Trusted by 10,000+ Businesses

NGO Registration in India

Reviewed by CA and CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP ICAI & ICSI Registered| 15+ Years Experience| Last Updated: Verify Credentials →

Structures: Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company

Fees: Starting from Rs 5,000 (Trust) to Rs 15,000 (Section 8)

Members Required: 2 Trustees / 7 Society Members / 2 Directors

Timeline: 15 - 30 Working Days

10,000+ Businesses Served | 4.9 Google Rating

Call +91 945 945 6700 Email Us WhatsApp Us
15+ YearsIndustry Experience
CA & CSCertified Experts
4.9
Based on 500+ reviews

Get Free Consultation

Talk to a CA/CS expert today

🇮🇳 +91

Our team will get back to you shortly. No spam.

100% Secure No Spam Quick Response

Real Stories from Real People

Hear how teams across industries use Patron to save time, cut costs, & stay in control.

Fetching latest Google reviews…
“
Professionalism, attention to detail, and timely communication made the entire process seamless and stress-free. Highly recommended for NGO registration work.
SM
Subhendu Mishra
Trust Founder
★★★★★
2 months ago
“
Took the minimum time to process our society registration. Really impressive acumen. And it's not expensive at all compared to other firms.
RD
Rajib Dutta
NGO Director
★★★★★
3 months ago
“
Really a fantastic experience. Knowledgeable team who handled all documentation for our Section 8 company registration smoothly.
NG
Nishikant Gurav
Charitable Trust
★★★★★
1 month ago
“
Patron Accounting gives the best service related to all account handling. Assigned us a dedicated point of contact for our NGO compliance needs.
NN
Nikhil Nimbhorkar
Society Secretary
★★★★★
4 months ago
“
Professional and prompt responses throughout our trust registration process. The team handled everything from deed drafting to 12A/80G filing.
PS
Preeti Singh Rathor
NGO Founder
★★★★★
3 months ago

Join 10,000+ Satisfied Businesses

Get professional NGO registration support from Patron Accounting's CA and CS team.

Talk to an Expert
10,000+Businesses ServedGST compliance and litigation support across India.
15+Years ExperienceDeep expertise in IP registration, GST & business compliance.
50,000+Documents FiledReturns, appeals, and filings handled accurately.
4.9★Client RatingTrusted by entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses.
ISO CertifiedProfessional standards and documented processes.
SSL SecureYour financial and business data is fully protected.

NGO Registration in India - Overview

📌 TL;DR - NGO Registration Services at a Glance

An NGO in India can be registered as a Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or a Section 8 Company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. Trusts require 2 trustees and a notarised trust deed. Societies need 7 founding members and a Memorandum of Association filed with the state Registrar of Societies. Section 8 Companies require 2 directors with DSC and DIN, filing SPICe+ on the MCA portal. Registration takes 15 to 30 working days. Patron Accounting handles the end-to-end process for all three structures.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are the backbone of India's social development ecosystem. Whether you want to work in education, healthcare, women empowerment, environmental protection, or rural development, formal registration gives your NGO legal identity, tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, access to government grants, and eligibility for CSR funding under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. Patron Accounting has helped register 500+ NGOs across all three structures with offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.

ParameterDetails
Governing LawsIndian Trusts Act, 1882 | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8)
Applicable ToSocial entrepreneurs, charitable foundations, educational institutions, healthcare nonprofits, religious trusts
Minimum MembersTrust: 2 | Society: 7 | Section 8: 2 directors + 2 shareholders
TimelineTrust: 15-20 days | Society: 20-30 days | Section 8: 20-30 days
Cost (Professional Fees)Trust: Rs 5,000-10,000 | Society: Rs 8,000-15,000 | Section 8: Rs 15,000-30,000
Regulatory AuthoritySub-Registrar (Trust) | Registrar of Societies (Society) | ROC, MCA (Section 8)
Key Portalhttps://ngodarpan.gov.in (NITI Aayog NGO Darpan)

Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.

What Is NGO Registration?

