A society means a group of people coming together my mutual consent to carry out a common activity. All the societies shall need to get registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860. A society can be registered only for grant of charitable assistance, promotion of science, literature and other activities. It has a proper formal legal structure with management lying in the hands of the Governing Body of the Society.
Checking for name availability for the society
Drafting of the Memorandum and the rules and regulations of the Society.
Collection of other documents and affidavit stating relationship among members.
Submitting the same with the registrar and obtaining the certificate of registration.
Applying for PAN and other registration under Income tax act and opening of bank account.
– If society has been set up to undertake any activity such as grant of charitable assistance, promotion of science, literature and other activities as specified under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, then it shall need to be registered.
– A minimum of 7 members is required to set up a Society. However, no upper limit has been prescribed elsewhere.
– The society shall be registered with the Registrar of the jurisdiction in which such society have its registered place.
Basis |
Trust |
Society |
No. of members |
Minimum: 2 |
Minimum: 7 |
Main document |
Trust Deed |
By laws and regulations |
Statute |
Indian Trust Act, 1882 |
Societies Registration Act, 1860 |
Objectives |
Can be General |
Need to be set up for some specific purpose |
– General Body of a society comprises of all the members who have subscribed to the memorandum of the society and is entrusted with the management of the Society.
– A Society registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860, the members are not entitled to receive any profits of the Society.
– Generally all the documents should be signed by the President or the Chairman or the Secretary of the Society or by any other person specifically authorized in this behalf.