Companies Act, 2013 · Section 8 · MCA
Section 8 कंपनी रजिस्ट्रेशन (NGO/NPO)
Section 8 कंपनी एक नॉन-प्रॉफ़िट कंपनी है, जो शिक्षा, समाज सेवा, कला या विज्ञान जैसे कामों के लिए बनाई जाती है। हमारी टीम पात्रता जाँचने से लेकर रजिस्ट्रेशन पूरा होने तक आपके साथ है।
- Registration
- 15-20 days
- Tax exemptions
- 12A/80G
- Foreign funding eligible
- FCRA
- Our fee
- From ₹7,999 + GST
- 15-20 day registration timeline
- FCRA compliance expertise
- Expert review of every file
- End-to-end: incorporation + 12A/80G
- Transparent pricing, no hidden costs
Section 8 Company Registration
Share your details and our CA/CS experts will call you back to discuss your charitable objectives.
मुख्य तथ्य
ज़रूरी तथ्य, एक ही जगह
जो जानकारी आम तौर पर पाँच अलग-अलग पेजों से जोड़नी पड़ती है, वह सब एक ही जगह।
- Governing law
- Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8)
- Administered by MCA + Central Government
- Authority
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
- mca.gov.in
- Min. members
- 2 (individuals or body corporate)
- No upper limit
- Min. directors
- 2
- One must be Indian resident
- Objects
- Charitable only
- No profit distribution to members
- License
- Required from Central Government
- Before incorporation
- Tax exemption
- 12A registration + 80G
- Income tax exemptions
- FCRA
- Applicable for foreign funds
- Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
- Name suffix
- Must end with 'Ltd' or 'Limited'
- Cannot use 'Association', 'Society'
- Our fee from
- ₹7,999
- Includes 12A/80G application
What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 (earlier Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956). It is incorporated for promoting charitable objects such as education, commerce, science, art, religion, charity, social welfare, or any other useful purpose.
Section 8 Companies enjoy several advantages over traditional trusts and societies: a separate legal identity, limited liability for members, enhanced credibility with government bodies and international donors, easier access to FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration for receiving foreign donations, and tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
The Central Government must approve the registration after verifying the objects and the promoters' track record. The government may also impose conditions on the Section 8 Company's activities to ensure the charitable objectives are met. Any profits must be applied solely towards promoting the company's objects - no dividends can be distributed to members.
Section 8 Company vs Trust vs Society
All three are non-profit structures. Here is how Section 8 Companies compare to Trusts and Societies.
Section 8 Company
Companies Act, 2013 / MCA
Trust / Society
Indian Trusts Act / Societies Registration Act
| पहलू | Section 8 Company | Trust / Society |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Companies Act, 2013 / MCA | Indian Trusts Act / Societies Registration Act |
| Authority | MCA + Central Government | Registrar of Trusts / Registrar of Societies |
| Legal status | Body corporate | Non-corporate body |
| Liability | Limited (members not personally liable) | Trustees/managing committee have liability |
| Credibility | High - government recognised | Moderate |
| Foreign funding | FCRA eligible (easier process) | FCRA eligible (more scrutiny) |
| Tax exemptions | 12A + 80G available | 12A + 80G available |
| Registration time | 15-20 days | 10-15 days |
| Compliance | Annual return (MGT-7) + AOC-4 | Simpler annual accounts |
| Governance | Board of directors, AGM | Managing committee / trustees |
Bizeneed विज़ुअल गाइड
Section 8 कंपनी रजिस्ट्रेशन (NGO/NPO)
Register a Section 8 Company (NGO/NPO) under Companies Act 2013 for charitable objects. License from Central Government, tax exemptions under 12A/80G, FCRA considerations. From ₹7,999.
- 1ज़रूरत समझना
- 2दस्तावेज़ तैयार करना
- 3फ़ाइलिंग पूरी करना
इस पेज पर AI टूल
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पात्रता
Who should register a Section 8 Company?
Section 8 is the right non-profit structure when credibility and FCRA access matter.
- NGOs working at scale and needing government credibility
- Charitable organisations seeking FCRA registration for foreign funding
- Educational institutions wanting a formal corporate structure
- Social welfare organisations planning large-scale programs
- Trusts or societies wanting to upgrade to a more credible structure
- Organisations applying for government grants that require a Section 8 Company
एंटिटी के प्रकार के अनुसार
| एंटिटी | लागू क़ानून | पात्र |
|---|---|---|
| Section 8 Company | Companies Act, 2013 / MCA | हाँ |
| Trust | Indian Trusts Act / State Trust Act | हाँ |
| Society | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | हाँ |
Common sectors for Section 8 Companies
Education
- Schools and coaching institutions
- Scholarship funds
- Skill development NGOs
- Research foundations
Healthcare
- Charitable hospitals
- Health awareness campaigns
- Medical research organisations
- Mental health NGOs
Social welfare
- Poverty alleviation programs
- Women empowerment
- Child welfare
- Rural development
Environment
- Conservation organisations
- Climate action NGOs
- Wildlife protection
- Sustainable development initiatives
कौन पात्र नहीं है
- Activities must be exclusively charitable - no commercial profit-making activities allowed
- No dividends or profits can be distributed to members under any circumstances
Is Section 8 the right structure for your NGO?
