CSR-1 Registration for NGOs: Process, Documents and Timeline

CSR registration helps eligible NGOs and nonprofit organisations qualify to implement Corporate Social Responsibility projects for companies in India. The applicable requirements depend on the organisation’s legal status, eligibility, and intended role as an implementing agency. Costs may include professional charges and applicable filing fees

By Aabha GargReviewed by CA Ashutosh Aggarwal Last updated: November 5, 2026

Legal registration under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, or eligibility under the 12A and 80G framework

Minimum of 3 years of experience in relevant fields.

5000+

Happy Customers

2427+

NGOs Registered

3499+

Govt Registrations

Legal registration under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, or eligibility under the 12A and 80G framework

Minimum of 3 years of experience in relevant fields.

5000+

Happy Customers

2427+

NGOs Registered

3499+

Govt Registrations

Quick Summary

CSR-1 registration is a mandatory MCA filing for NGOs in India to receive CSR funding from companies under the Companies Act, 2013. It builds legal credibility, ensures compliance, and unlocks access to corporate CSR funds. NGOs must file CSR-1 online with certification from a CA, CS, or CMA. For 2026, the earlier 12A/12AB and 80G terminology remains commonly used, while the corresponding provisions under the Income-tax Act, 2025 are Section 332 and Section 354, respectively.

The process includes eligibility consultation, documentation, digital filing, and approval, which is usually completed within 7–10 working days. Once approved, the CSR Registration Number remains valid permanently, unless there are changes in the NGO’s structure. With NGOExperts, NGOs receive end-to-end support—from eligibility to filing—ensuring smooth and timely registration.

Introduction

CSR-1: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an integral part of corporate culture, as businesses worldwide recognize the need to align their operations with sustainable development goals. In India, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has taken a significant step towards ensuring transparency & accountability in CSR spending.

As per the Companies Act, 2013, & the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021, companies or entities undertaking CSR activities must now file eForm CSR-1 for all their CSR projects. This registration process allows for effective tracking & monitoring of CSR spending & ensures that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries. The eForm CSR-1 is a crucial document that helps validate & ensure the credibility of CSR projects & their impact on society.

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Benefits of CSR-1

Below are the benefits of CSR 1 that can be derived from it

Building Trust

Registered NGOs are perceived positively by the public & attract greater trust among the beneficiaries.

Legitimacy

Registration adds a layer of legitimacy to NGOs' operations, providing potential investors with the assurance that their funds will be allocated appropriately.

Simplifying the Process

The CSR 1 form registration simplifies the process of applying & securing funds, reducing red tape & time-consuming documentation.

Access to Corporate Funds

CSR-registered NGOs have access to a pool of corporate funds set aside for socio-economic development in collaboration with the government.

Fewer Legal Hurdles

By following the CSR 1 form registration process and maintaining society registration compliance, NGOs avoid legal hurdles and can concentrate their energy and resources on their core objectives.

Compliance

It ensures that NGOs comply with the existing regulations & guidelines. Thus, they provide easy access to NGOs to funding that is not available to unregistered NGOs

Eligibility Criteria for NGO in CSR-1 Registration

To register under CSR-1, NGOs must meet a specific set of eligibility criteria.

Registration Requirements: The NGO needs to be registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, or meet the applicable requirements under the 12A and 80G framework. Under the Income-tax Act, 2025, the corresponding provisions are Section 332 for eligible NGO registration and tax-exemption purposes and Section 354 for eligible donor-deduction approval.
Experience: The NGO must have experience of at least 3 years in the field they are working in.
Eligibility for Application: NGOs meeting the applicable 12A and 80G requirements may apply for CSR-1. Under the Income-tax Act, 2025, the corresponding provisions are Section 332 for the 12A framework and Section 354 for the 80G framework.
Financial Record: The NGO should have a clear & transparent record of their financial transactions & should maintain proper accounts & audits.
Legal Record: The NGO must not have been blacklisted or involved in any illegal activities.
Alignment with CSR Policy: The CSR activities of the NGO must align with the CSR policy of the company.

Who Needs to File Form CSR-1?

Only companies that fall under the following criteria need to file Form CSR-1:

Net Worth Criteria

Companies with a net worth of Rs. 500 crore or more.

Turnover Criteria

Companies with a turnover of Rs. 1,000 crore or more.

Net Profit Criteria

Companies with a net profit of Rs. 5 crore or more.

Contents of Form CSR-1

The CSR Registration by NGOs requires the following details to register for CSR funding:

Nature of entity
Details & identification of directors, chairman, board of trustees or authorized representatives
Date of incorporation, address & email ID
Director's DIN & DSC
Certification by a practicing professional
Entity's CIN or registration number
Entity's PAN number

Process for Filing of Form CSR-1

In accordance with Rule 4(2) of the CSR Amendment Rules, 2021, the Form for CSR Funding needs to be filled out as follows:

Step 1: Log in to the MCA Portal

The first step is to log in to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA) portal using the credentials of the company.

Step 2: Go to the E-forms Section

After logging in, go to the E-forms section & select Form CSR-1 from the list of forms to download.

