If you run an NGO and want to receive CSR funding from companies, you need CSR-1 registration.
There is no way around it. Since April 2021, the Companies Act requires every NGO receiving CSR funds to be registered on the MCA portal with a unique CSR Registration Number.
When Marpu Foundation went through this process, I realized that while the registration itself is not complicated, the lack of clear guidance makes it confusing for many NGO founders. Small mistakes lead to rejections. Missing documents cause delays. And many organizations struggle with something that should be straightforward.
This guide walks you through the CSR-1 registration process step by step, based on what I learned doing it myself.
What is CSR-1 Registration
CSR-1 is a registration form that NGOs must file on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal to become eligible for receiving CSR funds from companies.
Once approved, you receive a unique CSR Registration Number. This number is valid permanently unless your registration is cancelled.
Why it matters
Companies cannot spend their CSR funds through your NGO unless you have this registration. No CSR-1, no corporate funding. It is that simple.
Before 2021, companies could work with any NGO that had 80G and 12A. Now, CSR-1 registration is mandatory on top of those.
Who Needs CSR-1 Registration
Any entity that wants to receive CSR funding needs to register. This includes:
→ Trusts registered under state trust acts
→ Societies registered under the Societies Registration Act
→ Section 8 Companies (not-for-profit companies)
→ Entities established under an Act of Parliament or State Legislature
If you are a registered NGO wanting to work with corporates on CSR projects, you need this registration.
Documents Required for CSR-1 Registration
Before you start the online process, gather these documents. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.
Mandatory documents
→ PAN card of the entity
→ Registration certificate (Trust deed, Society registration, or Section 8 incorporation certificate)
→ 12A registration certificate
→ 80G registration certificate
→ Proof of CSR activities for the last 3 financial years (if applicable)
→ Audited financial statements for the last 3 years (if applicable)
For newly formed entities
If your NGO is less than 3 years old, you may not have 3 years of activity proof or financials. You can still apply, but you will get a provisional registration initially.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
You need a valid DSC of one of your trustees or directors to file the form. If you do not have one, get it made before starting the process.
When Marpu Foundation filed for CSR-1, having all documents organized in advance saved us time. I recommend creating a folder with scanned copies of everything before you begin.
Step-by-Step CSR-1 Registration Process
Here is the exact process to follow.
Step 1: Create an account on MCA portal
Go to the MCA website (mca.gov.in). If you do not already have an account, create one. You will need a valid email and phone number.
Step 2: Access the CSR-1 form
Once logged in, navigate to the MCA services section. Look for “CSR-1” under the forms section. The full form name is “Application for Registration as an entity for undertaking CSR Activities.”
Step 3: Fill in basic details
The form asks for:
→ Name of the entity
→ Type of entity (Trust, Society, Section 8 Company, etc.)
→ Registration number and date
→ PAN of the entity
→ Registered office address
→ Email and phone number
Step 4: Enter activity details
You need to specify:
→ Areas of CSR activities your NGO works in (select from Schedule VII categories)
→ States where you operate
→ Brief description of your activities
Be accurate here. Select only the areas where you actually work. Selecting everything just to look comprehensive can raise questions later.
Step 5: Financial information
Enter details of:
→ Total income for the last 3 financial years
→ Total expenditure for the last 3 financial years
→ CSR expenditure details if you have received CSR funds before
For newer organizations without 3 years of history, enter whatever years you have.
Step 6: Upload documents
Attach scanned copies of:
→ Registration certificate
→ 12A certificate
→ 80G certificate
→ Audited financials
→ Activity reports or impact documentation
Make sure files are clear and readable. Unclear documents can cause rejection.
Step 7: Verify and sign
Review all information carefully. Errors are difficult to correct after submission.
Attach the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of an authorized signatory (trustee, director, or secretary).
Step 8: Pay the fee
The filing fee is nominal. Pay online through the MCA portal.
Step 9: Submit
Once payment is confirmed, submit the form. You will receive an acknowledgment with an SRN (Service Request Number).
Step 10: Wait for approval
The Registrar of Companies reviews your application. If everything is in order, you receive the CSR Registration Number within 15-30 days typically.
If there are queries, you will receive a notice asking for clarification or additional documents.
Provisional vs Permanent Registration
There are two types of CSR-1 registration.
Provisional registration
For NGOs that have been operating for less than 3 years. Valid for 3 years. After that, you need to apply for permanent registration.
