CSR-1 Registration Certificate 2025 – Step-by-Step Process, Fees, and FAQs

CSR-1 Registration Certificate – Complete Guide (2025)

CSR-1 Registration is mandatory for NGOs, Trusts, Societies and Section 8 companies seeking CSR funding from corporates in India. This guide explains eligibility, documents, a step-by-step MCA V3 process, fees, approval timelines and 25 FAQs to help you file correctly on the first attempt.

What is CSR-1 Registration?

CSR-1 (Corporate Social Responsibility Registration) is an MCA registration introduced by the Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021. It verifies implementing agencies so that companies can contribute CSR funds only to government-recognised entities. Once approved, you get a CSR Registration Number and can be listed in the MCA CSR Implementing Agencies database.

Eligibility Criteria for CSR-1 Filing

Entity Type Must be a registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company operating in India.

Income-tax Registration Valid 12A and 80G registrations are typically required for private NGOs.

Track Record Minimum 3 years of activities for privately established entities. Government-set-up entities are exempt.

Digital Signature A valid DSC of the authorised representative is mandatory for signing CSR-1.

Compliance Scope Activities must align with Schedule VII CSR categories (education, health, environment, etc.).

Active Status Entity should be active, with updated statutory filings and a functional email & mobile number.

Note: Additional requirements may apply for specific cases (e.g., entities established by Government, PSU-backed Section 8 companies).

Documents Required for CSR-1

DSC & Authorised Person

DSC & Authorised Person Documents

Valid Class-3 DSC of authorised signatory
PAN & Aadhaar of the authorised person
Photograph and contact details (email & mobile)
Board/Trust resolution or authorisation (if applicable)

CSR-1 Filing

CSR-1 Entity / Registration Documents

Certificate of Incorporation/Registration (Trust/Society/Section 8)
PAN of the entity and registered office address proof
12A & 80G registration copies (for private NGOs)
Active email ID and mobile number for MCA

Step-by-Step CSR-1 Registration Process

Step 01

Visit MCA & Login

Go to mca.gov.in and login using Professional user ID (CA/CS/CMA).

Step 02

Open CSR-1 Form

MCA Services → Company e-Filing → CSR Registration (Form CSR-1).

Step 03

Fill & Attach DSCs

Enter NGO details and apply DSCs of the authorised person and the practising professional.

Step 04

Upload & Download

Upload via My Application → Pending Action. Govt fee is ₹0. Approval is instant; download the certificate.

Processing Timeline

Stage	Approx. Duration
Document Preparation	1–2 days
DSC Issue (if new)	~1 day
CSR-1 Filing & Approval	1–2 days
Total Time	≈ 3–4 working days

Tip: Keep both DSCs valid and installed. If the portal shows signature validation errors, re-download the form, re-apply DSCs, and upload again.

Frequently Asked Questions (25) – CSR-1 Registration

1) What is CSR-1 registration?: CSR-1 is the MCA registration that enables NGOs/Trusts/Societies/Section 8 companies to legally receive CSR funds from corporates.
2) Is CSR-1 mandatory for receiving CSR funds?: Yes. From 1 April 2021, companies can spend CSR funds only through CSR-1 registered implementing agencies.
3) Who can file CSR-1?: Registered Trusts, Societies and Section 8 companies that meet eligibility (including 12A, 80G and track record, as applicable).
4) Who signs Form CSR-1?: The authorised representative of the entity and a practising professional (CA/CS/CMA) using valid DSCs.
5) What is the government fee for CSR-1?: ₹0. There is no government filing fee for CSR-1 on MCA V3.
6) How long does CSR-1 approval take?: Usually instant once the form is correctly uploaded with valid DSCs.
7) What documents are needed?: Entity registration certificate, PAN, address proof, 12A/80G (for private NGOs), authorised person KYC, and DSC details.
8) Is 12A/80G compulsory?: For private NGOs, a valid 12A and 80G are generally expected by companies before releasing CSR funds.
9) Is a track record required?: Private NGOs need a 3-year track record; Government-established entities are exempt.
10) Are foreign NGOs eligible?: No. Only Indian-registered entities can apply for CSR-1 registration.
11) Can a private limited company file CSR-1?: Only if it is incorporated as a not-for-profit Section 8 company.
12) What is the validity of the CSR-1 certificate?: It remains valid indefinitely unless revoked by MCA for misrepresentation or violation.
13) Can I edit CSR-1 after approval?: No. If details are incorrect, you typically need to refile with corrected information.
14) How do companies verify CSR-1?: They check the MCA list of registered implementing agencies and can request the CSR-1 certificate copy.
15) What CSR activities are allowed?: Activities listed under Schedule VII such as education, healthcare, environment, women empowerment, rural development, etc.
16) Can one NGO manage multiple CSR projects?: Yes, provided each project complies with CSR rules and is properly accounted for.
17) What if funds are received without CSR-1?: It may constitute non-compliance and expose both the company and the NGO to penalties and reputational risks.
18) How to download the CSR-1 certificate?: From your MCA dashboard: My Applications → Download CSR-1 certificate (PDF).
19) What if DSC is expired?: Expired DSCs are not accepted. Renew the DSC before filing CSR-1.
20) Does MCA issue a separate CSR-1 number?: Yes, a unique CSR Registration Number is assigned on approval.
21) Can CSR-1 be revoked?: Yes, in cases of misrepresentation, misuse of funds, or non-compliance with CSR provisions.
22) What if the portal shows upload/signature error?: Re-validate all fields, re-attach DSCs, ensure DSC drivers are updated, and attempt the upload again.
23) Is offline filing available?: No. CSR-1 is filed only online via the MCA V3 portal.
24) What support can a professional provide?: Data review, drafting, DSC issuance/renewal, MCA filing, certification, and post-approval guidance.
25) After CSR-1, how to get funds?: Prepare a project proposal aligned to Schedule VII, approach eligible companies, and comply with due-diligence and reporting requirements.

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