NGO Registration is the legal process of incorporating a non-profit organisation in India under one of three statutes - the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 - to carry out charitable, educational, religious, or social welfare activities.

Registration provides the NGO with a separate legal identity, the ability to hold property, open bank accounts, receive domestic and foreign donations (subject to FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010), and claim tax exemptions. The choice of structure depends on the NGO's objectives, geographic scope, governance preference, and funding strategy.

India has over 3.4 million registered NGOs as per the Central Statistical Organisation. These entities are regulated by the respective registering authority - Sub-Registrar for trusts, state Registrar of Societies for societies, and the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for Section 8 companies.

Key Terms for NGO Registration:

Public Charitable Trust: An irrevocable arrangement where the settler transfers property/assets to trustees for the benefit of the public, governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, or state-specific Public Trust Acts.

Society: A membership-based organisation of 7 or more persons united for literary, scientific, charitable, or social welfare purposes, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Section 8 Company: A non-profit company incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. Profits must be reinvested; no dividends to members.

12A Registration: Registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, that exempts the NGO's income from income tax.

80G Certificate: Certificate under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, that allows donors to claim 50% or 100% tax deduction on donations.

APL-05 NGO Registration
Trusted by 10,000+ Businesses Across India

Who Should Register an NGO?

  • Social Entrepreneurs: Individuals or groups planning charitable, educational, healthcare, or environmental initiatives.
  • Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, vocational training centres operating on a non-profit basis.
  • Healthcare Nonprofits: Hospitals, clinics, and health awareness programmes serving underprivileged communities.
  • Religious and Cultural Bodies: Temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras, and cultural organisations operating charitable programmes.
  • CSR Project Implementers: Entities that wish to receive CSR funds under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, must be registered under Section 12A and 80G, and hold CSR-1 registration.
  • Foreign-Funded Organisations: NGOs seeking to receive foreign contributions must first register domestically and then obtain FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010.

Patron Accounting NGO Registration Services

ServiceWhat We Do
Trust RegistrationDrafting the trust deed, name approval, notarisation, registration with the Sub-Registrar, PAN and TAN application
Society RegistrationPreparation of Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations, name approval, filing with the Registrar of Societies, obtaining the registration certificate
Section 8 Company RegistrationDSC and DIN for directors, SPICe+ filing on MCA portal, MOA and AOA drafting, Section 8 license and Certificate of Incorporation
12A and 80G RegistrationApplication to the Income Tax Department for tax exemption (12A) and donor tax benefit (80G) certificates using Form 10A
FCRA RegistrationApplication under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, for NGOs seeking to receive foreign donations
NGO Darpan RegistrationRegistration on the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal for unique ID issuance and government scheme eligibility
Our Process

7-Step Process for NGO Registration in India

From choosing the right structure to obtaining 12A, 80G, and NGO Darpan registration - Patron Accounting handles every step of your NGO incorporation.

Step 1

Choose the Right NGO Structure

Select between Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on objectives, member count, governance preference, and geographic scope. Trusts suit property-based charitable work. Societies suit membership-driven welfare. Section 8 suits nationwide operations with corporate governance under the Companies Act, 2013.

Expert structure advisory Tailored to your goals
Trust Society Sec 8
Choose Structure 01
Step 2

Finalise the Name and Objectives

Choose a unique name that does not violate the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. Define charitable objectives clearly in the governing document (Trust Deed / MOA / AOA).

Name availability check Objective drafting
NGO
Name Search 02
Step 3

Prepare the Governing Document

Trust: Draft and notarise the Trust Deed on stamp paper. Society: Prepare MOA and Rules & Regulations, signed by all 7 founding members. Section 8: Draft MOA and AOA with non-profit objectives; obtain DSC and DIN for all proposed directors.

Legal document drafting Compliance-ready formats
Documents Ready 03
Step 4

File the Registration Application

Trust: Submit the notarised Trust Deed to the local Sub-Registrar. Society: File the MOA, Rules, and member affidavits with the state Registrar of Societies. Section 8: File SPICe+ Part A and Part B on the MCA portal along with INC-12.

