Central
Free (govt. fee)
12A and 80G Registration
Income tax exemption for the NGO and tax deduction benefits for its donors.
Central Government Scheme
· Active – tightened from July 2025 requiring valid 12A/80G · India
CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social
Responsibility Implementing Agency)
CSR-1 registration is the mandatory Ministry of Corporate Affairs filing that authorises an NGO to legally receive and implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from companies, generating a unique CSR Registration Number that companies must quote when transferring funds. Apply now in India with expert guidance from Varahii Consultancy.
Filing Fee: Government: nil; Professional/CA certification typically ~₹2,999
Validity: Generally permanent, unless entity structure/registration changes
Minimum Experience: 3 years of charitable activity in the relevant field
Mandatory Since: 1 April 2021
Status: Active – tightened from July 2025 requiring valid 12A/80G
City: India
2 %
Mandatory CSR Spend (Qualifying Cos.)
3 yrs
Min. Track Record Required
0
Government Filing Fee
2021
Made Mandatory
What is CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency)?
CSR-1 registration is the mandatory Ministry of Corporate Affairs filing that authorises an NGO to legally receive and implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from companies, generating a unique CSR Registration Number that companies must quote when transferring funds.
CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) applicants in India typically face the same handful of avoidable rejection reasons. Our consultants in India flag these before you apply, not after a rejection.
Objective: To ensure only verified, compliant, and experienced NGOs handle the crores of rupees in mandatory corporate CSR spending each year, improving transparency and accountability in fund utilisation.
Who is this for in India?
Section 8 Companies, registered Trusts, and registered Societies seeking CSR funds from companies
NGOs already holding 12A and 80G registration
Entities established by Central or State Government legislation
Eligibility Criteria – India
To apply for CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) India, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Entity Type: Section 8 Company, registered public trust, or registered society
Tax Registration: Must hold valid Section 12A and 80G registration under the Income Tax Act (tightened requirement from July 2025)
Minimum Track Record: At least 3 years of demonstrated charitable activity in the relevant field
Governance: Active board, audited accounts, and filed annual returns expected as proof of proper governance
Not Eligible: Entities without valid 12A and 80G registration, Organisations with less than 3 years of documented charitable work, Unregistered or informal voluntary groups
Who is NOT Eligible
Entities without valid 12A and 80G registration
Organisations with less than 3 years of documented charitable work
Unregistered or informal voluntary groups
Benefits for India Applicants
Eligible applicants India can receive the following benefits under CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency):
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Csr Funding Access | Becomes the only legal route for NGOs to receive CSR funds from companies covered under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 |
| Unique Crn | Receives a unique CSR Registration Number (CRN) that companies must quote when transferring CSR funds, enabling traceability |
| Csr Exchange Visibility | Can register on the CSR Exchange Portal within 30 days of CSR-1 approval, improving visibility to companies seeking implementing partners |
| Due Diligence Signal | Acts as a quality mark distinguishing credible, MCA-recognised NGOs from unregistered entities in the eyes of corporate CSR committees |
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before applying India. Having them prepared speeds up approval significantly.
Certificate of Incorporation (Section 8 Company) / Society Registration Certificate / Trust registration
PAN card of the organisation
Valid 12A and 80G registration certificates
Details of trustees/directors/governing body members
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of an authorised signatory
Certification by a practising CA, CS, or Cost Accountant
Pro tip: Register on Udyam Portal before applying. It strengthens your application and may unlock additional MSME benefits.
How to Apply in India
Follow these steps to apply for CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) India:
If you've struggled to get clarity on CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) eligibility in India, our consultants can walk you through the current criteria, required documents, and realistic approval timelines based on recent applications we've handled.
1
Ensure 12A and 80G registration is in place
These are mandatory prerequisites — secure them first if not already held.
2
Gather registration and governance documents
Compile your certificate of incorporation/registration, PAN, and details of trustees/directors.
3
Engage a practising professional
Form CSR-1 requires certification by a CA, CS, or Cost Accountant before submission.
