Society Registration

Looking to form a society for a charitable, educational, cultural, or social cause? Registering your society gives it a legal identity, making it easier to raise funds, open a bank account, and gain public trust. 

At IndiaFilings, we help you complete the Society registration process quickly and correctly—so you can focus on your purpose while we take care of the legal formalities.

What is a Society?

A society is a voluntary association of individuals who come together by mutual agreement to pursue a common objective, typically for non-profit or charitable purposes. These may include activities related to:

• Education and literacy
• Promotion of science, art, music, or culture
• Social welfare and public utility services
• Sports and recreation
• Environmental and animal welfare
• Political education and awareness
• Religious or spiritual development

A society does not engage in commercial business for profit. Instead, it focuses on promoting collective goals and serving the community.

Legal Framework: Societies Registration Act, 1860

The Societies Registration Act, 1860, is the central legislation under which societies are registered in India. However, each state has the authority to frame its own rules and guidelines under this Act, meaning registration is handled at the state level through the Registrar of Societies in the respective state or union territory.

Benefits of Society Registration

Registering a society not only grants it legal recognition but also unlocks various operational, financial, and credibility-related advantages for long-term sustainability. 

• Legal Recognition: A registered society becomes a legal entity that can own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued.
• Tax Exemptions: Registered societies are eligible for various tax benefits under sections like 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
• Credibility and Transparency: Registration enhances the society's public image and accountability, making it easier to attract donations and funding.
• Access to Grants: Registered societies are often required to access government or international grants and aid.
• Banking and Financial Operations: A registered society can open a bank account in its name and manage finances professionally. 

Purposes for Which a Society Can Be Registered

According to Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, societies can be registered for the following purposes:

• Charitable assistance and welfare activities
• Promotion of science, literature, or fine arts
• Diffusion of useful knowledge or political education
• Maintenance of libraries, reading rooms, or museums
• Development of military orphan funds
• Cultural promotion and preservation
• Educational and spiritual programs

States may also allow registration for other purposes based on amendments and local provisions.

Who Can Register a Society?

A minimum of seven persons is required to form a society. These individuals can be:

• Indian citizens
• Foreign nationals
• Companies
• Registered societies
• Partnership firms

Each member must be competent to contract and agree to the society’s objectives. Societies can be formed at both the state and national levels. 

Checklist for Society Registration in India

Before initiating the registration process for a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, it is essential to ensure that certain foundational requirements are met. Without fulfilling these conditions, society registration cannot proceed. Below is a comprehensive checklist:

• Minimum of Seven Members: At least seven individuals are required to form a society, each consenting to become a member.
• Legitimate Purpose: The society must be established for purposes permitted under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, such as charitable, educational, religious, cultural, or scientific objectives.
• Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Nature: The society must operate as a not-for-profit and must not function under any government authority.
• Unrelated Members: Founding members must not be related to each other by blood to ensure impartial governance.
• Distinct and Valid Name: The society must have a unique name that is not identical or deceptively similar to any existing registered entity or trademark.
• Registered Office Address: A valid address must be provided as the official registered office for communication and documentation purposes.

Since the registration of societies is governed by state authorities, applicants must file their registration application with the appropriate regulatory body in the state where the society’s registered office is intended to be located.

Documents Required for Society Registration in India

To register a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the following documents must be submitted:

PAN Cards of Members

Copies of the PAN cards of all proposed society members must be included with the application. 

Proof of Residence

Each member must provide valid residential proof. Accepted documents include:

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Bank Statement
• Utility Bill
• Driving License

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

This document outlines the purpose and structure of the society. It must include:

• Objectives and activities of the society
• Names and details of all founding members
• Address of the registered office

Rules and Regulations of the Society

This document governs the internal management of the society and must contain:

• Guidelines for day-to-day operations
• Membership criteria and rules
• Schedule and conduct of meetings
• Auditor information and dispute resolution procedures
• Process for the dissolution of the society

Cover Letter

A cover letter stating the purpose of forming the society must be attached. It should be signed by all founding members.

Proof of Registered Office Address

Submit a copy of the address proof for the society’s office location, along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.

List of Governing Body Members

A list containing the names and signatures of all members of the governing body must be provided.

Declaration by the President

The president of the proposed society must submit a declaration confirming their willingness and eligibility to hold the position.

Process of Society Registration in India

Registering a society in India involves a series of steps governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Below is a simplified breakdown of the entire process:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Proper documentation is essential for society registration. Incomplete or inaccurate documents can result in the rejection of the application. It is advisable to gather all required documents in advance to ensure a smooth registration process.

Step 2: Select a Unique Name

While choosing a name for society registration, it is important to ensure that the name is unique and not identical or closely resembling the name of any existing registered society, as per the provisions of the Societies Registration Act, 1860. 

Additionally, the proposed name must not imply any kind of government affiliation or patronage, whether with the State Government or the Government of India. It must also comply with the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, which prohibits the use of certain names and symbols to prevent misleading representations.

Step 3: Draft the Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations

These are the two foundational documents of any society:

Memorandum of Association

The Memorandum of Association (MoA), along with the Rules & Regulations of the society, must be duly signed by all founding members. These signatures must be witnessed by a qualified authority, such as a Gazetted Officer, Notary Public, Chartered Accountant, Oath Commissioner, Advocate, or a Magistrate of First Class, with their official stamp and complete address clearly mentioned.

The MoA should include key details such as the name of the society, its objectives, and comprehensive information about the founding members, including their full names, addresses, designations, and occupations.

Rules & Regulations

Governs the internal operations, including roles of office bearers (President, Secretary, Treasurer), meeting procedures, membership guidelines, and dissolution terms.

Step 4: Submit the Application for Registration

Once the MoA and Rules & Regulations are finalised and signed, the next step is to apply to the Registrar of Societies (a state government authority).  All the above documents must be submitted in two copies to the Registrar of Societies, along with the prescribed registration fee. The Registrar will return one signed copy as acknowledgment and retain the other for processing.  

Step 5: Receive the society registration certificate?

Upon satisfactory verification of documents, the Registrar will issue a society registration certificate, which serves as conclusive legal proof of the society's existence. Typically, the entire registration process takes about 30 days.

Leave the paperwork and procedures to us—IndiaFilings will assist you at every stage, from drafting documents to obtaining your society registration.  

Post-Registration Compliance for Societies

Once your society is registered, there are certain ongoing compliances you must fulfill:

• Maintain a Register of Members
• Hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
• Keep Proper Books of Accounts
• Submit Annual Returns and Audited Financials
• Renew 80G and 12A exemptions (if applicable)

Non-compliance can lead to penalties or even cancellation of registration.

Why Choose IndiaFilings for Society Registration?

At IndiaFilings, we bring years of expertise in NGO and society registration, with a proven track record of helping thousands of clients across India. Here's why individuals and organisations prefer us:

• End-to-End Assistance: From drafting the MoA to final registration, we handle everything.
• Expert Legal Support: We have a dedicated legal team to ensure accuracy in documentation and compliance.
• PAN-India Service: No matter where you're located, we can register your society anywhere in India.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees—what you see is what you pay.
• Quick Turnaround: We minimise delays and ensure timely filing.

Start Your Society Registration Now with IndiaFilings!