Society Registration

A society is a membership-based non-profit registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (or a State Act), formed by seven or more people for charitable, literary, scientific or cultural purposes. It is a popular structure for clubs, associations, schools and NGOs that want a democratic, member-driven body.

Who needs this: A minimum of seven members for a state-level society (or eight from different states for a national/all-India society), a lawful non-profit object, and a registered office in the state.

Government portal: Registrar of Societies of the relevant state.

Indicative fees: ₹5,000–₹12,000 (state registration fee + professional fees).

Timeline: 15–30 working days.

Documents required

Memorandum of Association (MoA)
Rules & Regulations of the society
PAN & Aadhaar of all governing-body members
Registered office proof + NOC
Covering letter signed by all founding members
Declaration by the president

Step-by-step process

Assemble at least seven founding members and choose a unique society name
Draft the Memorandum of Association stating the name, objects and registered office
Draft the Rules & Regulations covering membership, governing body, meetings and audit
Have all founding members sign the MoA before a witness/notary
File the MoA and Rules with the Registrar of Societies with the prescribed fee
Registrar scrutinises and issues the Certificate of Registration
Apply for the society's PAN and open a bank account
Apply for 12A/80G registration and file annual returns to remain in good standing

Penalty for non-compliance

Failure to file the annual list of the governing body can lead to the society being treated as defunct and struck off by the Registrar.

Frequently asked questions

How many members are needed to register a society?

Seven for a state society; for an all-India society you need at least eight members drawn from different states plus one from the state of the registered office.

What is the ongoing compliance for a society?

Annual general meeting, filing the list of the governing body with the Registrar every year, maintaining accounts, and (if registered) filing income-tax returns and renewing 12A/80G.

Can a society earn income?

Yes, but income must be applied to its objects, not distributed to members. Commercial surplus is permitted only if incidental to the charitable purpose.

Society vs trust — which is better for an NGO?

A society suits member-driven, democratic bodies that want an elected governing council; a trust suits founder-controlled, property-based charities with lighter compliance.

Can a society be dissolved?

Yes, with the consent of three-fifths of members; on dissolution, remaining assets must go to another society with similar objects, not to members.