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NGO Registration in India

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NGO Registration in India

An NGO is a non-governmental organisation in India registered for a specific purpose, either educational, social, cultural, etc. An NGO can be registered as a society, trust, or a Section 8 company. Each ngo structure is governed by different laws and regulations, depending on the need. Individuals can register their non-profit organisation. Registering an NGO offers a new identity to the organisation, offering it rights to open a separate bank account. 

NGO Darpan Portal by NITI Aayog is responsible for managing the NGO’s national and international recognition. In order to gain legitimacy and access government resources, it is important to keep the NGO Darpan ID and credentials. Also, it is important for NGOs to obtain GST registration if their threshold limit exceeds. 

What is an NGO?

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is an independent, non-profit institution established to work towards the betterment of society. These organisations focus on causes such as education, healthcare, women's empowerment, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, cultural development, and other welfare-driven initiatives. NGOs operate with the intention of creating social impact rather than generating financial returns.

 

In India, an NGO can be legally constituted as a Trust, a Society, or a Section 8 Company. Each of these forms is governed by separate statutory laws and compliance frameworks. Formal registration grants the organisation legal standing, allowing it to open a separate bank account, receive domestic and international donations, collaborate with institutions, and execute projects lawfully. A registered NGO also enjoys greater transparency, accountability, and public trust, which are essential for long-term sustainability.

What is an NGO?

Classification of NGOs in India

An NGO can be distinguished in three main categories, including trust, society, and a Section 8 company. Let’s understand their differences in detail: 

CriteriaTrustSocietySection 8 Company
Main ObjectiveCharitable activitiesPublic welfare activitiesPromotion of science, arts, sports, etc
Legal ActIndian Trust Act, 1882Society Registration Act, 1860Companies Act, 2013
MembershipTrusteesMembersShareholders
Governing BodyBoard of TrusteesGoverning CouncilBoard of Directors
Important Rule BookTrust DeedMemorandum and By-lawsMemorandum of Association & Articles of Association

Our Process

NGO Registration Step-by-Step Procedure

STEP 1

Selection NGO Type

Choose the legal structure for your NGO, either a society, trust, or Section 8 Company, based on the objective and activity.

Selection NGO Type
STEP 2

Document Preparation

Gather all the necessary documents for registration, including the memorandum of association, articles of association, identity proof, address proof, etc.

Document Preparation
STEP 3

Apply Registration

Apply with required documents to the respective governing authority and respective sections, including the Societies Registration Act, Indian Trust Act, or Companies Act.

Apply Registration
STEP 4

Verification and Approval

Once the application is submitted, the governing authority will verify the application and will approve the application once satisfied.

Verification and Approval
STEP 5

Compliance

Once the NGO is registered, maintain its compliance, including maintaining a proper bank account and other norms under the chosen act.

Compliance

Documents Required for NGO Registration

To register a Trust/Society/Section 8 Company, the following is the list of documents required: 

Required Documents

  • Identification Documents: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, and address proof documents required for NGO Registration
  • Organisational Documents: For NGO Registration, a trust needs to obtain a trust deed on stamp paper, a society needs to obtain a memorandum of association and rules of regulations, and for a section 8 company memorandum of association and article of association are needed.
  • Property Documents: Property documents, including address proof such as rent agreement, NOC from the owner, utility bill of the office premises not older than 2 months, etc.
  • Financial Documents: Financial documents such as bank account details, initial fund proof, affidavit of funding source, etc.
  • Meeting Records: Minutes of Meeting (MoM), resolution for the formation of the organisation, and election record of the governing body members.

Eligibility Criteria for NGO Registration

To register as a society, trust, or section 8 company, NGOs must meet the eligibility criteria designed by the government. The eligibility criteria for NGO registration are as follows:

  1. Members: For NGO registration, a trust requires at least two trustees, while for a society, at least 7 members are required. In the case of a Section 8 company, there are a minimum of 2 directors and 2 shareholders required.
  2. Age Criteria: For NGO Registration, all founders must be at least 18 years or older and must be legally capable of entering into a contract.
  3. Objective: NGO must be registered for charitable, religious, educational, cultural, scientific, research, welfare purpose and not for profit purposes.
  4. Governing Documents: NGOs must draft proper documents, including a trust deed, a memorandum of association, article of association, depending on the business structure.
  5. Clean Record: To run an NGO, each founder or member should have a clean image and no criminal record.

Benefits of NGO Registration

Registering an NGO offers numerous benefits, and they are as follows:
Legal Recognition

Legal Recognition

NGO registration offers a legal identity to the organisation, helping it to enter into new contracts, receive grants, easily fundraise, etc.
Credibility

Credibility

A legally recognised entity gains more trust and credibility among donors and stakeholders.
Tax Benefits

Tax Benefits

NGOs get tax exemption under section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Grant Access

Grant Access

Registered NGOs get a chance to access funds from private and government sources.
Sustainability

Sustainability

Registered NGOs help in maintaining transparency and accountability, resulting in operational sustainability.
Partnership Opportunities

Partnership Opportunities

Registered NGOs can collaborate with government bodies and CSR organisations to expand their reach.

Timeline for NGO Registration

Type of NGOTime Required for NGO Registration
TrustAround 20 Working Days
Society Around 25 Working Days
Section 8 CompanyAround 10-15 Working Days

Conclusion

Registering an NGO in India is one of the crucial steps, as it is a non-profit organisation registered for a specific purpose. These purposes include science, social, art, culture, etc. An NGO in India can be registered as a Society, Trust, or a Section 8 Company. Each structure has its own specific purpose and features. NGO registration helps in gaining accountability and credibility and builds trust. It is advised to register an NGO to get legal identity and recognition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions.

FAQ Illustration

The main purpose of an NGO is to work for social welfare and public benefit. It aims to support communities without focusing on profit-making.

GST registration is not mandatory for all NGOs. It is required only if the NGO provides taxable goods or services.

NGOs are regulated by different authorities based on their legal structure. These include the Trust Act, Societies Registration Act, and Companies Act.

Yes, an NGO can be registered without a commercial office space. A residential address is acceptable for registration.

The registration process usually takes 15 to 30 days. The timeline may vary depending on the type of NGO and documentation.

Yes, NGOs can receive foreign funding in India. They must be registered under FCRA or obtain prior approval.
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