4
File Form CSR-1 on the MCA portal
Log in to the MCA21 portal, locate Form CSR-1 under e-Forms, and submit with your Digital Signature Certificate.
5
ROC verification
The Registrar of Companies reviews and verifies the submitted application and documents.
6
Receive your CSR Registration Number
On approval, the system generates a unique CRN, which you can then quote to companies seeking implementing partners.
Online Portal: You can apply directly at https://www.mca.gov.in. Varahii's consultants can guide you through every step.
Coverage & Limits
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Companies Covered | Those with net worth ≥₹500 crore, turnover ≥₹1,000 crore, or net profit ≥₹5 crore in the preceding financial year, who must spend 2% of average net profit on CSR |
| Validity | Generally remains valid permanently unless the entity's structure or core registrations change |
| Schedule Vii Alignment | CSR projects must align with at least one of the activities listed in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 |
Applying for CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) in India
CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) is available to entrepreneurs and individuals across India. Whether you are based in the urban core or surrounding areas of India, you can approach any participating bank, NBFC, or Microfinance Institution to begin your application.
Varahii Consultancy has helped hundreds of applicants India successfully complete their CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) applications — from document preparation to follow-up with the sanctioning authority.
Varahii in India: Our local advisors understand the specific requirements of India branches and can help you choose the right lender or government office for faster processing.
Industry & Entrepreneurship Landscape in India
India's small-business economy is shaped in large part by trading, agro-processing, and small-scale manufacturing, sectors that account for a significant share of local MSME and entrepreneurial activity. Udyam registrations have grown steadily as more entrepreneurs formalise their businesses to access government schemes, priority-sector loans, and tender eligibility.
Among individual entrepreneurs in India, current trends show a growing share of women-led and first-generation entrepreneurs registering new micro-enterprises. This shift is directly relevant to CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) applicants, since lenders and sanctioning authorities increasingly favour Udyam-registered, formally documented businesses when reviewing applications.
Banking & credit access in India: Applicants typically work with SBI, regional rural banks, and a network of cooperative banks when applying for government-linked schemes, alongside NBFCs and microfinance institutions for smaller ticket sizes.
Why Varahii Is Among the Best CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) Consultants in India
Choosing the right consultant for CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) in India can be the difference between a smooth approval and months of avoidable delay. Varahii Consultancy has built a reputation in India and across India for handling government scheme and MSME loan applications end-to-end — not just advising, but actively preparing documentation, tracking application status, and following up with the relevant department or bank until a decision is reached.
Specialised, up-to-date knowledge of CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) eligibility and documentation requirements in India
End-to-end application support — not just advice — from document prep to final follow-up
Familiarity with local banks, NBFCs, and government offices in India
Transparent process with no hidden fees and a free initial eligibility check
Varahii in India: If you're evaluating CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) options in India, our consultants can give you a realistic eligibility assessment before you commit any paperwork — most consultations start with a free review of your specific situation.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Rule Effective | 1 April 2021 (Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021) |
| July 2025 Tightening | Implementing agencies now require valid, current 12A and 80G registration as a hard prerequisite |
Contact & Support
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Registrar of Companies (ROC), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
| Portal | mca.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Since 1 April 2021, CSR funds spent through an unregistered NGO do not count as valid CSR expenditure for the company — CSR-1 registration is mandatory to receive such funds.
Yes, this is now a hard requirement, especially tightened from July 2025 — your 12A and 80G registration must be valid and current at the time of CSR-1 application.
It is generally valid permanently, unless there are changes to your organisation's legal structure or core registrations.
Generally at least 3 years of demonstrated, documented charitable activity in your field of work.
Companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or net profit of ₹5 crore or more in the preceding financial year must spend at least 2% of their average net profit on CSR activities.
Related topics: CSR-1 CSR funding Ministry of Corporate Affairs CSR Registration Number Schedule VII India
Ready to Apply for CSR-1 Registration (Corporate Social Responsibility Implementing Agency) in India?
Varahii's verified consultants handle everything — eligibility check, document preparation, application filing, and follow-up with India authorities. 100% free initial consultation.