CSR | CSR-1 | NGO | TRUST | SOCIETY | SECTION 8

CSR Registration and CSR-1 Registration in India

Professional assistance for CSR Registration, CSR-1 Registration, CSR implementing agency registration and Corporate Social Responsibility compliance in Odisha and across India.

BBSR Services assists eligible NGOs, Trusts, Societies and Section 8 Companies with CSR-1 registration, documentation, CSR project support and corporate CSR engagement.

What is CSR Registration?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the framework under which eligible companies undertake specified social, environmental and development-related activities in accordance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the applicable CSR Rules.

In the context of NGOs and other implementing organisations, the term CSR Registration is commonly used for CSR-1 Registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Eligible implementing agencies are required to register through the prescribed CSR-1 process in order to undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies.

CSR-1 Registration

MCA's CSR framework requires eligible implementing agencies to register through Form CSR-1. On successful submission, a unique CSR Registration Number is generated.

CSR and CSR-1 Registration - What is the Difference?

CSR for Companies

CSR under Section 135 applies to companies meeting the prescribed financial thresholds. Such companies are required to comply with the applicable CSR framework.

CSR-1 for Implementing Agencies

CSR-1 is the registration mechanism for eligible entities that intend to undertake CSR activities as implementing agencies.

Important: A company carrying out its CSR activities directly does not need CSR-1 registration merely for that direct implementation.

When is CSR Applicable to a Company?

Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, CSR provisions apply to a company meeting any one of the prescribed financial criteria during the immediately preceding financial year.

Net Worth

Rs. 500 Crore or More

CSR provisions may apply where the prescribed net worth threshold is met.

Turnover

Rs. 1,000 Crore or More

CSR provisions may apply where the prescribed turnover threshold is met.

Net Profit

Rs. 5 Crore or More

CSR provisions may apply where the prescribed net profit threshold is met.

The thresholds above are based on the CSR framework under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

CSR Spending Requirement

A company covered by Section 135 is generally required to spend at least 2% of the average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years on CSR activities, subject to the applicable provisions and rules.

Example of CSR Spending Calculation

Year 1 Rs. 4 Crore
Year 2 Rs. 6 Crore
Year 3 Rs. 8 Crore

Average net profit = (Rs. 4 Crore + Rs. 6 Crore + Rs. 8 Crore) / 3 = Rs. 6 Crore.

Indicative 2% CSR amount = Rs. 6 Crore x 2% = Rs. 12 Lakh.

This is only an illustrative example. Actual CSR expenditure must be calculated according to the applicable provisions, rules and prescribed method.

Who Can Apply for CSR-1 Registration?

Eligible implementing agencies can undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies subject to the applicable requirements.

Section 8 Company

Eligible Section 8 Companies undertaking qualifying social development activities.

Public Charitable Trust

Eligible registered public charitable trusts meeting the prescribed conditions.

Registered Society

Eligible registered societies carrying out qualifying CSR activities.

Government Established Entities

Certain entities established by the Central or State Government may fall within the eligible implementing agency framework.

Statutory Entities

Entities established under an Act of Parliament or State Legislature may qualify where applicable.

Experienced Implementing Organisations

Certain eligible organisations having the prescribed track record may undertake CSR projects.

Important Conditions for CSR Implementing Agencies

01

Legal Registration

The organisation should have an appropriate legal structure and registration as required by the CSR Rules.

02

Tax Registration

Certain implementing agencies are required to satisfy the applicable income-tax registration requirements.

03

80G

Where required under the applicable CSR implementing agency provisions, the organisation should have the relevant 80G registration.

04

CSR-1 Filing

Eligible implementing agencies must complete the prescribed CSR-1 registration process.

05

Digital Verification

CSR-1 involves electronic filing and professional verification as prescribed.

06

CSR Registration Number

A unique CSR Registration Number is generated after successful submission.

Documents Required for CSR-1 Registration

The exact documents depend on the legal structure and circumstances of the implementing agency.

Registration Certificate

Certificate relating to the Trust, Society or Section 8 Company.

Trust Deed

Applicable trust deed and amendments, where relevant.

MOA and AOA

Constitutional documents for applicable Section 8 Companies.

Bye-Laws

Society bye-laws and governing documents where applicable.

PAN

PAN details of the implementing organisation.

12A / 12AB

Applicable income-tax registration documentation.

80G

Applicable 80G registration or approval documentation.

Trustee / Director Details

Details of trustees, directors and authorised representatives.

Bank Details

Bank account information and supporting documents.

Activity Details

Details of charitable and social development activities.

CSR-1 Registration Process

01

Organisation Assessment

Review the legal structure, registrations, activities and eligibility.

02

Document Collection

Collect constitutional, tax, management and supporting documents.

03

Information Preparation

Prepare the information required for the prescribed CSR-1 filing.

04

CSR-1 Filing

Complete the electronic CSR-1 filing process.

05

Professional Verification

Complete the prescribed verification by the relevant practising professional.

06

MCA Processing

The submitted information is processed through the applicable MCA system.

07

CSR Registration Number

A unique CSR Registration Number is generated after successful submission.

