Society Registration in Bihar: Step by Step Guide

Society Registration in Bihar: If you’re planning to start a non-profit or charitable organization in Bihar, registering it as a society is one of the most effective legal structures. A registered society gains legal recognition, eligibility for government grants, tax benefits, and enhanced credibility among donors and stakeholders. In this article, we’ll explain the complete Society Registration process in Bihar, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step procedure, and registration fees.

📑 Table of Contents

    What is a Society?

    A society is a group of individuals who come together voluntarily to promote charitable, educational, cultural, or social causes. Societies in India are governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which is adopted by most states, including Bihar.

    Registering a society provides it with a legal identity, allowing it to:

    • Open a bank account in the society’s name
    • Acquire property and assets legally
    • Apply for government grants, CSR funds, and tax exemptions
    • Protect members from personal liability in organizational activities

    Eligibility for Society Registration in Bihar

    Before applying, ensure your organization meets the following eligibility criteria:

    • A minimum of 7 members (from Bihar or other states) is required to form a society.
    • Members must be above 18 years of age.
    • At least one member should be a resident of Bihar.
    • The objectives of the society must be non-profit and for public welfare (e.g., education, health, environment, social welfare).
    • The society’s name must be unique and not similar to any existing registered organization in Bihar.

    Documents Required for Society Registration in Bihar

    Prepare the following documents before starting the registration process:


    Step-by-Step Society Registration Process in Bihar

    Step-by-Step

    Society Registration Process (Bihar)

    Follow these clear, mobile-friendly steps to register your society in Bihar.

    1. 1

      Choose a Unique Name

      Select a name that reflects your society’s objectives and isn’t similar to any registered organization.

    2. 2

      Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

      • Name and address of the society
      • Objectives and aims
      • Details of governing body
      • Signatures of at least seven members with witnesses
    3. 3

      Prepare Rules and Regulations

      Outline how your society will function — membership, meetings, elections, and financial management.

    4. 4

      Collect ID Proofs and NOC

      Gather identity proofs of all members and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the office address.

    5. 5

      Submit Application

      Submit your application to the District Registrar of Societies in Bihar with all required documents.

    6. 6

      Pay Registration Fee

      Pay a government registration fee of ₹500 – ₹1000 depending on district.

      Keep your payment receipt safe for submission and future record.
    7. 7

      Verification and Approval

      The Registrar verifies your documents. After approval, your society receives a Registration Certificate.

      Keep copies of MOA & Rules for bank account opening and future compliance.

    Processing Time

    The entire society registration process in Bihar generally takes around 15 to 20 working days, depending on the accuracy of the documents and workload at the Registrar’s office.


    Society Registration Fee in Bihar

    The government registration fee for a society in Bihar is quite affordable, ranging between ₹500–₹1000.
    If you hire a professional or consultant for drafting documents and filing, they may charge an additional ₹1500–₹3000 for their services.


    Benefits of Society Registration in Bihar

    • Provides legal status to the organization
    • Enables eligibility for government and CSR funding
    • Allows the society to own property and enter contracts
    • Builds credibility and transparency with donors
    • Facilitates bank account opening and financial operations
    • Helps in obtaining 12A and 80G registration for tax exemptions

    Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration

    • Using a name already registered with another society
    • Submitting unsigned or incomplete MOA or rules
    • Not attaching proper address proof or NOC
    • Providing mismatched or unclear ID proofs of members
    • Forgetting to update society details after registration

    How to Maintain Compliance After Registration

    After registration, every society in Bihar must follow these compliance requirements:

    • Conduct annual general meetings (AGMs)
    • Maintain accounts and records of income and expenditure
    • File annual reports and list of governing body members with the Registrar
    • Renew registration and update records when office bearers change

    Maintaining compliance ensures smooth functioning and avoids penalties or cancellation of registration.



    FAQs on Society Registration in Bihar

    Society registration provides legal identity to a non-profit organization, allowing it to operate officially, open bank accounts, and apply for grants or tax benefits.

    A minimum of seven members is required to form a society in Bihar.

    MOA, Rules & Regulations, ID proofs of members, photographs, address proof, and NOC are essential documents.

    The government fee is generally between ₹500–₹1000.

    It usually takes around 15–20 working days, depending on document verification.

    Yes, a Bihar-registered society can operate in other states but must mention its area of operation in the MOA.

    Yes, societies must renew and update their records periodically with the Registrar.

    Yes, conversion is possible through a separate legal process and approval from the competent authority.


    Conclusion

    Registering a society in Bihar is the first step toward building a recognized, transparent, and credible non-profit organization. The process is simple, requires minimal government fees, and provides your NGO or social initiative with the legal identity needed to grow and collaborate with government agencies and donors.

    If you want to start your NGO or social welfare group in Bihar, getting it registered as a society ensures that your mission gains legal protection, financial credibility, and long-term sustainability

    Also Read:

    NGO Darpan Registration in Bihar

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