Society Registration

Overview

A society is a membership-based non-profit body formed by a group of people who come together for a common charitable, literary, scientific, or educational purpose. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the corresponding state Act, with the Registrar of Societies. A society is run democratically through a governing body elected by its members, which makes it a good fit for community and member-driven initiatives.

Objective

To register a member-driven non-profit society under the Societies Registration Act so it can lawfully carry out charitable and welfare activities.

Characteristics

• Formed by a group of persons for a common non-profit purpose
• Governed by a Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations
• Managed by an elected governing body or managing committee
• Operates democratically with a general body of members
• Registered and regulated by the state Registrar of Societies

Eligibility

• At least seven members are required to form a society
• Members who are competent to contract
• A lawful charitable, literary, scientific, or similar object
• For state-level registration, members generally from the same state
• A registered office address within the state of registration

Governing law

• Societies Registration Act, 1860
• Relevant state Societies Registration Acts and amendments
• Office of the Registrar of Societies of the relevant state

The process

1. 1
   Assemble members and finalise objects

   We help you bring together the minimum seven members, decide the society name, and define its objects and area of operation.

2. 2
   Prepare the governing documents

   Our experts draft the Memorandum of Association and the Rules and Regulations covering membership, the governing body, meetings, and dissolution.

3. 3
   File with the Registrar of Societies

   We submit the signed memorandum, rules, and member details to the Registrar of Societies of your state and respond to any queries raised.

4. 4
   Receive registration and apply for PAN

   On approval, we collect the certificate of registration and apply for the society PAN so it can open a bank account and begin work.

Documents required

• Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations
• Identity and address proof of all members and office bearers
• Passport-size photographs of the office bearers
• Proof of the registered office address
• No-objection certificate from the property owner if premises are rented
• A covering letter and list of governing body members

Benefits

• A democratic structure suited to community and member participation
• A recognised legal identity to open bank accounts and hold assets
• A basis to apply for 12A, 80G, and government schemes
• Clear rules for admitting members and electing office bearers
• Wider public trust when raising funds and grants

Frequently asked questions