08

Corporate Engagement

The organisation can approach suitable companies for eligible CSR project opportunities.

CSR Activities and Schedule VII

CSR activities must fall within the activities specified under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 and the applicable CSR framework.

Education

Education, vocational skills, literacy and related development initiatives.

Healthcare

Healthcare, sanitation, preventive healthcare and community health initiatives.

Poverty Relief

Poverty alleviation, nutrition and livelihood support programmes.

Women Empowerment

Programmes supporting women and gender equality.

Rural Development

Rural development and community infrastructure initiatives.

Environment

Environmental sustainability, conservation and ecological initiatives.

Skill Development

Skill development and employment-oriented programmes.

Sports

Sports development and training initiatives where covered under Schedule VII.

Heritage and Culture

Protection of heritage, art, culture and related activities.

Disaster Management

Disaster management, relief and rehabilitation activities where permitted.

Public Welfare

Eligible social development and public welfare programmes.

Social Development

Other activities falling within the applicable Schedule VII framework.

Examples of CSR Projects

PROJECT 01

Rural Education Programme

A company may support educational infrastructure, digital learning, scholarships or skill development in eligible rural communities.

PROJECT 02

Community Healthcare

CSR funds may support eligible healthcare, preventive healthcare and community health initiatives.

PROJECT 03

Skill Development Centre

An eligible organisation may implement training programmes for youth, women or disadvantaged communities.

PROJECT 04

Environmental Programme

Eligible environmental sustainability, conservation and ecological projects may be considered.

PROJECT 05

Women Empowerment

Livelihood, entrepreneurship and skill development projects for women may be considered where they satisfy Schedule VII.

PROJECT 06

Rural Livelihood

Eligible projects supporting sustainable rural livelihoods and community development may be undertaken.

How NGOs Can Work With Corporate CSR Funds

CSR-1 registration can form an important part of the compliance foundation for an eligible organisation seeking to undertake CSR projects for companies.

STEP 1

Build Your Organisation

Maintain proper legal, tax and governance registrations.

STEP 2

Obtain CSR-1

Complete the applicable CSR-1 registration process.

STEP 3

Develop Projects

Prepare clear CSR projects aligned with Schedule VII and community needs.

STEP 4

Approach Companies

Present projects and implementation capabilities to suitable corporate CSR teams.

STEP 5

Execute Projects

Implement approved projects according to agreed objectives, timelines and budgets.

STEP 6

Reporting

Maintain utilisation records, project reports and other required documentation.

CSR Compliance Services for Companies

CSR Applicability Review

Review whether the company falls within the applicable CSR threshold.

CSR Spending Calculation

Assistance with determining the applicable CSR expenditure requirement.

CSR Policy

Assistance with CSR policy and related documentation.

Annual Action Plan

Assistance with CSR project planning and annual action-plan documentation.

Implementing Agency Support

Assistance in identifying suitable CSR implementing organisations.

Project Monitoring

Assistance with CSR project documentation and monitoring frameworks.

CSR Reporting

Assistance with applicable CSR reporting and documentation.

CSR Documentation

Organising project proposals, agreements, reports and supporting records.

CSR Implementing Agency Registration

An NGO, Trust, Society or Section 8 Company seeking to undertake CSR activities on behalf of a company should determine whether it falls within the eligible implementing agency categories and whether the prescribed registration and tax requirements are satisfied.

CSR-1 is an important compliance step for eligible implementing agencies. The MCA framework requires prescribed electronic filing and professional verification.

CSR Registration Number

Following successful submission of CSR-1, the MCA system generates a unique CSR Registration Number for the implementing agency.

Important CSR Update for 2026

The CSR framework continues to operate under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 and related amendments.

In May 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs expanded Schedule VII by introducing subscription to eligible zero-coupon zero-principal instruments on a Social Stock Exchange as an additional CSR activity. The related amendments also introduced provisions concerning eligible Not-for-Profit Organisations and such instruments.

Compliance caution: CSR projects should always be checked against the applicable Schedule VII and CSR Rules before approval and implementation.

CSR Registration Services in Odisha

BBSR Services provides CSR Registration and CSR-1 Registration assistance in Odisha for eligible NGOs, Trusts, Societies and Section 8 Companies.

We assist organisations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Subarnapur and other parts of Odisha.

Bhubaneswar Cuttack Khordha Puri Ganjam Balasore Mayurbhanj Sambalpur Bargarh Balangir Nuapada Kalahandi Koraput Rayagada Nabarangpur

CSR Registration Services Across India

BBSR Services also provides online CSR-1 Registration and CSR Consultancy across India for eligible organisations and companies.

Whether your organisation operates in Odisha, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh or another State or Union Territory, you can contact us for an initial assessment.

CSR Project Proposal Support

Corporate CSR teams generally need clear information before evaluating a proposed social-impact project. BBSR Services can assist eligible organisations with structuring project information.

Project Title

Clear and specific name of the proposed project.

Problem Statement

Description of the social or environmental issue.

Target Beneficiaries

Number and profile of intended beneficiaries.

Project Location

Geographic area where the project will operate.