Answer three questions and we will recommend the right non-profit structure.
3 में से 0 सवालों के जवाब दिए
Do you plan to operate at scale (state/national level)?
Do you need to receive foreign funding?
Is government credibility important for your work?
अपनी पात्रता का नतीजा देखने के लिए सभी सवालों के जवाब दें।
सबमिट करके आप Bizeneed से अनुरोध करते हैं कि वह इस पूछताछ के बारे में आपसे संपर्क करे। ज़्यादा जानकारी के लिए हमारी प्राइवेसी पॉलिसी देखें।
दस्तावेज़
Documents required for Section 8 Company registration
8 ज़रूरी · 1 लागू हो तो
चेकलिस्ट मुझे ईमेल करेंसभी एंटिटी के लिए एक जैसे
- PAN Card of all directors/membersज़रूरी
- Aadhaar Card of all directors/membersज़रूरी
- Passport size photos of directorsज़रूरी
- Registered office address proof (utility bill)ज़रूरी
- NOC from property owner (if rented)ज़रूरी
- Rent agreement (if office is rented)लागू हो तो
- Proposed name (2-3 alternatives, ending with Foundation/Association/Society)ज़रूरी
- Detailed statement of proposed objectsज़रूरी
- List of promoters with addresses and occupationsज़रूरी
एंटिटी के हिसाब से
| एंटिटी | अतिरिक्त दस्तावेज़ |
|---|---|
| Individuals as promoters | PAN, Aadhaar, photos, address proof, income tax returns (2 years) |
| Trust/Society converting | Trust deed/society registration certificate, list of trustees/managing committee, past annual reports |
| Corporate promoters | PAN, certificate of incorporation, board resolution, MOA/AOA |
Get the Section 8 document checklist as a PDF
A one-page checklist for your NGO registration.
प्रक्रिया
How Section 8 Company registration works
Section 8 registration has two stages: obtaining a license from the Central Government, followed by MCA incorporation.
Name reservation and license application
We file the application with the Regional Director (Central Government) for a license under Section 8. The application includes proposed objects, memorandum, and promoter details. The government typically takes 10-15 days to review.
License from Central Government
After reviewing the objects and promoters, the Central Government issues a license under Section 8. The license is a prerequisite for MCA incorporation. We follow up with the Regional Director's office for any clarifications needed.
DIN & DSC application
All proposed directors need DIN and DSC. We apply simultaneously to save time.
MOA & AOA drafting
Our CA drafts the MOA with charitable objects and the AOA with governance rules. The MOA must state that profits will not be distributed to members under any circumstances.
SPICe+ filing and incorporation
With the Section 8 license in hand, we file SPICe+ with MCA. The company name must include words like Foundation, Association, Council, Academy, or Charitable Trust. MCA issues the incorporation certificate with CIN.
Section 8 registration is more involved than a regular Pvt Ltd because of the Central Government license stage. The license approval can take 2-4 weeks as the government reviews your objects and promoters. We prepare a thorough application with detailed objects and promoter background to minimise delays. Also, the objects clause in your MOA is critical - once approved, any change in objects requires fresh government approval, so draft them carefully to cover your current and planned activities.
समय-सीमा
How long does Section 8 registration take?
Section 8 registration takes longer than a regular company because of the Central Government license requirement.
| चरण | समय |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1-2 days |
| License application to Central Government | 10-15 days |
| License approval | 5-7 days |
| DIN, DSC, and MOA/AOA | 3-4 days |
| SPICe+ filing and certificate | 3-5 days |
Total timeline: 15-20 working days from complete documents. Government license approval is the longest step and is outside our control. We recommend applying with a thorough application to avoid requests for clarification.
फ़ीस
What it costs
Section 8 registration costs more than a regular Pvt Ltd due to the Central Government license and post-registration tax applications.
