Society Registration

By Aabha GargLast updated: October 6, 2026

Society registration is mandatory for nonprofit organizations in India. It involves legal recognition, better credibility, and tax benefits. You can avail of these benefits by fulfilling the following criteria.

Minimum of 7 members

Objectives must be scientific/literary/charitable.

MoA and authorization from the Registrar are necessary.

5000+

Happy Customers

2427+

NGOs Registered

3499+

Govt Registrations

Minimum of 7 members

Objectives must be scientific/literary/charitable.

MoA and authorization from the Registrar are necessary.

5000+

Happy Customers

2427+

NGOs Registered

3499+

Govt Registrations

Quick Summary

Society registration in India is a legal process under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, that gives formal recognition to nonprofit groups working in education, charity, science, or social welfare. Registered societies enjoy legal identity, access to 12a and 80g tax benefits, eligibility for government grants, and protection from personal liability.

The process involves drafting the MOA, rules, and affidavits and submitting them to the state registrar, along with the required fees. Approval typically takes 60–120 working days, depending on the state, and the registration is permanent, provided that annual filings are made. NGOExperts ensures accurate documentation, compliance, and end-to-end support to facilitate a smooth registration process.

Introduction

Society registration in India is a structured legal process that gives groups working for social, cultural, educational, or charitable causes proper recognition, credibility, and protection. A registered society with a valid society registration certificate can raise funds legally, receive government support, gain donor trust, and operate transparently, making it easier to achieve goals like education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, or community development across India.

The society registration process is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which provides the framework for formation, management, and dissolution. To register, at least seven members must voluntarily come together for a common social objective. Once registered, the society becomes a recognized legal entity, capable of owning property, managing funds, entering contracts, and carrying out activities with full trust, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

With years of hands-on experience in society registration online and offline, our expert team assists NGOs, community groups, and social organizations in completing the process smoothly. From drafting and reviewing society registration documents to filing applications and ensuring compliance with the law, we provide end-to-end support, so you can focus entirely on creating genuine social impact while we handle every legal and regulatory requirement with precision.

Benefits of Society Registration

The registration of a society under the Society Registration Act 1860 in India offers several significant benefits, which are crucial for the efficient and credible operation of non-profit organizations and other entities. Just like trust registration, society registration also ensures compliance and boosts credibility. Some of the key benefits of society registration in India include:

Enhanced legitimacy & credibility

Facilitation of fundraising activities.

Qualifying for tax exemption benefits.

Protection against legal liabilities or claims.

Mitigation of members' financial risks & losses.

Eligibility for grants & donations from Government & other entities.

Helps attract investors, sponsors & partners.

Eligibility for Society Registration in India

To obtain a valid society registration certificate under the Society Registration Act 1860 in India, certain eligibility criteria must be met:

Minimum Number of Members: A minimum of seven individuals is required to form a society.
Objectives of the Society: The society's objectives must fall under scientific, literary, charitable, or other objectives mentioned in Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
Memorandum of Association (MoA): The founding members must subscribe to the MoA, which will contain details of the objectives & the rules & regulations of the society.
Authorization by Registrar of Joint-stock Companies: The subscribed MoA, along with authorization from the Registrar of Joint-stock Companies, is necessary for the registration of the society.
Registered Office: The society must have a registered office where all official communications can be sent.
Governing Body: The society must have a governing body, which should include a president, secretary, & treasurer.
Accounts & Audit: The society must maintain proper accounts & should have them audited annually.

Process of Society Registration

Step 1: Filing of Application

The first step for society registration online is to file an application with the registrar of societies in the state where the society will be registered. The application must include an affidavit in a standard format along with relevant documents such as identity proof, address proof, account statements, etc.

Step 2: Drafting MOA & By-laws

The next step involves drafting a Memorandum of Association (MOA) & By-laws that need to be signed by three founding members of the society. The MOA outlines the objectives & goals of the society, whereas the by-laws provide the rules & regulations that govern the society.

Step 3: Board Resolution

A board resolution needs to be drafted, reflecting the consent of founding members for constituting the society. The board resolution should specify the office-bearers & their roles & responsibilities. This step is quite challenging so, you must seek professional assistance like NGOExperts & get it successfully drafted.

Step 4: Affidavit on Stamp Paper

An affidavit needs to be drafted on a stamp paper worth Rs 10, affirming the legitimacy of the society's name & address. The affidavit should be signed by the founding members of the society.

Step 5: Payment of Society Registration Fees

The final step of the society registration online process involves payment of the society registration fees, which varies from state to state. Once the payment is made, the registrar issues a society registration certificate, indicating that the society is now a legal entity.

Documents Required for Society Registration

When registering a society, several Society Registration documents are required to ensure a successful registration. Keep a double check on all these documents & start your registration today.

1. Memorandum of Association (MOA): The Memorandum of Association is a crucial document that must include the name of the society, its objectives, the names, addresses, and occupations of the members of the governing body, and the address of the registered office of the society.

2. Rules and Regulations of Society: This document should detail the operational framework of the society, including membership details, meeting protocols, responsibilities of office bearers, financial management, amendment procedures, and dissolution procedures.

3. List of Governing Body Members: A list of the members of the governing body, along with their signatures, addresses, and occupations, must be submitted for transparency and accountability.

