Purpose-First Drafting
Objectives and governance documents organised around your organisation, not a generic template.
SOCIETY REGISTRATION
Build a Society That Serves a Purpose.
Register a membership society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 — name, MOA, rules, Registrar filing and a roadmap for PAN, 12A, 80G, DARPAN and CSR-1.
7+Subscribers
15–20Working days*
DedicatedExpert Assistance
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SAMPLE
Certificate of Registration
Societies Registration Act, 1860 — illustrative sample
Illustrative sample. Your certificate is issued after Registrar approval.
01
1860 Act
Societies Registration Act, plus state adaptations
02
7 Members
Minimum subscribers to the memorandum
03
15–20 Days
Typical Registrar turnaround after complete filing*
04
No Capital
No share capital requirement
OVERVIEW
What is a Registered Society?
A society is a membership organisation formed by seven or more persons for purposes covered by Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 — charitable, scientific, literary, educational, cultural and similar public-interest activities.
It is registered with the State Registrar of Societies and governed by its memorandum of association and rules. There is no share capital. Control sits with the general body and the governing body it elects.
Governing lawSocieties Registration Act, 1860
AuthorityState Registrar of Societies
Minimum members7 subscribers
Timeline15–20 working days*
CapitalNone
ObjectsEligible statutory purposes
WHY CORPORATE MART
Registration Is Easy. Getting the Rules Right Matters More.
Clear documents, state-aware filing and a roadmap beyond the certificate.
State-Aware Filing
Filing follows the Registrar and the applicable state adaptation of the 1860 Act.
End-to-End Support
Subscriber documents, MOA, rules, filing and certificate support in one thread.
Fundability Roadmap
Plan PAN, 12A / 12AB, 80G, DARPAN, CSR-1 and other steps that fit your objects.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Who can register a society?
| Requirement | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum subscribers | 7 persons | State-level societies generally require seven or more. |
| Age | 18 years+ | Minors cannot subscribe to the memorandum. |
| Registered office | In the registration state | Ownership/rent proof, utility bill and NOC where applicable. |
| Capital | None | No shares or capital requirement. |
| Objects | Eligible purposes | Charity, science, literature, fine arts, instruction, useful knowledge, libraries or museums. |
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
What you should prepare.
1. Member identity proof
Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or passport copies for 7+ members.
2. Address proof
Utility bill, bank statement or acceptable address evidence for each subscriber.
3. Photographs
Recent passport-size photographs as required by the Registrar.
4. Memorandum of Association
Name, objects, office and founding-member details.
5. Rules & Regulations
Membership, meetings, quorum, accounts, amendments and dissolution.
6. Resolution & affidavit
Formation resolution and declaration where the state requires it.
7. Registered office proof
Rent/ownership proof, utility bill and NOC where applicable.
8. DSC where applicable
For states and portals that require digital signing.
7-STEP TIMELINE
The registration process
1. Select name
Choose a distinctive name and check availability with the Registrar.
2. Gather 7+ members
Collect identity, address and photo documents for all subscribers.
3. Draft MOA
Set out name, objects, office and member details.
4. Prepare rules
Define membership, governing body, quorum, accounts and dissolution.
5. Attest documents
Complete applicable attestation, notary or affidavit requirements.
6. File with Registrar
Submit the application, documents and state fee.
7. Receive certificate
Registrar verifies the file and issues the certificate of registration.
GOVERNANCE
A society answers to its members.
The general body elects the governing body, adopts accounts and participates in decisions according to the rules. Annual lists, quorum and amendment procedure are not optional extras — they are how the society stays valid.
01 Annual governing-body list
02 Quorum, elections and membership rules
03 Objects and amendments follow applicable procedure
04 Dissolution property is dealt with under applicable law
STRUCTURE COMPARISON
Society vs Trust vs Section 8 Company
| Parameter | Society | Trust | Section 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Trust law | Companies Act, 2013 |
| Authority | Registrar of Societies | Charity Commissioner / Sub-Registrar | ROC |
| Minimum | 7 subscribers | 2 trustees* | 2 directors + 2 shareholders |
| Document | MOA + Rules | Trust Deed | MOA + AOA |
| Governance | Member-led | Trustee-managed | Board-led |
| Share capital | None | None | Yes (company limited by shares or guarantee) |
AFTER REGISTRATION
The certificate is the starting point.
PAN, 12A / 12AB, 80G, NGO DARPAN and CSR-1 are possible next steps, depending on eligibility and objects. We map only what applies — not a one-size checklist.
→ PAN & bank account
→ 12A / 12AB & 80G
→ NGO DARPAN
→ CSR-1
→ FCRA eligibility roadmap
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Seven or more subscribers to the memorandum for a typical state-level society.
Typically 15–20 working days for Registrar processing after a complete filing. State queues vary.
Member identity/address proofs and photographs, MOA, Rules, formation resolution, affidavit and registered-office proof, subject to state requirements.
Corporate Mart provides transparent, tailored assistance based on your entity structure and state requirements. Contact our expert team for a detailed proposal.
Eligible societies can pursue applicable income-tax registrations after formation. These are separate filings from the Registrar certificate.
No. A society has members, not shareholders, and no share capital.