Step 3: Fill in the Form

After following the above procedure to download form CSR-1, fill in all the relevant details in the Form CSR-1, including the amount spent on CSR activities, the nature of the activities conducted & the beneficiaries.

Step 4: Attach Documents

Attach the necessary documents (discussed below), which include a copy of the Board Resolution, Annual Report, & the CSR policy of the company.

Step 5: Verification

After the Form is completed, it must be verified by a professional such as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Company Secretary (CS).

Step 6: Submit the Form

After filling in all the details & attaching the required documents, submit the form. It is important to note that the form will not be accepted if there are any discrepancies or mistakes in the form.

Step 7: Generation of Registration No.

Upon submission of Form CSR1 & final registration of an NGO with MCA portal for accessing CSR funds, you will receive a unique CSR Registration Number.

Documents Required for CSR-1 Registration

Document	Details
Entity Registration Certificate	Copy of the Trust deed, Society registration certificate, or Section 8 Company incorporation certificate, as applicable.
Entity PAN Card	PAN card of the NGO or implementing agency.
12AB and 80G Certificates	Copies of applicable income-tax registration/approval certificates, where required. Under the Income-tax Act, 2025, the corresponding provisions include Sections 332 and 354, respectively.
NGO Darpan ID	NGO Darpan Unique ID, where applicable to the entity and its eligibility category.
PAN of Authorised Signatory	PAN details of the authorised representative submitting the CSR-1 form.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)	Valid DSC of the authorised signatory for electronic filing on the MCA portal.
CSR Report or Supporting Documents	Relevant CSR activity reports or supporting information, if requested. A company's CSR report is not a universal mandatory document for every CSR-1 applicant.

Note: The exact documents depend on the organisation's legal structure and eligibility category under the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended. Verify the current Form CSR-1 requirements on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website before filing.

Expert Guidance on Every Step of the Way

At NGOExperts, we specialize in a variety of registration services for NGOs, including Form CSR-1 filing. Our team of professionals has extensive knowledge & experience in navigating the legal requirements necessary for forming & running a nonprofit. We strive to provide a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on your organization's mission.

What Makes Us Unique?

We don't cut corners when it comes to ensuring that your organization is legally compliant & ready to make a positive impact.

Our dedication to excellence
Personalized approach
Our competitive pricing

Our Process

First, we'll have a consultation with you to assess your NGO's needs & determine which services are necessary.
Next, we'll guide you through the paperwork & legal requirements needed to register your organization.
We'll work with you to ensure that your NGO is in compliance with all applicable laws & regulations, & ready to make an impact.
Finally, we're always available to provide ongoing support & guidance as needed.

With NGOExperts, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your NGO is in good hands. Contact us today to get started on your CSR-1 registration & other legal needs.

About the Author

Aabha Garg

A Content Strategist at NGOExperts, who focuses on NGO registration, 12A and 80G registration, FCRA compliance, income tax filing for non-profits, and CSR funding guidelines in India. I research and write our compliance guides in collaboration with our in-house Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries, so every article reflects current tax and regulatory requirements for the NGO and non-profit sector.

Written by Aabha Garg, reviewed by CA Ashutosh Aggarwal . Last updated on Nov 5, 2026, 12:42 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to register for CSR-1?

If you're running any NGO that plans on taking part in any CSR activity, it's always wise & mandatory that you register yourself with the Central Government. The registration process starts with filing the CSR-1 form electronically with the Registrar. To verify the information provided is accurate, the form will be verified digitally by a CA, CS, or Cost Accountant in practice. It's vital to complete this step so that your NGO remains compliant with the relevant regulations.

How can I register for form CSR-1?

Gather all required documentation, including the organization's registration certificate, recent audit report, and memorandum of association. Create a login on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website and begin the CSR registration application process. Fill out your organization's information, upload the necessary documents, and make the required payment. Submit your application and wait for it to be reviewed by the MCA. If your application is approved, you'll receive a CSR Registration Certificate.

What happens after CSR-1 registration?

After a company registers as a CSR-1 in India, it is legally obligated to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments. The next step involves creating a CSR committee responsible for identifying CSR activities that align with the company's values, operations, and resources. The committee must then develop a CSR policy and create a precise implementation plan, which includes a yearly budget. The CSR activities must be undertaken in areas specified under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, such as education, healthcare, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Companies are also expected to report their CSR activities in their sual report, detailing the activities undertaken during the year, the areas covered, and the total amount spent. Finally, companies must monitor and evaluate their CSR activities, ensuring that they make a lasting impact on the targeted communities.

What are the consequences of not registering for CSR-1?

In India, not registering for CSR-1 can have some consequences for businesses. The CSR-1 is a mandatory form that companies need to submit to report all their CSR activities. Failing to file this report may result in penalties & fines & can have a major impact on a company's finances.Also, non-compliance with the regulation can harm the reputation of a company, as it sends the wrong message that the organization is not committed to social responsibility. Furthermore, companies may face difficulty while bidding on government contracts if they do not comply with the legal CSR regulations.

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