National CSR Awards

The National CSR Awards recognize corporate excellence in social responsibility initiatives across India, promoting the effective and innovative use of CSR funds to support marginalized communities. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs instituted these awards as the apex recognition for CSR initiatives in the country.

First presented in October 2019 with the President of India as the chief guest, the awards continue to encourage companies to spend their full eligible CSR budget while recognizing projects that show impact, innovation, sustainability, and scalability. The scheme helps channelize corporate efforts toward reaching remote areas and left-out sections of society.

National CSR Awards Overview

The awards aim to increase competition among companies for excellence in CSR activities, encourage full utilization of eligible CSR budgets, and recognize the use of technology, gender inclusion, and environmental concerns in social projects. Benefits of these corporate activities reach poor families and people in difficult terrains across the nation.

The National CSR Awards are divided into three main categories:

• Corporate Awards for Excellence in CSR, split by company size based on eligible CSR spend ranging from below Rs 1 Crore to above Rs 100 Crores.
• CSR Awards for projects in Aspirational Districts and difficult terrains across five regions of India including Northern, North-Eastern, Eastern, Western, and Southern zones.
• CSR Awards for contributions in National Priority areas covering education, skill development, agriculture, health, environment, women and child development, sports, slum area development, heritage, and support for differently-abled individuals.

Benefits

Winners receive a trophy and an official scroll, while runner-up companies are awarded a medal along with an official scroll. In addition to the 20 main awards, up to 20 runner-up positions may be given to companies that have undertaken appreciable CSR activities in their respective sub-categories. Three awards in each main category are reserved specifically for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Eligibility

Any company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and complying with Section 135 of the Act can participate. The company must have completed CSR expenditure during the financial year specified for each award cycle. Clear evidence of project impact during the reporting period is required for consideration.

How to Apply

Companies cannot apply directly. Instead, they must seek nomination through designated nominating organizations. These include Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, State Governments and Union Territories, professional institutions like ICSI, ICAI, and ICMAI, and national-level trade bodies such as CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI, SIDBI, and others.

STEP 1 - The nominating organization collects applications from eligible companies and verifies their compliance with Section 135 requirements.

STEP 2 - After due diligence, the nominating organization submits the nomination online through the CSR portal at csr.gov.in using the prescribed nomination format.

STEP 3 - Evaluators review nominations based on impact, innovation, usage of technology, gender and environment issues, sustainability, scalability, and replicability of the CSR activities.

Required Documents

• Valid company registration certificate under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Detailed CSR project documentation showing scope, duration, and beneficiaries served.
• Comprehensive expenditure report aligned with Section 135 requirements.
• Impact assessment reports documenting the social or environmental outcomes achieved.
• Supporting certificates, photographs, or testimonials proving the real-world effect of the CSR intervention.

Contact Details

National CSR Awards Secretariat
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
Plot 6, 7 & 8, Sector – 5, IMT Manesar,
Distt. Gurugram, Haryana – 122050
Phone: 2640016 / 33 / 35
Email: national.csrawards@mca.gov.in

References

• National CSR Awards – IICA Official Page
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs CSR Portal
• Guidance Note for Nominating Organisations (PDF)

FAQ's

What are the National CSR Awards?

These awards give appreciation to companies that have made a positive impact on society through innovative and sustainable CSR projects. They represent the highest recognition for CSR initiatives in India.

Who administers these awards?

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs runs the scheme, with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) handling the day-to-day operations and evaluation process.

Who can nominate a company?

Only designated nominating organizations can submit nominations. These include government ministries, state governments, professional bodies like ICSI and ICAI, and industry chambers such as CII and FICCI.

Can a company apply on its own?

No, companies must go through a nominated organization. Direct applications from companies are not accepted.

What criteria determine the winners?

Evaluators look at the impact of the project, innovation in approach, use of technology, gender and environmental considerations, sustainability, scalability, and how well the CSR activity reaches marginalized communities.

Are MSMEs given special consideration?

Yes, three awards in each main category are reserved specifically for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to ensure fair representation.

What is the current status of the awards?

As of August 2026, no new nomination cycle has been announced for 2026. The latest published scheme covers the 2022 cycle. Eligible companies should watch the official portals for future announcements.