How to become a member?

A candidate typically begins the process of becoming a Mason by seeking out a member or contacting a Grand Lodge of his own free will and accord, as formal solicitation is historically discouraged or prohibited 3, as the Grand Lodge of India notes.

In the Craft, an applicant must satisfy foundational moral, physical, intellectual, and financial qualifications. Morally, he must maintain an irreproachable reputation—traditionally described as being "under the tongue of good report" 32—and profess a belief in a Supreme Being 32, as an article on the Grand Lodge of India's website confirms. Physically and intellectually, he must be a man of mature age, traditionally at least 21 years old 23, in full possession of his mental faculties 2, and historically required to be a free man 32. Financially, he must possess a visible means of support and the ability to pay initiation fees and annual lodge dues without causing hardship to himself or his family 13, as the Grand Lodge of India states.

When a petition or proposal is submitted at a regular lodge meeting, it is referred to an investigating committee 12. This committee conducts an inquiry into the applicant's character and qualifications, returning its report at a subsequent regular communication 12. If the committee reports favorably, the lodge members vote on the candidate's admission by secret ballot 23. Personal acceptability to the members is paramount, as a ballot allows members to reject an applicant if they deem him unsuitable 3. Upon a favorable ballot, the candidate is elected to receive the degrees 23.