4. Covering Letter: A formal covering letter signed by all the founding members indicating their intention to form a society and requesting registration.

5. Proof of Address: Proof of the registered office address of the society, such as a rent agreement (if the property is rented), a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord, or utility bills (electricity, water, etc.).

6. Identity Proof of Governing Body Members: Copies of identity proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID of all the members of the governing body.

7. Affidavit: An affidavit from the president or secretary of the society, stating the relationship between the subscribers (if any), and confirming the correctness of the details provided in the MOA and Rules and Regulations.

8. Minutes of the First Meeting: Minutes of the first meeting of the society, where the members adopted the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, and elected the office bearers.

9. Declaration by the President: A declaration by the president of the society stating his/her willingness to hold the said office.

10. Registration Fee: Payment of the prescribed registration fee, which varies from state to state. The fee is typically paid through a demand draft or challan.

Legal Compliances for Society Post-Registration

After obtaining your society registration certificate, several essential legal compliances must be followed:

Obtaining a PAN card
Setting up a bank account
Maintaining proper bookkeeping & accounts
Filing Annual Income Tax returns
Registering for GST & Professional Tax, if applicable
Compliance with RoF filings, resolutions, and disclosures.

Why Choose NGOExperts?

NGOExperts proves to be the unrivaled choice when it comes to society registration online and related services. Our expertise lies in in-depth knowledge of government policies & procedures, providing timely solutions to our clients - distinguishing us from others.

We provide complete assistance for society registration documents, drafting, filing, compliance, and guidance on society registration fees – so you get a hassle-free experience. Trust us to provide reliable & cost-effective services that exceed expectations.

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. Last updated on Oct 6, 2026, 12:16 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the by-laws of society?

In any organized society, there must be rules & regulations that govern its operations. These rules, commonly known as bye-laws, provide essential guidelines for how individuals within the community should conduct themselves. By-laws often cover various areas, including the management of finances, the conduct of meetings, & the election of officials. They exist to ensure that society operates efficiently, with every member fulfilling their responsibilities & acting in the best interest of the larger community.

What are the requirements to register a cooperative society?

The proposed society needs to have at least 10 participating members, all of whom must be above 18 years. The proposed society must also have a name that is unique & not already registered by another cooperative society. Also, the founders of the cooperative society must create a set of by-laws that outline the internal workings of the society, including how decisions will be made & how profits will be distributed. Lastly, the founders must file an application for registration with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in their state or territory.

How much does it cost to register an association?

As per the Societies Registration Act, the registration fee is Rs. 50 or less, as prescribed by the government when registering a society. This registration fee has to be paid to the Registrar along with the organization's memorandum. Keeping yourself updated on the latest fee structure is always advisable. With the necessary registration in place, your organization can function legally & transparently.

How can I start a society?

The first step in starting a society is to identify a common purpose & cause that drives your passion. This could be anything from supporting a local community project or even advocating for social justice on a larger scale. As you have a clear mission in your mind, you'll have to gather a group of like-minded individuals who share a similar vision.Remember, a minimum of 7 people is required to form a society under the 'Societies Act, 1860.' With dedication & hard work, you can bring together a group of passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference.

Who owns the registered society?

As Ownership in a registered society can be difficult at first. But ultimately, it all comes down to the members. These are the individuals who make up the society, & they have a say in the decisions that are made. While there might be certain individuals who hold positions of authority, they are still ultimately accountable to the members.Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that a registered society is not a business in the traditional sense. It exists to serve its members & the wider community, rather than to generate profit for any one individual or group. This means that the ownership of a registered society is ultimately in the hands of the members, who have the power to shape its direction & purpose.

Why should we register a society?

Registering the society with the government grants it legal recognition, turning it into a separate legal entity. With that comes a number of perks, including the ability to own property & engage in transactions in its own name. When a society is registered, it is allowed to buy, rent, hold, lease, or even sell property. Also, compliance requirements tend to be less complicated when the society holds property in its own name.

What is the best place to register a cooperative society?

There are several options available for those hoping to set up a cooperative society. In India, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) is responsible for overseeing the registration process. You can register your society locally at the RCS office in your respective state.Alternatively, you can also register online through the e-Governance Portal for Cooperatives. Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents & information in order to make the process as smooth as possible.

What documents are needed in society registration?

The necessary Society Registration documents are as follows. PAN Card of all members Bank Statement Utility Bill Aadhaar Card Passport Driving License MOA & AOA Rules & Regulations of Society Proof of Address Declaration by Society President List of All Members

What is the purpose of registering a society?

Registering a society is an essential legal step for promoting the arts, science, literature, & other charitable causes. The Society Registration Act, 1860, enables societies to gain legal recognition, so they can undertake various activities to improve the lives of those in the community.By registering, societies can avail of the benefits granted by the government, like tax exemptions, grants, & subsidies. Furthermore, it gives credibility to the organization, making it easier to raise funds & build a good reputation.

Which type of society can be registered?

When it comes to forming a society, it's important to have at least seven dedicated individuals joining together for a common purpose or cause. It's not just limited to Indian residents. Foreigners, companies, & even other registered societies can join the cause. Unlike other types of organizations though, societies have the option to register or remain unregistered. It's important to note that registering has its benefits, as it brings official legitimacy & recognition to your society.