CSR-1 Registration

• Any NGO or implementing agency that receives or intends to receive CSR funds from companies under Section 135
• Section 8 Companies, registered trusts, registered societies implementing CSR programmes
• Entities established by the Central or State Government for CSR implementation
• Public sector undertakings implementing CSR on behalf of companies

• Valid NGO registration — Trust / Society / Section 8 Company
• Valid 12A registration certificate from Income Tax Department
• Valid NGO Darpan ID from NITI Aayog portal
• PAN card of the organisation
• At least 3 years of track record of charitable activities (recommended)
• Audited accounts for the last 3 years

1. Log in to MCA portal (mca.gov.in) with organisational credentials
2. Navigate to e-Filing → CSR Forms → Form CSR-1
3. Fill complete organisation details, registration information, and project expertise areas
4. Upload required documents — registration certificate, 12A, Darpan ID, PAN
5. DSC authentication by authorised signatory
6. Submit form — CSR Registration Number (CSRXXXXXXXX) is generated immediately upon approval
7. Government Fee: NIL | Processing Time: 1–3 working days | Renewal: Annual re-filing required

One of the most common sources of confusion for NGOs entering the corporate funding space is the difference between 80G registration and CSR-1 registration — and which one a corporate CSR donor requires. The answer depends on how the company is structuring its CSR contribution and what it intends to claim under the Companies Act.

Recommendation: Most NGOs targeting corporate funding should hold both 80G (for individual and non-mandatory CSR donors) and CSR-1 (for Schedule VII companies fulfilling their mandatory CSR obligation). MFiling can obtain both registrations simultaneously.