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CSR-1 Registration is a mandatory process for NGOs, trusts, and societies in India to legally receive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from companies. It acts as an official gateway, ensuring only genuine organizations can participate in CSR projects and receive financial support.
Introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), this system requires organizations to file Form CSR-1 to obtain a unique CSR Registration Number. Since April 1, 2021, this registration has been compulsory to enhance transparency and control over CSR funding in India.
Governed by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021. The 2025 amendment introduced stricter compliance requirements.
Form CSR-1 serves as a critical regulatory mechanism to ensure CSR funds reach legitimate organizations and are utilized effectively for social development.
Identifies and validates NGOs, trusts, and societies eligible to utilize company funds for social projects.
Ensures CSR funds are only directed toward genuine social initiatives reaching intended beneficiaries.
Maintains a government database of all organizations authorized to undertake CSR activities.
Helps companies identify and collaborate with credible organizations for CSR implementation.
As per Companies Act, 2013:
Not all organizations can apply for CSR-1 registration. The government has established clear eligibility criteria to ensure only legitimate entities receive CSR funding.
Must be one of:
Minimum 3 years of relevant social work experience
Exception: New entities formed specifically for a company's CSR project
Must possess:
Proper documentation is crucial for successful CSR-1 registration. Ensure all documents are current, clear, and in prescribed formats.
Confirms authority of person filing CSR-1
For main signatory (Class 2 or 3)
Certification by CA/CS/CMA
Proves non-profit tax-exempt status
Enables donor tax benefits
Complete registered trust deed
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Format Requirements: All documents must be clear, legible PDF files. Maximum file size: 2MB per document.
Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully file Form CSR-1 on the MCA V3 portal.
Visit mca.gov.in and log in with your credentials. New users must first register on the portal.
Go to MCA Services > CSR > File CSR-1 Form under NGO registration section.
Fill in entity name, type (trust/society/Section 8), registration number, PAN, address, and contact information.
Enter PAN/DIN of directors, trustees, or managing persons with their complete details.
Choose purpose from dropdown menu, select designation, and provide digital signature using DSC.
Attach all required documents in PDF format (clear and legible).
Submit form and receive Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking.
Download submission challan/receipt as proof of filing.
Upon approval, receive CSR Registration Number via registered email.
Form CSR-1 captures comprehensive details about your organization to validate eligibility for CSR funding. Understanding each section ensures accurate and complete submission.
Select from three options:
Non-profit company under Companies Act
Registered under Indian Trusts Act
Under Societies Registration Act, 1860
Information about directors, trustees, or managing committee members:
Registration number, date of approval, validity period
Registration number, approval date, percentage applicable
After submitting Form CSR-1, you can monitor your application's progress through these simple steps.
Upon successful submission, you receive a Service Request Number (SRN). Save this 14-digit number carefully.
Go to mca.gov.in > MCA Services > View Public Documents > Track SRN Status.
Input your SRN and captcha code to access application status.
View current status: Under Process, Approved, Rejected, or Additional Info Required.
| Status | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Under Process | Application being reviewed by MCA | Wait for processing (typically 5-7 working days) |
| Approved | CSR Registration Number issued | Check registered email for CSR Number |
| Rejected | Application not approved | Review rejection reasons and re-apply |
| Additional Info Required | MCA needs clarification/documents | Submit requested information promptly |
CSR Registration Number sent to registered email address
Download CSR registration certificate from MCA portal
Organization appears in MCA's CSR-1 registered entities list
Now eligible to receive CSR funds from companies
While filing is done online, you can download the form utility for offline preparation. Here's the complete process:
Go to https://www.mca.gov.in - the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
Hover over MCA Services menu > Click e-Filing > Select Company Forms Download.
Scroll through the list or search for "Form CSR-1 – Registration of Entities for undertaking CSR Activities".
Click the download link (usually in .zip format). File size is approximately 2-5 MB.
Extract the .zip file and run the setup to install the eForm utility on your computer.
Fill the form offline, save as .xml file, and upload when ready to submit online.
You can also file directly online without downloading the utility:
Recommended: Prepare data offline first, then copy to online form for accuracy.
Understanding the costs, processing time, and submission deadlines is crucial for effective CSR-1 registration planning.
Charged by MCA for form processing
Class 2 or 3 DSC for authorized signatory
CA/CS/CMA verification & certification
Including all components
Note: Some service providers may charge higher rates for end-to-end assistance. Government fee remains zero for direct filing.
Collecting and organizing required documents
Online form completion and submission
Review and verification by MCA officials
Response time for MCA queries
From document prep to approval
No fixed due date exists for CSR-1 filing. You can submit the form at any time during the year when your organization wishes to become eligible for CSR funding.
File at least 30 days before approaching companies for CSR partnerships.
Failing to obtain CSR-1 registration can have serious implications for NGOs, trusts, and societies seeking CSR funding in India.
Direct Impact: Cannot legally receive CSR funds from companies.
Legal Barrier: Companies are prohibited from disbursing CSR funds to unregistered entities under Section 135 of Companies Act.
Partnership Loss: Miss corporate partnerships and large-scale projects.
Competitive Disadvantage: Registered NGOs get preference in CSR project selection by companies.
Official Exclusion: Not listed in MCA's CSR-1 registered entities database.
Trust Deficit: Companies hesitate to partner with unlisted organizations due to credibility concerns.
Invalid CSR Spending: Company donations to unregistered NGOs don't count toward their mandatory 2% CSR expenditure.
Reporting Problems: Companies cannot report such expenditures in their Annual CSR Reports to MCA.
Legal Risk: Companies may face penalties for non-compliant CSR spending.
Grant Delays: Difficulty in securing government grants and approvals.
Renewal Issues: Problems in renewing existing licenses and registrations.
Audit Complications: Increased scrutiny during government and donor audits.
April 1, 2021: CSR-1 registration became mandatory for all NGOs, trusts, and societies seeking CSR funds from companies.
2025 Amendment: Introduced stricter compliance requirements and enhanced due diligence processes.
Current Status: Registration is not optional—it's a prerequisite for legal CSR fund reception.
Since 2021
Check if your organization needs CSR-1 registration based on funding sources.
Gather all required documents (12A, 80G, registration certificates).
Obtain Class 2/3 DSC for authorized signatory if not available.
Submit Form CSR-1 through MCA portal to avoid funding disruptions.
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We manage the full CSR-1 registration process including eligibility check, document review, and MCA filing from start to finish.
Our team verifies all required papers and helps with digital signature requirements to avoid rejection or delays.
We follow the latest MCA rules and CSR guidelines to ensure your application is prepared correctly and remains compliant.
You receive regular status updates and clear communication at every step until CSR-1 approval is completed.
Our professionals provide practical guidance on CSR eligibility and structuring to reduce compliance risks.
We stay available to resolve queries and assist even after filing, making the process smooth and stress-free.
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