Online & offline filing Error-free submission
Application Filed 04
Step 5

Obtain the Registration Certificate

Trust: The Sub-Registrar issues the Trust Deed registration certificate within 7 to 15 days. Society: The Registrar of Societies issues the Certificate of Registration within 20 to 30 days. Section 8: The ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with the Section 8 License within 20 to 30 days.

Certificate issuance 15-30 working days
Certificate Issued 05
Step 6

Apply for PAN, TAN, and Bank Account

All NGO structures must obtain PAN and TAN from the Income Tax Department. Open a bank account in the NGO's name with the registration certificate, PAN, and board resolution.

PAN & TAN application Bank account opening
₹
Bank & PAN Ready 06
Step 7

Apply for 12A, 80G, NGO Darpan, and FCRA

File Form 10A with the Income Tax Department for 12A and 80G registration. Register on the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal for a unique NGO ID. If foreign funding is anticipated, apply for FCRA registration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Tax exemption setup Government scheme access
Fully Compliant 07

Documents Required for NGO Registration

For Trust Registration

  • Trust Deed on appropriate stamp paper (stamp duty varies by state)
  • PAN Card and Aadhaar of all trustees
  • Address proof of registered office
  • Passport-sized photographs of all trustees
  • NOC from property owner (if rented)

For Society Registration

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA) signed by all 7 founding members
  • Rules and Regulations of the Society
  • Affidavits from all members (attested by Notary/Oath Commissioner)
  • PAN Card and ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport) of all members
  • Address proof of registered office with NOC
  • Authority letter appointing office bearers

For Section 8 Company

  • DSC and DIN of all proposed directors
  • MOA and AOA with non-profit objectives
  • INC-12 (License application) with declaration in INC-15
  • Estimated income and expenditure for 3 years
  • PAN, Aadhaar, and address proof of all directors
  • Registered office address proof with NOC

Common Challenges and Solutions in NGO Registration

ChallengeImpactHow Patron Accounting Solves It
Choosing between Trust, Society, and Section 8Wrong structure limits funding, tax exemptions, or geographic scopeOur CA and CS team assesses your objectives, scale, and funding strategy to recommend the optimal structure
MOA/Trust Deed rejection due to vague objectivesRegistration application returned, causing delaysWe draft objectives with precise charitable language that satisfies the registering authority and aligns with 12A/80G eligibility
Name rejection by the RegistrarRe-filing delays of 2-4 weeksWe conduct pre-filing name availability checks and prepare 2 to 3 alternative names
Delayed 12A/80G registration post-incorporationNGO cannot receive tax-exempt donations for monthsWe file Form 10A for 12A and 80G simultaneously with the primary registration to minimise the gap

NGO Registration Fees and Charges

Fee ComponentAmount
Trust Registration - Government FeesRs 500 - Rs 5,000 (stamp duty varies by state)
Trust Registration - Professional FeesRs 5,000 - Rs 10,000
Society Registration - Government FeesRs 500 - Rs 2,000 (state Registrar fee)
Society Registration - Professional FeesRs 8,000 - Rs 15,000
Section 8 Company - Government FeesRs 2,000 - Rs 6,000 (ROC + stamp duty)
Section 8 Company - Professional FeesRs 15,000 - Rs 25,000
12A + 80G RegistrationRs 5,000 - Rs 10,000 (no government fee)
FCRA RegistrationRs 15,000 - Rs 25,000 (includes Rs 5,000 govt fee)
NGO Darpan RegistrationRs 2,000 - Rs 5,000 (no government fee)
Patron Accounting Professional FeesStarting from INR 6,999 (Exl GST and Govt. Charges)

All fees and charges listed are indicative only and do not constitute a binding offer. Final amounts may vary depending on the volume of work and the complexity involved.

Professional service charges for drafting, filing, and representation are separate from the statutory fees. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the case, disputed amount, and number of hearings required. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Get a free NGO Registration consultation - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us. No-obligation assessment.

