CSR-1 Registration Certificate – Complete Guide for NGOs, Trusts & Societies (2025)

Introduction: What is CSR-1 Certificate?

The CSR-1 Certificate is an official registration document issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India.
It serves as a mandatory approval for all NGOs, Trusts, and Societies that want to receive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from eligible companies in India.

This registration ensures that the organization is authentic, accountable, and qualified to carry out CSR projects under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021.

Once approved, the NGO or Trust receives a Unique CSR Registration Number from MCA, allowing it to officially receive and execute CSR-funded projects across India.

Purpose of CSR-1 Registration

The primary purpose of CSR-1 registration is to promote transparency and credibility in CSR fund disbursement.
Through this registration, the Government maintains a verified list of eligible CSR implementing agencies.

Key objectives include:

• To verify the authenticity of NGOs and implementing agencies.

• To ensure CSR funds are utilized only for approved purposes.

• To establish accountability between corporates and NGOs.

• To promote transparency in CSR projects and reporting.

Benefits of CSR-1 Certificate

Getting a CSR-1 Certificate offers multiple long-term benefits for NGOs, Trusts, and Societies:

• ✅ Eligibility for Corporate CSR Funding – Only registered entities can receive CSR donations.

• ✅ Government Recognition – The NGO’s name appears on the MCA’s CSR database.

• ✅ Enhanced Trust & Transparency – Increases confidence among donors and partners.

• ✅ Access to Larger CSR Projects – Enables collaboration with reputed corporate houses.

• ✅ One-time Lifetime Registration – Valid permanently unless revoked.

• ✅ Compliance Friendly – Helps ensure smooth CSR audit and documentation.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for CSR-1 Registration

Follow the steps below to file CSR-1 Form on the MCA portal successfully:

1. Visit the MCA Website
   Go to 👉 www.mca.gov.in

2. Login to MCA V3 Portal
   Choose Professional User ID (CA, CS, or CMA) and log in.

3. Select the Form CSR-1
   Navigate to:
   MCA Services → Company e-Filing → CSR Registration (Form CSR-1)

4. Fill in the CSR-1 Form
   Provide details such as:

   • Name of NGO/Trust/Society

   • Registration details

   • PAN and Email ID

   • Authorized Representative’s details

5. Submit the Form
   After verifying details, click Submit to generate the CSR-1 draft form.

6. Attach DSCs (Digital Signatures)

   • Attach DSC of Authorized Representative of NGO/Trust/Society.

   • Attach DSC of Practicing Professional (CA/CS/CMA).

7. Upload the Form
   Go to My Application → Pending Action Tab → Upload the signed form.

8. Payment of Fees

   • Government filing fee: ₹0 (No cost)

9. Instant Approval
   Once uploaded and verified, the CSR-1 Certificate is instantly approved and available for download from your MCA account.

Documents Required for CSR-1

For NGO / Trust / Society

• Registration or Incorporation Certificate

• PAN Card of Organization

• Registered Address Proof

• Email ID and Mobile Number

For Authorized Representative

• PAN, Aadhaar, and Photo

• DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

• Email ID and Mobile Number

Who Can Apply for CSR-1?

Following types of entities can apply for CSR-1 Registration:

1. Section 8 Companies (registered under Companies Act, 2013/1956)

2. Registered Public Trusts under the Indian Trusts Act or State Laws

3. Registered Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

4. Entities Established by Central or State Government

5. Section 8 Companies established by Government or PSU

 

Eligibility Checklist for CSR-1

To be eligible for CSR-1 registration:

• Must be a registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.

• Should have a minimum 3-year track record in similar social activities (for private NGOs).

• Must possess 12A and 80G Registration under the Income Tax Act.

• Must have a valid DSC of the authorized person.

• Activities should be aligned with Schedule VII of the Companies Act (such as education, poverty, gender equality, environment, etc.).

Time Required

Validity of CSR-1 Certificate

Once approved, the CSR-1 certificate is valid for a lifetime.
It does not require renewal unless the NGO violates CSR guidelines or changes its legal status.

CSR-1 Certificate Download

After successful approval, you can download the CSR-1 Certificate from your MCA Dashboard → My Applications Tab → Download CSR-1 PDF.
The certificate contains a Unique CSR Registration Number starting with “CSRXXXXXXXXXXXXX”.

Conclusion

CSR-1 registration is an essential compliance for NGOs and Trusts that wish to collaborate with companies for social projects.
Without this registration, no NGO can legally receive CSR funds.

If you’re an NGO, Society, or Trust, apply today and get your CSR-1 Certificate approved instantly through MCA.

 

FAQs on CSR-1 Registration

1. What is CSR-1 Registration?

CSR-1 is a registration form introduced by MCA for NGOs to receive CSR funds from companies.

2. Who needs to file Form CSR-1?

All NGOs, Trusts, and Societies seeking CSR funding must file it.

3. Is CSR-1 mandatory?

Yes. From April 1, 2021, CSR-1 registration is compulsory for all implementing agencies.

4. What is the validity of CSR-1 Certificate?

The certificate is valid for a lifetime unless revoked by MCA.

5. Who can sign Form CSR-1?

The authorized representative of the NGO and a practicing CA/CS/CMA.

6. Is DSC mandatory for filing CSR-1?

Yes. The DSC of both the authorized person and professional is required.

7. Can a newly registered NGO apply?

Only if established by the Government. Otherwise, 3-year track record is mandatory.

8. Is there any government fee?

No, the government filing fee is ₹0.

9. How long does it take for approval?

Usually, the CSR-1 certificate is approved instantly after upload.

10. Can we apply CSR-1 offline?

No, it can only be filed online via the MCA V3 portal.

11. What are the documents required?

PAN, Registration Certificate, Address Proof, DSC, and Authorized Person’s KYC.

12. Is CSR-1 applicable for foreign NGOs?

No. Only Indian-registered entities are eligible.

13. What happens if CSR funds are received without CSR-1?

It is a violation under CSR Rules and may lead to penalties.

14. Is 12A or 80G mandatory?

Yes, for private NGOs, both are required.

15. Can I change details after submission?

No, you’ll need to refile if details are incorrect.

16. What is CSR Registration Number?

A unique MCA number confirming the NGO’s CSR registration.

17. Who verifies CSR-1 applications?

The MCA system auto-verifies details from PAN and registration databases.

18. How to check CSR-1 status?

Visit the MCA CSR Portal → “Registered Implementing Agencies”.

19. Can a Section 8 Company apply for CSR-1?

Yes, it is the most common eligible entity.

20. What activities qualify for CSR?

Activities listed under Schedule VII (education, poverty, women empowerment, etc.)

21. Can one organization do multiple CSR projects?

Yes, as long as all are CSR-compliant.

22. Can an NGO apply with expired DSC?

No, the DSC must be valid.

23. Can CSR-1 registration be cancelled?

Yes, MCA may revoke it for non-compliance or misuse.

24. Can a private limited company apply for CSR-1?

Only if registered as a Section 8 (not-for-profit) company.

25. Where to get help in CSR-1 filing?

You can contact a professional CA, CS, or CMA for assistance with document verification and DSC.