Project Budget

Estimated project cost and proposed fund utilisation.

Implementation Timeline

Proposed activities and implementation schedule.

Monitoring

Project monitoring and measurable indicators.

Impact Reporting

Proposed method for documenting project outcomes.

Common CSR Registration Mistakes

01

Wrong Entity Details

Incorrect legal or registration information can create filing issues.

02

Incomplete Documents

Missing constitutional or tax documents can delay preparation and verification.

03

Eligibility Not Checked

Organisations should confirm their eligibility before approaching CSR projects.

04

Weak Project Proposal

Unclear objectives, beneficiaries and budgets can make corporate evaluation difficult.

05

Poor Records

Proper accounts, project records and utilisation documentation are important.

06

Ignoring Compliance

CSR registration should be followed by appropriate project and reporting compliance.

Related NGO and Corporate Services

Frequently Asked Questions About CSR Registration

What is CSR Registration?

CSR Registration commonly refers to registration of an eligible implementing agency through the prescribed CSR-1 process with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

What is CSR-1?

CSR-1 is the prescribed electronic registration form used by eligible implementing agencies intending to undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies.

Who needs CSR-1 registration?

Eligible implementing agencies covered by the CSR Rules intending to undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies are required to complete the prescribed registration.

Does a company need CSR-1 if it carries out CSR directly?

No. MCA's CSR FAQ clarifies that CSR-1 registration is not required where the company carries out its CSR activities directly.

Can an NGO apply for CSR-1?

An eligible NGO can apply subject to the applicable legal structure, registrations and requirements under the CSR Rules.

Can a Trust obtain CSR-1 registration?

An eligible public charitable trust may qualify as an implementing agency subject to the applicable requirements.

Can a Society obtain CSR-1 registration?

An eligible registered society may qualify subject to the conditions prescribed under the CSR Rules.

Can a Section 8 Company obtain CSR-1?

An eligible Section 8 Company can fall within the implementing agency framework subject to the applicable conditions.

Is 12A / 12AB required for CSR-1?

Certain categories of implementing agencies must satisfy the applicable income-tax registration requirements. Eligibility should be checked according to the entity's structure and circumstances.

Is 80G required for CSR implementing agencies?

The CSR Rules prescribe eligibility requirements for specified implementing agencies, including applicable tax registrations. The exact requirement should be assessed based on the entity category.

What is the CSR Registration Number?

It is the unique registration number generated through the CSR-1 registration process after successful submission.

What are the CSR applicability limits?

Under Section 135, CSR provisions apply where a company meets any one of the prescribed thresholds of net worth of Rs. 500 crore or more, turnover of Rs. 1,000 crore or more, or net profit of Rs. 5 crore or more during the immediately preceding financial year.

How much does a company need to spend on CSR?

Generally, a company covered by Section 135 is required to spend at least 2% of the average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years, subject to the applicable provisions.

Can CSR funds be used for any NGO activity?

No. CSR expenditure must relate to activities permitted under Schedule VII and comply with the applicable CSR Rules.

Can an NGO directly receive CSR funds after CSR-1?

CSR-1 registration does not guarantee funding. The NGO must meet the eligibility requirements and obtain corporate approval for an eligible CSR project.

Do you provide CSR registration services in Odisha?

Yes. BBSR Services provides CSR-1 Registration and CSR consultancy assistance for eligible organisations throughout Odisha.

Do you provide CSR services across India?

Yes. Online CSR-1 registration and CSR consultancy assistance is available for eligible organisations across India.

Why Choose BBSR Services for CSR Registration?

Documentation Support

Structured assistance for CSR registration documentation.

NGO and Corporate Focus

Support for both implementing organisations and companies working on CSR compliance.

Odisha Based

Professional assistance from Bhubaneswar for organisations throughout Odisha.

Pan India Support

Online assistance for eligible organisations across India.

Eligibility Review

Preliminary assessment before proceeding with CSR registration.

Consultation

Guidance on CSR registration, implementation and documentation.

CSR Registration Services in Odisha and India

BBSR Services provides professional CSR Registration Services in Odisha for eligible NGOs, Trusts, Societies and Section 8 Companies. Our services cover CSR-1 Registration, CSR implementing agency registration, CSR documentation and CSR consultancy.

Organisations looking for CSR-1 Registration in Bhubaneswar, CSR Registration in Cuttack, CSR Registration in Odisha or online CSR registration support across India can contact BBSR Services for an initial assessment.

We also assist companies with CSR applicability review, CSR spending calculation, CSR project documentation, implementing agency identification, CSR policy support, project monitoring and related compliance requirements.

Our objective is to help companies and eligible social organisations build a structured approach to CSR implementation, documentation and reporting.

Important Disclaimer

This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. CSR laws, rules, forms, thresholds, procedures and compliance requirements may change. Eligibility for CSR-1 registration and CSR project funding depends on the applicable law and the circumstances of the organisation or company. Registration does not guarantee receipt of CSR funding.

Looking for CSR Registration or CSR-1 Registration?

Contact BBSR Services for professional assistance with CSR-1 registration, CSR documentation and CSR compliance for eligible organisations and companies.