Time Taken for NGO Registration

StageEstimated Timeline
Trust Registration15 to 20 working days
Society Registration20 to 30 working days
Section 8 Company Registration20 to 30 working days
12A and 80G Approval30 to 60 days (post-registration)
NGO Darpan Registration7 to 30 days (post-submission)
FCRA Registration90 to 120 days (after 3 years of operations)

Pro Tip: Section 8 Company registration via SPICe+ on the MCA portal is the fastest online route for nationwide NGO operations. Patron Accounting offers fast-track filing with dedicated CA and CS support to minimise delays.

Key Benefits

Benefits of Professional NGO Registration Assistance

Structure Advisory

Choosing the wrong structure can limit your NGO's ability to receive foreign funding, claim tax exemptions, or operate nationwide. Professional guidance ensures the right fit.

Legally Sound Governing Documents

The Trust Deed, MOA, and AOA are the foundation of your NGO. Imprecise drafting leads to rejection by registering authorities and denial of 12A/80G benefits.

12A/80G/FCRA Integration

We file for all post-registration certifications concurrently, saving 60 to 90 days compared to sequential filing.

Ongoing Compliance Support

Annual return filing, audit, board meeting compliance, and renewal tracking are handled by our team - so you focus on your mission.

Why 10,000+ Businesses Trust Patron Accounting

10,000+ Businesses Served | 4.9 Google Rating | 50,000+ Documents Filed | 15+ Years of Practice

Trusted by Hyundai, Asian Paints, Bridgestone, and 10,000+ businesses across India.

With offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, Patron Accounting serves businesses across India - both in-person and remotely.

Trust vs Society vs Section 8 Company - Comparison

ParameterTrustSocietySection 8 Company
Governing LawIndian Trusts Act, 1882 / State Public Trust ActsSocieties Registration Act, 1860Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8)
Minimum Members2 Trustees7 Founding Members2 Directors + 2 Shareholders
Governing DocumentTrust DeedMOA + Rules & RegulationsMOA + AOA
Registering AuthorityLocal Sub-RegistrarState Registrar of SocietiesRegistrar of Companies (MCA)
Geographic ScopeLocal/StateState (inter-state requires amendments)Pan-India from incorporation
GovernanceTrustees (less democratic)Elected managing committee (democratic)Board of Directors (corporate governance)
Tax Exemption12A + 80G eligible12A + 80G eligible12A + 80G eligible; CARO exempt
Stamp DutyApplicable on Trust DeedMinimalExempted in most states
CredibilityModerateModerateHigh (MCA regulated)
Annual ComplianceLowModerateHigh (ROC filings, audit, board meetings)
Best ForProperty-based charity, religious trustsCommunity welfare, cultural bodiesNationwide NGOs, CSR-funded projects

Related Registration Services

Patron Accounting also provides end-to-end support for:

Legal and Compliance Framework for NGO Registration

Governing Acts

  • Indian Trusts Act, 1882 - Governs private and public charitable trusts; state-specific Public Trust Acts apply in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
  • Societies Registration Act, 1860 - Governs registration and regulation of societies; state amendments apply
  • Companies Act, 2013, Section 8 - Governs Section 8 non-profit companies; ROC/MCA regulated
  • Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 12A - Tax exemption for registered NGOs
  • Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 80G - Donor tax deduction for donations to registered NGOs
  • Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) - Governs receipt of foreign donations by Indian NGOs

Key Sections

  • Section 8(1), Companies Act, 2013: License for non-profit companies with charitable objectives
  • Section 12A, Income Tax Act, 1961: Registration for income tax exemption of NGOs
  • Section 80G, Income Tax Act, 1961: Tax deduction for donors
  • Section 135, Companies Act, 2013: CSR obligation - companies with net worth Rs 500 crore+, turnover Rs 1,000 crore+, or profit Rs 5 crore+ must spend 2% of average net profit on CSR through registered entities
  • Section 11(1)(a), FCRA, 2010: Registration for receiving foreign contributions

