Treshhold limit of 10 lacs - Composition of tax

Hi

We have registered for Service Tax under the category of Interior design (comes under works contract and eligible for composition). Can we apply for composition now? whether the 10 lacs exemption is still available? should we need to wait till we reach the 9 lacs mark? can we claim the exemption even after registration is taken or is it a pre-condition to avail the exemption that we are applying only when we cross the 9 lacs mark (please note that we have not crossed the bench mark of 10 lacs in the last year). If you can through some light on this, it would of help??

Thanks