Basic
Section 8 incorporation + license
₹7,999 + GST
- Name reservation
- Central Government license application
- DIN + DSC (2 directors)
- MOA & AOA drafting
- SPICe+ filing
- Incorporation Certificate
- Email support
सबसे लोकप्रिय
Standard
Incorporation + tax exemption setup
₹14,999 + GST
- Everything in Basic
- 12A registration application
- 80G registration application
- Bank account opening assistance
- Post-registration compliance setup
- WhatsApp support
Premium
Full non-profit setup
₹24,999 + GST
- Everything in Standard
- FCRA registration application
- Annual compliance (1 year)
- Priority support
- CSR grant application support
- Priority processing
फ़ीस का पूरा ब्योरा
| विवरण | सरकारी फ़ीस | प्रोफ़ेशनल फ़ीस |
|---|---|---|
| Central Government license (Section 8) | ₹2,000 | Included |
| SPICe+ filing (authorized capital ≤ ₹10L) | Nil | Included |
| DIN (per director) | ₹500 | Included |
| DSC (Class 3, 2 years) | ₹1,000-2,000 | Included |
| Stamp duty | ₹100-1,000 | Included |
| 12A registration | Nil | Included (Standard+) |
| 80G registration | Nil | Included (Standard+) |
| Professional fee - Basic plan | Nil | ₹7,999 + GST |
| Professional fee - Standard plan | Nil | ₹14,999 + GST |
| Professional fee - Premium plan | Nil | ₹24,999 + GST |
कीमतों में GST शामिल नहीं है। लागू दर से GST आपके इनवॉइस में जोड़ा जाएगा।
किसी भी प्लान में शामिल नहीं:
- FCRA registration fee (separate application, approx ₹5,000)
- State-specific stamp duty
- Professional fees for CSR grant applications
Which Section 8 package do you need?
Answer three quick questions and we will recommend the right package with reasoning.
फ़ायदे
Why register as a Section 8 Company?
Credibility & trust
- Government recognition - MCA registration provides national-level credibility(Companies Act, 2013, Section 8)
- Corporate structure - donors, government bodies, and CSR programs prefer Section 8 Companies
- Limited liability - members are not personally liable for the company's obligations
Tax benefits
- 12A registration - exemption from income tax on surplus income used for charitable purposes(Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 12A)
- 80G registration - donors can claim 50-100% tax deduction on donations(Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 80G)
- No dividend distribution tax - profits are reinvested in charitable activities
Foreign funding
- FCRA eligibility - Section 8 Companies can apply for Foreign Contribution Regulation Act registration(FCRA, 2010)
- Easier FCRA process - smoother approval compared to Trusts and Societies
- Transparent governance - required by international donors and government grants
Legal & governance
- Separate legal entity - can own property, enter contracts, and sue in its own name(Companies Act, 2013, Section 9)
- Perpetual succession - continues regardless of changes in membership
- Governance structure - board of directors and AGM requirements create accountability
Section 8 vs Trust vs Society: the real differences
- Section 8 is a corporate body; Trusts and Societies are not. Section 8 Companies are body corporate under the Companies Act, giving them a separate legal identity superior to trusts. This gives better legal standing for contracts, property ownership, and dispute resolution. Courts treat Section 8 Companies as more credible entities.
- FCRA is easier for Section 8 Companies. The FCRA department has historically found the MCA's due diligence on Section 8 Companies more reliable than on Trusts and Societies. If foreign funding is on your roadmap, register as Section 8. The FCRA approval process is smoother and faster.
- Objects clause is binding for Section 8. The objects declared in the MOA at incorporation determine what activities the Section 8 Company can legally undertake. Any change in objects requires Central Government approval - unlike Trusts where the trust deed can be amended more easily. Draft objects broadly but precisely.
अक्सर होने वाली गलतियाँ
Common Section 8 registration mistakes
Using a name that sounds commercial
Section 8 Company names must not imply commercial activity. We verify name eligibility against MCA guidelines before filing.
Not specifying objects clearly in the MOA
The objects clause is reviewed by the Central Government. Vague or overly broad objects may be rejected or asked for clarification, delaying approval by weeks.
Ignoring the profit distribution restriction
Section 8 Companies cannot distribute any profits to members. This must be stated in the MOA and AOA. Violation leads to revocation of the Section 8 license.
Not applying for 12A/80G after incorporation
12A and 80G registrations are separate applications under the Income Tax Act, not automatic with MCA incorporation. We apply for both immediately after the incorporation certificate.