Penalty Provisions

  • Section 447, Companies Act, 2013: Fraud in connection with Section 8 company - imprisonment of 6 months to 10 years and fine of Rs 1 lakh to 3 times the amount involved
  • Section 12, Societies Registration Act, 1860: Governing body personally liable for improper use of society funds
  • Section 13, Income Tax Act, 1961: Loss of 12A exemption if NGO income is used for non-charitable purposes or for benefit of specified persons

Regulatory Authority: Sub-Registrar (Trusts) | State Registrar of Societies (Societies) | Registrar of Companies, MCA (Section 8) | Income Tax Department (12A/80G) | Ministry of Home Affairs (FCRA)

Frequently Asked Questions - NGO Registration in India

Get answers to the most common questions about registering an NGO in India as Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.

Quick Answers

Is NGO registration mandatory? Not legally mandatory to form a charitable group, but registration is essential for legal identity, tax exemptions, bank accounts, government grants, CSR funding, and foreign donations.

Can a single person register an NGO? No. A Trust needs minimum 2 trustees. A Society needs 7 members. A Section 8 Company needs 2 directors and 2 shareholders.

What is NGO Darpan? A portal by NITI Aayog (ngodarpan.gov.in) that assigns a unique ID to registered NGOs, enabling access to government schemes, grants, and CSR funding.

What tax benefits do registered NGOs get? 12A registration exempts the NGO's income from tax. 80G registration allows donors to claim 50% or 100% tax deduction on donations.

Why Register Your NGO Now?

Without registration, an NGO cannot open a bank account in its name, receive tax-exempt donations, apply for government grants, participate in CSR funding under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, or receive foreign contributions under FCRA. Donors to unregistered NGOs cannot claim tax deductions under Section 80G. Operating without registration also exposes members to personal liability for the organisation's debts and obligations. Early registration enables the NGO to build a track record required for FCRA eligibility (3 years) and CSR-1 registration.

Register your NGO today - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us for a free consultation.

Register Your NGO with Expert CA and CS Support

NGO Registration in India is the foundational step for any individual or group seeking to create sustainable social impact. The three legal structures - Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company - each serve distinct needs, from localised charitable trusts to nationwide non-profit corporations. With registration comes legal identity, tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, eligibility for CSR funding, and the ability to receive foreign donations under FCRA.

Patron Accounting's CA and CS team provides end-to-end NGO registration support across all three structures, along with 12A, 80G, FCRA, and NGO Darpan registration. With 15+ years of practice, offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, and 10,000+ businesses served, the firm delivers reliable, efficient, and compliant NGO registration across India.

Book a Free Consultation - No Obligation.

NGO Registration Services Across India

Register your NGO from any city with Patron Accounting's dedicated CA and CS support - in-person and remote.

Pune
Maharashtra
Mumbai
Maharashtra
Delhi
NCR
Gurugram
Haryana
Bangalore
Karnataka
Hyderabad
Telangana
Chennai
Tamil Nadu
Kolkata
West Bengal
Related Services
End-to-end support for NGO Registration
Section 8 Company Registration
India
Society Registration
India
12A and 80G Registration
India
FCRA Registration
India
NGO Accounting Services
India
Private Limited Company Registration
India

Content Created: 10 March 2026  |  Last Updated:  |  Next Review: 10 September 2026  |  Reviewed By: CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP

This page is reviewed every 6 months or when significant regulatory changes occur - including Companies Act amendments, FCRA rule changes, Income Tax Act changes to 12A/80G provisions, CSR threshold revisions, or state-specific Society Act amendments.

10,000+
Happy Clients

Helping businesses stay compliant and stress-free.

15+
Years Experience

Deep expertise in GST, Income Tax, ROC & business compliance.

50,000+
Documents Filed

Returns, registrations, and filings handled accurately.

4.9★
Client Rating

Trusted by entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses.

ISO
Certified

Professional standards and documented processes.

SSL
Secure

Your financial and business data is fully protected.