CSR-1 Filing - Register Your NGO to Legally Receive CSR Funds

Form CSR-1 is a registration form filed on the MCA portal under the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, that registers an NGO, Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company as an eligible 'implementing agency' for receiving CSR funds from companies. It results in a unique CSR Registration Number.

Yes, since 1 April 2021, it is mandatory for any entity that wants to legally receive and utilise CSR funds from a company. A company cannot count money sent to an unregistered NGO as valid CSR spend under Section 135.

Registered Public Trusts, registered Societies, and Section 8 Companies are eligible. Unregistered groups or informal collectives are not - they must first register as one of these entity types.

No, holding 12A/80G is not a legal prerequisite for filing Form CSR-1. However, most corporate CSR teams expect implementing agencies to hold 12A/80G as well, so NGOs without it are often at a practical disadvantage even if technically CSR-1 eligible.

It's the unique number issued by MCA once your Form CSR-1 is approved. You share it with companies as proof of eligibility when pitching for CSR partnerships, and it's often requested in CSR grant applications and CSR-linked tender documents.

Yes, Form CSR-1 must be filed using the DSC of your entity's authorised signatory - it cannot be submitted without one. If you don't already have a valid DSC, we can help arrange it as part of the filing.

Yes, the MCA rules require Form CSR-1 to be digitally certified by a practising Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant before it can be submitted - this is a mandatory part of the filing, not optional.

MCA charges a nominal filing fee for Form CSR-1. The exact amount is set by the MCA fee schedule at the time of filing - our professional fee, separate from this, covers preparation, certification coordination, and submission.

Typically a few working days once your documents are complete and your DSC is ready. Delays usually come from mismatched details between the form and your registration certificate, or from arranging a fresh DSC.

No, CSR-1 is a one-time registration. You would only need to refile or amend it if key details change - for example, a new authorised signatory or a change in registered address.

Yes, there's no minimum operating history required by the CSR-1 rules themselves. That said, companies evaluating you for actual CSR funding will typically also look at your track record, so newer NGOs may want to register early and build credibility in parallel.

Most rejections happen due to mismatches between the form and your registration documents, or an invalid DSC/certification. We review and correct the specific issue and refile - there's no penalty for resubmission, just a delay.

No. CSR-1 makes you eligible to legally receive CSR funds - it does not itself connect you with a donor company or guarantee funding. For help with CSR fundraising strategy and being discovered by corporate CSR budgets, see our CSR consultancy service.

No. Form CSR-1 is filed by the implementing agency - the NGO, Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company receiving the funds - not by the company providing the CSR funds.

CSR-1 became mandatory from 1 April 2021 onward. If you continue to receive CSR funds today, you need current CSR-1 registration regardless of your history before that date - we can help you get registered so ongoing and future CSR relationships stay compliant.