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A Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Society in India

To start an organization in India for social, educational, literary, or charitable causes, you must register it with the government. This step makes your group legitimate under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 or any other state law that applies. When you register your group, you can work legally, get tax savings, and get money from the government.
Society registration in India is a vital process for nonprofit organizations seeking legal recognition and credibility. Governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860, this registration requires at least seven members who unite for charitable, cultural, educational, or social causes. Registering a society provides a separate legal identity, enabling it to enter into contracts, own property, and raise funds with enhanced accountability and transparency.
The process involves drafting a Memorandum of Association (MoA) and rules & regulations, submitting the application along with documents, and paying registration fees to the Registrar of Societies. Once registered, societies must comply with annual meetings, record-keeping, and audits. Though societies are not automatically tax-exempt, registration helps them qualify for benefits and grants.
In summary, society registration in India empowers groups to operate legally and efficiently with trust and credibility, making it a cornerstone for successful nonprofit ventures.


What does it mean to sign up a group?

You establish a society as an independent legal entity when you register it. This means that your organisation can:


  1. Own property
  2. Sign contracts
  3. Get donations
  4. Go to court
You need at least seven people to create a recognized society with certain purposes.

Key Topic Index

  • A Clear, Complete Guide on Setting Up a Society
  • When to Sign Up
  • Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)
  • Why You Should Sign Up for a Society?
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A Clear, Complete Guide on Setting Up a Society

Step 1: Choose a name that no other group is using.

  1. Choose a name that is both unique and significant and represents the goals of your group.
  2. Check to see if the name is already taken or too similar to the name of another registered society.
  3. The name must not suggest government backing or violate the Emblems and Names Act of 1950.
  4. The Registrar of Societies will check to see if the name is free and give it the go-ahead.

Step 2: Write the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and the Rules and Regulations.

Your Memorandum of Association (MOA) should have:
  1. The name of the group
  2. the address of the registered office
  3. the group's goals and objectives
  4. information regarding at least seven founding members, such as their names, addresses, jobs, and titles.

The bylaws should say:
  1. How to join
  2. How the society is run and governed
  3. How meetings are held, including how often they happen and how many people need to be present for a meeting to be valid
  4. How the society keeps track of its money and audits it
  5. How to settle disagreements
  6. How to disband the society (if necessary).
All founding members must sign the MOA and the rules and regulations. A notary public, a government official, a chartered accountant, or a lawyer must see and sign the signatures.

Step 3: Obtain the papers you need.

  1. Two signed copies of the Rules and Regulations
  2. Two copies of the MOA (one verified)
  3. A letter asking to register the society
  4. A statement from the society's president or secretary about how members interact with each other
  5. A list of the governing body's members with their signatures
  6. Proof of the registered office address (like a rent agreement or ownership documents)
  7. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (if you are renting)
  8. PAN cards and proof of address for all founding members (like Aadhaar, passport, driving license, or utility bill).

Step 4: Send your application to the Registrar of Societies.

  1. Send the MOA, rules and regulations, and any other supporting documents to the Registrar of Societies in your state.
  2. Pay the registration fee, which varies by state but is usually between INR 1,000 and INR 5,000.
  3. The Registrar will carefully look over your paperwork and application.
  4. If everything is in order, the registrar provides you a certificate of registration, which makes your society official.

When to Sign Up


The full process usually takes 15 to 30 working days; however, it might take longer or shorter depending on the state and how detailed your application is.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)

There must be at least seven original members.

If your society's rules indicate so, then yes, outsiders can be members.

It is not necessary by law; however, it is highly recommended for legitimacy and benefits.

Yes, a lot of states provide websites where you can register your group

Why You Should Sign Up for a Society?

  1. Your group will have "legal status," which means it will be able to sign contracts and own property.
  2. The government and private entities can give money to your society.
  3. Indian laws make you eligible for tax savings.
  4. The society can open bank accounts in its name.
  5. The law protects members because the society is its own legal body.
  6. People who give money, people who get money, and the community as a whole see registered societies as more trustworthy.

Start using Make Merchant right away!

Sign up your group today to start making a good and legal change in your area. Do you require help from a professional to sign up a society? Please get in touch with us straight away so we can help you quickly and easily.

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