Permanent registration
For NGOs with 3 or more years of operations and track record. Valid permanently unless cancelled.
When you apply, the system determines which type you are eligible for based on your entity age and documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on what I have seen with fellow NGO founders, here are mistakes that cause delays or rejections.
Incorrect entity type selection
Make sure you select the correct legal structure. A Trust is different from a Society is different from a Section 8 Company.
Mismatch in PAN details
The PAN details you enter must exactly match your PAN card. Even small spelling variations can cause issues.
Invalid or expired DSC
Check that your Digital Signature Certificate is valid and not expired before you start the process.
Unclear document uploads
Scanned documents should be clear and legible. Blurry or cropped documents get rejected.
Selecting too many activity areas
Some NGOs select every Schedule VII category hoping it makes them look comprehensive. This can raise questions. Select only areas where you genuinely work.
Not having 80G and 12A ready
CSR-1 registration requires valid 80G and 12A certificates. If you do not have these, get them first before applying for CSR-1.
Inconsistent information
Details in your form should match your registration documents. Inconsistencies raise red flags.
What Happens After Registration
Once you receive your CSR Registration Number:
You are eligible to receive CSR funds
Companies can now legally spend their CSR budget through your organization.
You appear in the CSR registry
Your registration is publicly searchable on the MCA portal. Companies can verify your status.
You must maintain compliance
Keep your 12A and 80G valid. File annual returns. Maintain proper accounts. Non-compliance can lead to registration cancellation.
You can mention it in proposals
Include your CSR Registration Number in proposals to corporates. It shows you are compliant and legitimate.
At Marpu Foundation, we include our CSR-1 number in all corporate communications. It immediately establishes credibility with CSR teams who are cautious about compliance.
Renewal and Updates
Permanent registration does not need renewal
Once you have permanent CSR-1 registration, it is valid unless cancelled.
Provisional registration needs conversion
If you got provisional registration, apply for permanent registration after completing 3 years of operations.
Update if details change
If your registered address, key personnel, or other details change, update them on the MCA portal.
How Long Does the Process Take
If your documents are in order and there are no queries:
→ Form filling: 1-2 hours
→ MCA processing: 15-30 days typically
→ Total time: 3-4 weeks
If there are queries or document issues, it can take longer. Plan ahead and do not wait until you have a CSR opportunity in hand.
Cost of CSR-1 Registration
The MCA filing fee is minimal. The real costs are:
→ Digital Signature Certificate (if you do not have one): ₹1,000-2,000
→ Professional help (if you use a CA or consultant): ₹3,000-10,000
→ Document preparation (scanning, organizing): Minimal
If you are comfortable with online forms, you can do it yourself at very low cost.
Do You Need Professional Help
You can file CSR-1 yourself if:
→ You are comfortable with online government portals
→ Your documents are in order
→ You have a valid DSC
Consider professional help if:
→ Your documents are complicated or have discrepancies
→ You have limited time
→ You want someone to handle queries and follow-ups
Many CAs and compliance professionals offer CSR-1 filing services. Fees typically range from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000.
Why This Matters for NGO Growth
I have seen many NGOs do excellent work on the ground but struggle to get corporate funding because their compliance is not in order.
CSR-1 registration is not just a formality. It is a signal to corporates that you are serious, legitimate, and compliant.
When Marpu Foundation approaches a new corporate partner, having all registrations in place removes friction. The conversation moves to impact and execution rather than getting stuck on compliance questions.
If you want to work with companies on CSR projects, treat CSR-1 registration as a priority, not an afterthought.
Quick Checklist Before You Apply
Before starting the online process, confirm:
→ Valid PAN card of entity
→ Registration certificate (Trust deed, Society registration, or Section 8 certificate)
→ Valid 12A registration
→ Valid 80G registration
→ Audited financials (whatever years you have)
→ Activity reports or impact documentation
→ Valid Digital Signature Certificate of authorized signatory
→ Clear scanned copies of all documents
If any of these are missing, complete them first.
Final Thought
CSR-1 registration is not complicated. It is a straightforward process if you are organized and your documents are in order.
What makes it difficult for many NGOs is confusion about the process and lack of clear guidance. Hopefully this guide helps you avoid the common pitfalls.
If you are running an NGO and want to receive CSR funding, get your CSR-1 registration done. It opens doors that will otherwise remain closed.
Have questions about CSR-1 registration or NGO compliance? Write to me at hi@kadiriraghuvamsi.com. Happy to share what I have learned.