ऊपर बताई गई हर गलती का हल है - और ज़्यादातर गलतियाँ पहली बार में ही सही जानकारी देकर टाली जा सकती हैं। बाद में सुधारने से आसान है कि पहली बार में ही सही किया जाए।
अगर कुछ पहले ही गलत हो चुका है, या आप पक्का करना चाहते हैं कि ऐसा न हो, तो नीचे दी गई 15 मिनट की कॉल सबसे तेज़ रास्ता है।
कंप्लायंस कैलेंडर
Section 8 Company compliance calendar
Section 8 Companies have similar compliance requirements as Pvt Ltd companies, with additional NGO-specific filings.
| फ़ॉर्म | कब लागू | ड्यू डेट |
|---|---|---|
| MGT-7 (Annual Return) | Every financial year | Within 60 days of AGM |
| AOC-4 (Financial Statements) | Every financial year | Within 30 days of AGM |
| DIR-3 KYC | Once every three years (rule 12A, from 31 March 2026) | Next due by 30 June 2028 if KYC is up to date |
| Income Tax Returns | Every financial year | 31 October (audited) |
| Form 10-IC (13% surcharge opt-out) | Every financial year | Due with income tax return |
| CSR filing (if applicable) | If spending ≥ ₹50L or turnover ≥ ₹1Cr | As per Companies Act schedule |
| FCRA annual return | If FCRA registered | 31 December each year |
Section 8 compliance is more involved than regular companies. We bundle ROC filing, GST, and accounting. see compliance plans.
Bizeneed क्यों
How Bizeneed handles Section 8 registration
- End-to-end: license application to incorporation to 12A/80G in one package
- Objects drafted with precision to avoid Central Government rejection
- FCRA application handled by experienced professionals
- If license is rejected, we revise and re-apply at no extra cost
- One point of contact from start to FCRA approval
- Post-registration compliance support included
सवाल-जवाब
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 (previously Section 25 under the 1956 Act). It is formed for promoting charitable objects like education, science, art, commerce, or social welfare, and cannot distribute profits to its members.
There must be at least 2 members (individuals or body corporate), at least 2 directors (one must be an Indian resident), and the proposed objects must be exclusively charitable. The Central Government must be satisfied that registration as Section 8 is appropriate. Promoters should have a clean track record.
Section 8 is a body corporate under MCA with enhanced credibility and separate legal identity. Trusts are governed by the Indian Trusts Act or state trust acts. Societies are governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Section 8 has better FCRA prospects, stronger legal standing, and greater credibility with government bodies.
Section 8 registration takes 15-20 working days because it requires Central Government license approval before MCA incorporation. Steps: name reservation (1-2 days), license application to Central Government (10-15 days), license approval (5-7 days), DIN/DSC and MOA/AOA (3-4 days), SPICe+ filing (3-5 days).
Objects must be charitable in nature: promotion of commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, or environmental protection. Commercial profit-making activities are not permitted. Objects must be clearly defined and exclusively charitable.
Before MCA incorporation, a license must be obtained from the Central Government (via the Regional Director) under Section 8. The government reviews the proposed objects and promoters before issuing the license. The license confirms that the organisation's objects are charitable and registration as Section 8 is appropriate.
Yes, Section 8 Companies can receive foreign contributions by obtaining FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Section 8 Companies typically have a smoother FCRA application process compared to Trusts and Societies due to MCA's governance oversight.
Section 8 Companies can apply for 12A registration (exemption from income tax on surplus income used for charitable purposes) and 80G registration (allowing donors to claim 50-100% tax deduction on donations). Both are under the Income Tax Act, 1961, and require separate applications to the Income Tax Department.
No. Section 8 Companies are prohibited from distributing any profits or dividends to their members. All income and surplus must be applied solely towards promoting the company's charitable objects. Violation of this provision can result in revocation of the Section 8 license by the Central Government.
Section 8 Companies must file: (1) MGT-7 (Annual Return), (2) AOC-4 (Financial Statements), (3) director KYC once every three years under rule 12A, (4) Income Tax Returns by 31 October, (5) FCRA annual return if FCRA registered, and (6) CSR filings if applicable. The compliance burden is similar to a Private Limited Company.
Yes. Trusts and Societies can convert to Section 8 Companies through a formal conversion process involving MOA/AOA drafting and SPICe+ filing. The conversion requires the existing trust deed or society registration documents. We handle the complete conversion process.
If the license application is rejected, the Central Government communicates the reasons. Common reasons include: unclear or non-charitable objects, inadequate promoter credentials, or insufficient documentation. We revise the application based on the feedback and re-apply at no extra cost.
There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement for Section 8 Companies. However, the company must demonstrate that it has adequate funds to carry out its proposed activities. The authorized capital is typically kept at ₹1 lakh.
Yes. Section 8 Companies are eligible to receive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds from companies under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. Many large corporates prefer partnering with Section 8 Companies due to their MCA-registered status and transparency.
Yes. A Section 8 Company can be wound up by filing an application with the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal). Upon dissolution, the remaining assets must be transferred to another Section 8 Company or similar organisation with similar objects - not distributed to members.
लेखक: Bizeneed Research Team, Service information
आख़िरी अपडेट: 5 September 2026
स्रोत
Eligibility thresholds, statutory sections and filing deadlines on this page are verified periodically against the sources above. Tax and compliance positions can change; confirm specifics with our team or your CA before relying on them for a filing decision.
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