Practice Areas · StartUp · Business Formation · Incorporation · Society
Society Registration
A member-driven association for charitable, educational, or cultural purposes.
What a society is
A society is a membership-based association of persons formed for charitable, literary, scientific, educational, or social purposes, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (with State amendments). It is a common form for NGOs, clubs, and educational and cultural institutions.
It is governed by a Memorandum of Association and rules and regulations, and is managed by an elected governing body, or managing committee, such as a president, secretary, and treasurer.
A State-level society requires a minimum of seven members; an all-India society requires members drawn from several States.
Why founders choose it
Member-driven
A democratic structure with an elected managing committee.
Well-suited to institutions
A natural fit for associations, clubs, schools, and cultural bodies.
Tax exemptions
Charitable societies can obtain 12A and 80G registration with the Income-tax department.
Recognised non-profit form
Accepted by authorities and eligible to receive grants.
Relatively simple to form
A memorandum, rules, and registration with the State Registrar.
Flexible membership
New members can be admitted under the rules as the society grows.
What registration requires
Members & committee
- A minimum of 7 members for a State-level society; an all-India society needs members from several States
- A governing body or managing committee — typically a president, secretary, and treasurer
- Members agreeing to the objects set out in the memorandum
Documents & objects
- A Memorandum of Association setting out the objects and the members
- Rules and regulations governing membership, the committee, and meetings
- A registered office address in the State, with valid proof
Documents you'll need
- Memorandum of Association and the rules and regulations of the society
- PAN and Aadhaar of the members and committee members
- Identity and address proof of the members and office-bearers
- Passport-size photographs
- Registered office proof — rent agreement and NOC, or ownership proof, with a recent utility bill
How registration works
- 01
Assemble members and objects
Decide the society's name and objects, and bring together at least seven members.
- 02
Draft the memorandum and rules
Prepare the Memorandum of Association and the rules and regulations.
- 03
File with the Registrar of Societies
Submit the documents with member details and the prescribed fee to the State Registrar.
- 04
Registration certificate
On approval, the Registrar issues the society's registration certificate.
- 05
Tax registrations and set-up
Apply for PAN and, for a charitable society, 12A and 80G; obtain FCRA if foreign funds are expected, and open the bank account.
Key characteristics
Minimum 7 members
A State-level society needs at least seven members.
Elected committee
Managed by a governing body, with periodic elections and meetings.
State registration
Registered with the Registrar of Societies under the 1860 Act.
Member-based & democratic
Decisions follow the rules and regulations and member votes.
Tax-exempt with 12A/80G
Charitable societies can obtain exemption and donor deduction.
Annual filings
The list of the managing committee is filed annually with the Registrar.
Why work with PBT
PBT registers your society correctly and supports its ongoing compliance.
- We advise on a society versus a trust or Section 8 company for your purpose
- We draft the Memorandum of Association and the rules and regulations
- Registration with the State Registrar of Societies
- PAN, and 12A and 80G applications, with FCRA where foreign funds are expected
- Annual filings with the Registrar and ongoing income-tax compliance
- Scope, deliverables, and fees agreed in writing up front
Frequently asked questions
How many members are needed to form a society?
At least seven for a State-level society. An all-India society needs members drawn from several States.
How does a society compare with a trust or Section 8 company?
A society is member-driven with an elected committee; a trust is trustee-controlled; a Section 8 company offers the strongest governance and recognition. We help you choose.
Can a society claim tax exemption?
Yes — a charitable society can obtain 12A and 80G registration with the Income-tax department.
Who manages a society?
An elected governing body or managing committee, in accordance with the society's rules and regulations.
What ongoing compliance applies?
An annual filing of the list of the managing committee with the Registrar, plus income-tax filings and audit where applicable.
How long does it take?
Typically about 2–4 weeks for registration with the State Registrar of Societies, depending on the State. The 12A and 80G tax registrations are obtained separately and take additional time.
Register your society
Tell us about your members and objects, and we'll draft the memorandum and rules and handle the registration end to end.
Send an enquiryThis page describes the nature of the firm's services and is not a solicitation or legal advice. Thresholds, timelines, and applicable registrations depend on your specific facts; engagement terms and fees are agreed in writing per assignment.