 2 shareholders
Registering Authority	Registrar of Societies (state)	Sub-Registrar (local)	Registrar of Companies (MCA)
Governing Body	Elected governing body / managing committee	Board of Trustees (appointed, not elected)	Board of Directors
Democracy	Highly democratic - elected body	Low - trustees appointed for life	Moderate - director rotation possible
12A/80G Eligibility	Yes	Yes	Yes
FCRA Eligibility	Yes	Yes	Yes
Annual Compliance	File governing body list + audit report	File audit report with Charity Commissioner	ROC filings (MGT-7, AOC-4) + audit

Related Services

12A and 80G Registration - Tax exemption for the society and donor deduction
FCRA Registration - For receiving foreign contributions
NGO Registration - Comprehensive NGO setup including all forms
Section 8 Company Registration - Alternative non-profit structure under Companies Act
GST Registration - If the society provides taxable services

Legal and Compliance Framework

Governing Act and Key Sections

Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act XXI of 1860) + state-specific amendments
Section 1: Formation by 7+ persons subscribing to MoA
Section 2: Contents of MoA - name, objects, governing body details
Section 3: Registrar certifies registration
Section 4: Annual filing of governing body list
Section 5: Property vests in governing body
Section 6: Society can sue and be sued
Section 12: Societies can alter, extend, or abridge their purposes (3/5th majority)
Section 13: Dissolution provisions - 3/5th member consent required
Section 20: Defines eligible purposes for registration

Penalties

Under state amendments, failure to file annual governing body list or making false entries can attract fines up to Rs 500 per the central Act (higher in state amendments - e.g., Rs 5,000 in some states). Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of registration by the Registrar.

Annual Compliance

File governing body list with Registrar annually (within 14 days of AGM per Section 4). Hold AGM as per Rules & Regulations. Maintain audited accounts and file with Registrar where required. File ITR-7 if registered under 12A. Renewal every 5 years in applicable states. File activity report with NGO Darpan if registered.

Frequently Asked Questions - Society Registration

Get answers to the most common questions about society registration, eligibility, fees, process, and compliance in India.

Quick Answers

Can a society be converted to a Section 8 company? Yes, by incorporating a new Section 8 company and transferring the society's assets, activities, and staff.

Does a society need PAN? Yes. PAN in the name of the society is mandatory for opening a bank account, filing ITR, and applying for 12A/80G.

Can foreigners be members of a society? Yes, foreigners residing in India can be members. Foreign companies can also be members in some states.

Is GST applicable to a society? GST applies if the society provides taxable services exceeding the threshold limit. Pure charitable activities may be exempt.

Can a society own property? Yes, under Section 5 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, property vests in the governing body.

Why Register Your Society Now?

CSR funding under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 is growing rapidly, and only registered societies with NGO Darpan and CSR-1 registration can receive these funds. Additionally, 12A and 80G registrations are now processed online with time-bound approvals - early registration ensures your society can start receiving tax-exempt donations sooner. Government grant schemes for education, healthcare, and skill development also require formal society registration as a prerequisite.

Register your society today - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us for a free consultation.

Register Your Society with Expert CA and CS Support

Society registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 provides the legal foundation for charitable, educational, cultural, and social welfare organizations to operate with credibility, transparency, and access to funding. With a minimum of 7 members, state-specific registration fees, and 30-60 day processing, it is one of the most accessible pathways to establish a non-profit entity in India.

Patron Accounting's CA and CS team handles the complete registration process - from MoA drafting to Registrar filing to 12A/80G application - with 15+ years of NGO registration expertise. With offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, we serve societies across India.

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Society Registration Services Across India

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Content Created: 10 March 2026 | Last Updated: | Next Review: 10 December 2026 | Reviewed By: CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP

This page is reviewed every 9 months or when significant regulatory changes occur - including state amendment to Societies Act, 12A/80G rule change, FCRA amendment, or CSR threshold change.

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Society Registration in India

Get Free Consultation

Real Stories from Real People

Join 10,000+ Satisfied Businesses

Society Registration in India - Overview

What Is Society Registration?

Who Should Register a Society?

Patron Accounting's Society Registration Services

Select a Unique Society Name

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Draft Rules and Regulations

Notarisation and Witnessing

File Application with Registrar of Societies

Registrar Verification and Approval

Certificate of Registration Issued

Documents Required for Society Registration

Common Challenges and How We Solve Them

Society Registration Fees and Charges

Time Taken for Society Registration

6 Benefits of Professional Society Registration

Legal Identity

Tax Exemptions

Government Grants and CSR Funds

Foreign Contributions

Credibility and Trust

Democratic Governance

Why 10,000+ Businesses Trust Patron Accounting

Society vs Trust vs Section 8 Company

Related Services

Legal and Compliance Framework

Governing Act and Key Sections

Penalties

Annual Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions - Society Registration

How many members are required to register a society in India?

What is the fee for society registration?

What is the validity of society registration?

Society kaise register kare?

Can a society get 12A and 80G registration?

What is the difference between a society and a trust?

NGO kaise banaye society ya trust?

Can a society receive foreign donations?

Why Register Your Society Now?

Register Your Society with Expert CA and CS Support

Society Registration Services Across India