The seed for the Computer Society of India (CSI) was first sown in the year 1965 with a handful of IT enthusiasts who were a computer user group and felt the need to organize their activities. They also wanted to share their knowledge and exchange ideas on what they felt was a fast emerging sector. Today the CSI takes pride in being the largest and most professionally managed association of and for IT professionals in India. The purposes of the Society are scientific and educational directed towards the advancement of the theory and practice of computer science & IT.

In a span of less than 4 deades, the organisation has grown to an evitable size of 30,000 strong members consisting of professionals with varied backgrounds including Software developers, Scientists, Academicians, Project Managers, CIO's, CTO's & IT vendors to just name a few. It has spread its branches all over the country. Currently rooted firmly at 62 different locations, CSI has plans of opening many more chapters & activity centers in smaller towns and cities of the country. The idea is to spread the knowledge, and provide opportunities to as many interested as possible.

The CSI Vision: IT for Masses
Keeping in mind the interest of the IT professionals & computer users, CSI works towards, making the profession an area of choice amongst all sections of the society. The promotion of Information Technology as a profession is the top priority of CSI today. To fulfill this objective, the CSI regularly organizes conferences, conventions, lectures and gives various awards. And at the same time it also ensures that regular training and skill updating are organised for the IT professionals.

CSI also works towards a global approach, by seeking out alliances with organizations overseas who may be willing to come forward and participate in such activities. CSI also helps governments in formulating IT strategy & planning.

Global Affiliations and CSI
- Representing the Indian community in the International Federation of Information Processing (IFIP) since 1974. - Representation in all the technical Committees and some of the working groups of IFIP. CSI has also organised IFIP sponsored events and conferences in India.
- Has reciprocal membership agreement with the British Computer Society and the Australian Computer Society and the IEEE Computer Society.
- Has been given the responsibility for selection of candidates in India for CICC Training Course in Japan.

CSI IT Awards:
The Society has instituted National IT awards to encourage and promote the spread of IT.
- CSI National IT Awards in three separate categories to recognize "significant Contributions to the promotion of IT applications". These awards are categorized in Best Software, Best Shrink Wrapped Software and Best IT Usage.
- It has recently started an award to recognize the "Best Quality project in the country" as well.
- CSI National "Young IT Professional Awards" to identify, recognize and encourage outstanding achievements of young IT professionals.
- CSI Award on "e-Governance" to give recognition to a Central or State govt. or any of its department which has made a significant impact in the usage of IT.